Healthy Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

A delicious and healthy sweet potato shepherd’s pie. This version features a hearty filling of ground turkey and vegetables, topped with a smooth and flavorful sweet potato layer. This ultimate comfort food is not only nutritious but also freezer-friendly. Plus, it’s both gluten-free and dairy-free!

I have always loved Shepherd’s Pie even as a kid. I also love sweet potatoes which is evident from all of my sweet potato recipes. Check out these sweet potato chips, air fryer sweet potato cubes, and kale sweet potato salad!

This sweet potato shepherd’s pie is simply meant to be! The filling is a savory, protein-packed blend of flavorful ground turkey, peas, and carrots, all simmered in a delicious herb-infused sauce. It’s then crowned with a smooth, fluffy sweet potato topping and baked to perfection until the edges turn golden and bubbly. It’s unbelievably GOOD!

It is the ultimate nutritious comfort food that is perfect for fall or winter! Plus you can make a double batch since it freezes and reheats so well.

What Is Shepherd’s Pie?

Shepherd’s pie is a classic, budget-friendly comfort dish made with a savory filling of minced meat (traditionally lamb), mixed with vegetables, and topped with mashed potatoes. Originally a Scottish recipe, it’s named for the shepherds who herded sheep, and it’s baked until golden and crispy. It’s a budget-friendly, easy meal that also makes a good amount of food.

Why You’ll Love This Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

• Easy, family-friendly meal – quick to whip up with a few simple budget-friendly ingredients.
• Diet and allergy-friendly recipe – this shepherd’s pie with sweet potato topping is gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, and grain-free, whole30, and paleo.
• Great make-ahead meal – it stores, freezes, and reheats beautifully!
• Hearty and nutritious – the veggie + protein-packed filling and hearty sweet potatoes give you a healthy meal that is so satisfying.

Ingredients and substitutions

One of the best parts about this sweet potato shepherd pie recipe is that you only need a few ingredients that you likely have. I love to make it when I need to clean out the fridge. Here is what you’ll need!

• Sweet potatoes – you want to use whole, fresh sweet potatoes but you can also sub white potatoes if you prefer to. If you are using white potatoes then Yukon gold or russet potatoes work best!
• Ground turkey – lean ground turkey, 93/7 is what I used. You could also use ground beef or ground lamb if you want to make a more traditional shepherd’s pie.
• Frozen vegetables – I like the ease of using frozen veggies like peas and carrots or mixed vegetables straight from the freezer. You can also use fresh peas and carrots if you prefer, just make sure the carrots are cooked and no longer hard before you assemble the shepherd’s pie.
• Onion and garlic – are used to add even more flavor to the filling.
• Olive oil – extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil will work.
• Tomato paste – gives the filling a more hearty flavor.
• Worcestershire sauce – for that salty, meaty taste that is so comforting.
• Stock – is used to make the savory sauce for the meat and veggies to simmer in. You can use vegetable stock, chicken stock, or beef stock in this recipe.
• Seasoning – Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper are used to add another layer of flavor.

Get the complete list of recipe ingredients, instructions, and nutrition in the FREE printable recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

How to make sweet potato shepherd’s pie

1. Make the mashed sweet potatoes. Peel and chop the sweet potatoes, then steam them for about 15 minutes. Once tender, add them to a high-speed blender with a bit of olive oil or butter, stock, salt, and pepper. Blend on high until smooth or mash in the pan for a chunkier filling.
2. Cook the turkey veggie filling. Heat a pan with olive oil, add the ground turkey, season, and cook until browned. Stir in the onion and garlic, cooking for a few minutes until fragrant. Add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and stock, and seasoning then let it simmer briefly. Finally, toss in the veggies and cook until they’re tender and fully cooked.
3. Assemble and bake. Spread the sweet potato evenly over the turkey and veggie filling. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

I like to spray the top with olive oil spray and sea salt right before baking to give it a little extra taste and texture. Then you can top it with fresh herbs after it is done baking.

You want to let it cool for a few minutes before serving then dig into it! I cannot wait for you to try this sweet potato shepherd’s pie!

Expert Tips For The Best Results

• Use a cast iron pan – I think a 10-inch cast iron pan is best. If you don’t have a cast iron pan then any heavy-bottomed, oven-safe pan will work.
• Blend the sweet potatoes – I found that blending the sweet potatoes before layering them on the shepherd’s pie made for not only a beautiful presentation but resulted in this nice, fluffy topping that is amazing! Note: make sure to blend them while they are hot so they absorb all the flavors and blend better.
• Make a double batch – this recipe freezes so well that you may as well make a double batch and freeze it for another quick meal in a pinch! See storing and reheating tips below!

Ways to serve sweet potato shepherd’s pie

You can enjoy this shepherd’s pie as a complete meal all in one pan or enjoy it with a side salad, biscuits, or more veggies like asparagus or broccoli for a veggie-packed delicious meal!

How to make ahead, store, and reheat shepherd’s pie

Make ahead – to make shepherd’s pie ahead, you can make the filling and top it with the sweet potatoes, cover it, and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking it off.

Storing – leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat portions in the microwave until warmed through.

Freezing and reheating – I recommend making a double batch of this recipe but in 9×9 reusable, oven-safe pans. To freeze: make the filling in a pan on the stovetop, let it cool then transfer to your reusable, oven-safe pan, top it with the sweet potatoes, cover it, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheating: Defrost overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed in this recipe. Or bake it straight from the freezer, covered with foil for 30 minutes, uncover and bake until golden and bubbly, about 15-20 more minutes.

FAQs

Is shepherd’s pie healthy?

Yes, this sweet potato shepherd’s pie is loaded with protein and fiber thanks to the turkey and veggies plus the sweet potato topping so you know you are getting a nutrient-rich meal all in one pan!

Are sweet potatoes good for you?

Sweet potatoes are packed with essential nutrients, including vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, which support immune function, and digestive health, and help reduce inflammation. They also have a low glycemic index, making them a great choice for maintaining stable blood sugar levels.

Can I use white potatoes in place of the sweet potatoes in this recipe?

Yes, you absolutely can use white potatoes in this recipe. I recommend using Yukon gold or russet potatoes.

More healthy meals to try!

• Healthy Ground Turkey Meatloaf
• Air Fryer Chicken and Potatoes
• Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and veggies
• One Pot Turkey Chili

Did you try this sweet potato shepherd’s pie recipe? If you did, then please leave a rating and comment below. I would love to hear from you.

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