Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potato (A Brit's Easy Skillet Recipe)

When it comes to comfort food, you really can't beat a skillet shepherd's pie with sweet potato. Rich beef gravy loaded with vegetables, a buttery sweet potato mash on top, and a golden layer of melted cheddar. You'll make this one on repeat.

I grew up in the UK, where this dish is practically a national treasure. Now I'm raising three kids in Connecticut, and it's still the dinner I make the minute the weather turns.

My version has two twists: it's all made in one skillet (fewer dishes!), and the topping is mashed sweet potato, which adds fibre and a lovely sweetness my kids love. And yes, I know. As a Brit, I have to confess that with beef this is technically a cottage pie. More on that below!

Why You Should Make This Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie

• One skillet, less washing up. The filling and the bake happen in the same pan.

• Sneaky veg. Carrots, celery, onion and peas in the filling, and sweet potato on top, so it counts toward your 5-a-day.

• Kid-approved - always great to have more 'real dinners' your kids love!

• Freezer-friendly. Make two, freeze one, and thank yourself on a busy weeknight.

• Beef or lamb. Make it the American way with beef, or the traditional British way with lamb. Same method.

• Love Shepherd's pie? Try my shortcut Shepherd's Pie Soup

Shepherd's Pie or Cottage Pie? (A Brit Settles It)

This is the question that starts arguments at dinner tables the world over!

In the UK today, most people (and every supermarket) will tell you a shepherd's pie is made with lamb, because shepherds look after sheep. Made with beef, it's a cottage pie.

In the US, "shepherd's pie" is used for the dish whatever meat is in it, and ground beef is the most common choice.

Here's the bit most people don't know. Historically, the two names meant the same thing. "Cottage pie" was first recorded in 1791 and "shepherd's pie" came along in the 1800s, and for a long time they were used interchangeably. Even the great British food writer Jane Grigson made her shepherd's pie with beef. The strict lamb-versus-beef rule is much more recent.

So what do I call mine? At home in Connecticut, it's shepherd's pie, because that's what everyone here searches for and understands. But back home in the UK, I'd be corrected straight away!

Want the lamb version? Simply swap the ground beef for the same amount of ground lamb. Everything else stays the same. Lamb is richer, and I'd add a teaspoon of fresh or dried rosemary with the garlic too.

Shepherd's Pie Ingredients

Find the full list and quantities in the recipe card below.

Ground Beef - I have used ground beef to make my pie. You can substitute with ground lamb if you prefer.

Sweet Potato - is mashed and spread over the top of the pie to form a pie crust. You can swap the sweet potato for regular mashed potato if you prefer.

Vegetables - the base of onion, celery, carrot and garlic not only adds flavor to the pie base, but also adds those all important veggies into our diet. I also like to add in frozen peas to increase the veg count. No need to defrost first, they can be added straight to the skillet for convenience.

Worcestershire Sauce - adds a savory note to the ground beef. Use any variety Worcestershire sauce.

Tomato Paste - adds a depth of flavor and color to the gravy.

Flour - this is added to thicken the gravy the meat cooks in. If you're gluten sensitive, feel free to substitute any gluten free flour.

Stock- beef stock adds a wonderful flavor to the ground beef pie base. You can also substitute with chicken or vegetable stock for a lighter flavor.

Bay leaf - a bay leaf is added for its distinctive savory flavor and aroma. Bay leaves won't make or break your dish but if you have them in your kitchen it's a great addition.

Cheddar cheese - is optional but shredded cheese adds a lovely golden finish to the mashed potato. I like to use a mature cheese for flavor, but go with your favorite cheddar.

How I Make my Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potato

Find the full printable recipe below.

Start by putting the sweet potatoes on to boil. Once boiled, season and mash with butter.

While the potatoes are cooking, start making the pie filling by sautéing the vegetables in a large skillet with olive oil.

Add the garlic and then the ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook the meat until broken up and browned.

Add the tomato paste then sprinkle over the flour and stir in.

Follow with the stock and Worcestershire sauce and continue stirring over the heat until the mixture has thickened.

Stir in frozen peas and a bay leaf then take the meat mixture off the heat.

Add the mashed sweet potato to the top of the filling and spread out with a fork.

Sprinkle over shredded cheese and bake until piping hot, golden and bubbly.

What Dish is best to use to make Shepherd's Pie?

I make this a skillet shepherd's pie so it's easier to clean up. But you can use an ovenproof frying pan or a regular 9x13 inch casserole dish if you prefer.

If I'm making this dish ahead of time and storing it in the freezer, I use a casserole dish which better fits in my freezer.

Variations of Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie

For a dairy-free shepherd's pie, omit the butter and cheese from the sweet potato topping. Instead mash the sweet potatoes with a dairy free spread instead.

I have used ground beef for my pie base but you can substitute with ground lamb if you prefer. You could even use lean ground turkey as a change.

Likewise, if you don't have any sweet potatoes, replace with mashed potatoes.

Shepherd's Pie Tips and Tricks (from a Brit!)

• Brown the meat properly and don’t rush this step. Let the mince sit and caramelise before stirring — color equals flavor, and it stops the filling tasting grey and flat.

• When adding the flour to the ground beef pie base, sprinkle it in a thin layer over the meat. That way you don't get lumps.

• Let the filling cool slightly before topping. If the meat layer is boiling hot, the mash can sink. Five minutes of cooling gives you a clean, defined layer.

• Season the mash more than you think. Potatoes (and sweet potatoes) need generous salt. Under-seasoned mash is the fastest way to a bland pie.

• Don't skip the Worcestershire sauce. It's what makes it taste like the pie I grew up with.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Topping

As a professional recipe developer, I've made this pie more times than I can count, and these are the things that make the biggest difference:

• Let the filling cool slightly before topping. If the meat is boiling hot, the mash sinks. Five minutes gives you a clean, defined layer.

• Four dollops, then spread. Add the mash in four big spoonfuls around the pie, then spread with a fork. It's so much easier than spreading from the middle.

• Rough it up. Drag a fork across the top to make ridges. Those crispy golden edges are the best bit!

How to serve

This one pan shepherds pie is packed full of veggies, so I like to keep any additional side dishes on the simple side.

If you want to add extra vegetables, my Honey Butter Roasted Carrots are ideal. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they can roast in the oven alongside this Shepherd's Pie.

Greens also make a great accompaniment, Lemon Butter Kale and Broccolini with Lemon and Chili are reader favorites - but there are loads of easy sides to choose from.

The British way? A side of buttered peas or greens, and a splash of ketchup for the kids (don't tell anyone!)

How to reheat and How to freeze

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Fridge: Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven until piping hot all the way through.

Make ahead: Cook the whole pie earlier in the day and warm it through in the oven just before dinner.

Freezing: This pie freezes brilliantly for up to 3 months. There are two ways to do it:

• Freeze the filling only. Cool and freeze the meat base. When you're ready, defrost it, top with freshly made mash and bake.
• Freeze the whole pie. Cool it completely, cover with a double layer of foil and freeze. Bake from frozen in a warm oven until piping hot all the way through.

This dish can be prepared and cooked earlier in the day and then warmed up in the oven just before you are ready to serve. Likewise, store any leftovers in the fridge and warm back up in the oven before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between shepherd's pie and cottage pie?

In the UK today, shepherd's pie is made with lamb and cottage pie with beef. In the US, shepherd's pie usually means either. Historically, the two names were used interchangeably.

Can I make shepherd's pie with lamb?

Yes! Use the same amount of ground lamb and follow the recipe exactly. I like to add a little rosemary.

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Absolutely. Use the same weight of potatoes, or do half and half.

Why is my mash sinking into the filling?

The filling is too hot or too runny. Let it cool for 5 minutes and make sure the gravy has properly thickened before topping.

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