Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potato Topping

Looking for heartwarming ground beef recipes for dinner? This Shepherd's Pie uses sweet potato topping for a healthy twist! Family favorite, easy to make. Get the recipe!

Recipe Introduction: Comfort Food, Reimagined

Fancy a bit of proper grub? ever wondered what to do with ground beef beyond the usual burgers? well, let's dive into something comforting, familiar, but with a cheeky twist.

We're talking shepherd's pie, but not your nan's (although hers is probably great too!).

A Sweet Potato Surprise

This shepherd's pie with sweet potato topping gives ground beef recipes for dinner a healthy and delicious makeover. forget boring spuds; this version rocks a creamy sweet potato mash.

It's a bit healthier, a lot tastier, and honestly, just looks prettier. you know? like if shepherd's pie went on "queer eye".

Humble Beginnings, Delicious Results

Shepherd's pie is a classic, born from using up leftover roast lamb (hence the 'shepherd' bit, innit?). this version uses ground beef , making it cheaper and quicker.

It’s a medium-difficulty recipe, taking about 1 hour 10 minutes total, with about 25 minutes prep. this recipe should feed about six hungry peeps.

These hamburger bowl recipes are a similar concept, but this is proper hearty.

Why You'll Love This

Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamin a, great for your eyes and immune system, innit? this is proper healthy dinner with ground beef .

This shepherd's pie is perfect for a chilly evening. imagine curling up on the sofa with a big bowl of this after a long day.

Honestly, this recipe is special because it takes something so familiar and makes it just a little bit extra . these ground beef bowl recipes are good, but this pie is next level.

Next up? We'll raid the cupboards and get that ingredient list sorted. You'll see, this is easier than you think.

Alright, let's chat about the heart of any great dish: ingredients and equipment! honestly, having the right stuff on hand makes all the difference, doesn’t it? especially when you're diving into some delicious ground beef recipes for dinner .

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Real

We're making a Shepherd's Pie with a sweet potato twist. Sounds fancy, right? But trust me, it's dead easy.

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

• Sweet Potato Topping :
  • 2 lbs (900g) sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed. Quality Check : You want firm sweet potatoes, no soft spots!
  • 4 tbsp (57g) unsalted butter.
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) milk or cream. Go for full-fat.
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg.
  • Salt and pepper to taste.
• Ground Beef Filling :
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil.
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped.
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced.
  • 2 celery stalks, diced.
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef. 15-20% fat is where it's at.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced.
  • 1 tsp dried thyme.
  • 1/2 tsp dried rosemary.
  • 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour.
  • 1 cup (240ml) beef broth.
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) frozen peas.
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) frozen corn.
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste.
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce.
  • Salt and pepper to taste.

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce

Okay, so thyme and rosemary are like the classic combo for beef. it elevates this to the " recipes for dinner with ground beef " hall of fame.

Plus, that worcestershire sauce? absolute flavour bomb. if you're feeling adventurous, a tiny pinch of smoked paprika kicks it up a notch.

No worcestershire? a splash of soy sauce works in a pinch. this will be one of your favorite hamburger bowl recipes .

I actually messed up once and used Italian seasoning instead of thyme and rosemary. It was still good, just...different. Learn from my mistakes, people!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

• Large skillet or Dutch oven.
• Large pot.
• Potato masher. Or electric mixer if you want super smooth mash.
• 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.

Don't stress if you don't have a fancy dutch oven. a regular large pot will do. what to do with ground beef when you don't have the right pot? just keep stirring! thinking of making korean ground beef and rice bowls later? that same skillet will work perfectly! now this is gonna be a healthy dinner with ground beef .

Now that we have this sorted, let's get cooking, this is going to be one of the best ground beef recipes for dinner , or even better, ground beef bowl recipes , because that is what we are really going for, making ground beef bowls healthy is the key.

Time to start cooking!

Alright, let's dive into making a shepherd's pie with a sweet potato twist. forget those bland ground beef recipes for dinner , this is a game-changer! i'm thinking we call it "sweet potato topped shepherd's dream" – catchy, right? it’s one of the best recipes for dinner with ground beef and you will love it! it is a new kind of hamburger bowl recipes .

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place is Your Friend

First things first: mise en place . that’s fancy chef talk for "get your stuff together." peel and cube those 2 lbs sweet potatoes, chop the onion, dice the carrots and celery.

Mince the garlic. honestly, doing this beforehand saves a boatload of time. safety-wise? just watch your fingers with that knife, yeah? nobody wants a sliced digit in their dinner.

I know that sometimes is difficult to find what to do with ground beef , so this recipe can save you!

Let's Get Cooking: Step-by-Step

Okay, here we go:

1. Sweet Potato Magic: Boil the sweet potatoes until fork-tender. Then, mash with 4 tbsp butter , 1/4 cup milk , 1/4 tsp nutmeg , salt and pepper. Creamy perfection! This makes our version of ground beef bowls healthy .
2. Veggie Power: Sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery in 1 tbsp olive oil until softened. About 5- 7 minutes. This is your base for a killer savory filling.
3. Beef It Up: Add 1 lb ground beef and brown it. Remember to drain the fat! Nobody likes a greasy pie.
4. Aromatics & Thickening: Stir in the minced garlic, 1 tsp dried thyme , and 1/2 tsp dried rosemary . Cook for one minute, then add 1/4 cup flour . Cook another minute to make a roux, helping to thicken the sauce later.
5. Simmer Time: Gradually whisk in 1 cup beef broth . Add 1/2 cup frozen peas , 1/2 cup frozen corn , 2 tbsp tomato paste , and 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce . Simmer until thickened, about 5- 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Assemble the Dream: Pour the beef filling into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread that sweet potato topping evenly.
7. Bake Time: Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20- 25 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly. The perfect combination for a rice and beef recipes .
8. Rest and Enjoy: Let it sit for 5- 10 minutes before digging in. Trust me, it’s worth the wait.

Pro Tips for Shepherd's Pie Glory

• Don't overcrowd the pan! Brown the beef in batches if needed. Better browning equals better flavour.
• Taste as you go! Seasoning is key.
• Want extra color? Broil for the last minute or two, but watch it like a hawk!
• You can totally make the filling a day ahead. Just add the topping before baking.
• If you are looking for korean ground beef recipes , you may need to include soy sauce or sriracha sauce. Consider adding sesame oil to the ground beef.

Honestly, this sweet potato topped shepherd's dream is the bomb. it’s a simple update, but it brings so much flavor! if you want recipes for dinner with ground beef , give it a whirl, and tell me what you think.

Enjoy it with a korean ground beef and rice bowls .

Alright, let's talk recipe deets for this scrummy Shepherd's Pie. These little notes are the difference between a good ground beef recipes for dinner and a great one, yeah?

Recipe Notes That'll Make You A Star

Let's Plate It Up! Serving Suggestions

Presentation is key, innit? honestly, sometimes i just dollop it straight from the pan, but if you're feeling fancy...a nice scoop served with a sprinkle of fresh parsley makes it look posh.

This is one of those recipes for dinner with ground beef that deserves a little love. i usually serve this family-style.

Also? think about a crisp side salad. the lightness cuts through the richness. and a glass of red wine? a total game-changer.

Green beans also works well.

Stash It Away: Storage Tips

Right, so you’ve got leftovers. lucky you! this shepherd's pie keeps well. fridge-wise, you're looking at 3-4 days, easy. just make sure it's in an airtight container.

Now, what to do with ground beef when you wanna freeze it? you can freeze the filling separately, or the whole shebang assembled.

Just wrap it well. when you reheat it (fully thawed, obvs), the texture might be slightly different, but it'll still taste amazing.

For reheating, i recommend the oven for even warmth, and to get a nice crust.

Shake It Up: Variations

Fancy a twist? for a lighter shepherd's pie, try swapping out some of the ground beef for lentils. makes it a cracking veggie version! or, use butternut squash instead of sweet potato.

It gives a lovely nutty flavour. and for my gluten-free pals? just use gluten-free flour to thicken the sauce. easy peasy.

It's about making healthy dinner with ground beef fit your lifestyle. also try korean ground beef and rice bowls , so good.

Fuel Your Body: Nutrition Basics

Okay, i'm no nutritionist, but let's keep it real. this shepherd's pie's got protein from the beef, carbs from the sweet potatoes, and loads of vitamins from the veggies.

It's a proper balanced meal. and sweet potatoes are packed with vitamin a. winning! it is one of those rice and beef recipes that will give you energy.

This is a recipe that tastes like home. now, go forth and cook! you've got this. let me know if you try this ground beef bowl recipes .

And don't forget to search for ground beef bowls healthy or hamburger bowl recipes for more inspiration. happy cooking! i promise korean ground beef recipes are also so easy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of ground beef is best for this Shepherd's Pie? I don't want it too greasy!

For this Shepherd's Pie, a ground beef with 15-20% fat is ideal. It provides enough flavor and moisture without being overly greasy. Make sure to drain off any excess fat after browning to keep things nice and balanced, a bit like keeping the trains running on time, eh?

Can I make this ahead of time? I'm trying to get dinner on the table quickly after work, like a proper "ready, steady, cook!" scenario.

Absolutely! You can prepare the ground beef filling up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Then, just top it with the sweet potato mash and bake when you're ready to eat. It’s almost as easy as popping down to the chippy for a Friday night treat!

I'm looking for healthy ground beef recipes for dinner. How healthy is this Shepherd's Pie with the sweet potato topping?

This Shepherd's Pie is a reasonably healthy option, especially with the sweet potato topping, which adds extra vitamins and fiber. Sweet potatoes are a great source of Vitamin A and fiber, making this a more nutritious choice than traditional mashed potatoes. To make it even healthier, consider using lean ground beef (90% lean) and adding extra vegetables. It's like a 'five-a-day' boost in a comfort food package!

Can I freeze leftover Shepherd's Pie? I always end up with too much, it's like the Bake Off tent in my fridge.

Yes, you can! Let the Shepherd's Pie cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or portioning it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave, and it'll taste almost as good as new! Consider it your own personal 'ready meal' stash.

I'm gluten-free. What can I use instead of flour to thicken the ground beef filling for these ground beef recipes for dinner?

No worries, being gluten-free doesn't mean missing out on a cracking shepherd's pie! You can easily substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch. Use the same amount as the recipe calls for. Just remember to whisk the cornstarch with a little cold water before adding it to the hot filling to prevent lumps, a bit like making custard!

My kids are fussy eaters. Any tips for getting them to eat this? Is there something I can sneak in?

Ah, the age-old battle! Try finely dicing the vegetables in the filling so they're less noticeable. You can also add a layer of grated cheese under the sweet potato topping for extra appeal. Sometimes a catchy name helps too - call it "Treasure Pie" or "Superhero Supper". You can even let them help with the cooking! Getting little ones involved can make them more excited to eat what they've created. Consider it your secret weapon to a empty plate!

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