Spoon Simple
Spiced Lentil and Ground Beef Shepherd's Pie
A hearty and flavorful twist on a classic, this shepherd's pie features a rich ground beef and spiced lentil base topped with creamy mashed sweet potatoes. It's a comforting, high-protein dinner perfect for cooler evenings.
Prep 25 min
Cook 45 min
Total 1h 10m
Serves 6
Ingredients
Step 1 — For the Filling
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 2 — For the Topping
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
- 2 tbsp butter (or olive oil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1
Cook Sweet Potatoes
Place sweet potato cubes in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain well.
- 2
Sauté Vegetables
While potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain excess fat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and thyme; cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- 3
Simmer Filling
Stir in rinsed lentils, beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils are tender and the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- 4
Mash Topping
Mash the drained sweet potatoes with milk, butter (or olive oil), salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- 5
Assemble and Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the mashed sweet potato topping evenly over the lentil-beef filling. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is lightly golden and the filling is bubbly.
Nutrition per serving: 580 cal · 38g protein · 60g carbs · 24g fat · 15g fiber
For informational purposes only. Not medical or dietary advice. Verify ingredients for allergens, cooking times, and safe internal temperatures before serving.
