Name: Sweet Potato Cottage Pie
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 2–3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1/4 cup milk or cream; 2 tbsp butter; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 lb ground beef (or beef/lamb mix); 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp tomato paste (or 1/2 cup chopped canned tomatoes); 1/2 cup beef broth (or chicken/vegetable broth); 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping); 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)

Description

Sweet Potato Cottage Pie is a hearty, comforting baked dish featuring a savory ground meat and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed sweet potatoes. It’s a flavorful twist on the classic cottage pie, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory in every bite.

Ingredients

2–3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/4 cup milk or cream
2 tbsp butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 lb ground beef (or beef/lamb mix)
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste (or 1/2 cup chopped canned tomatoes)
1/2 cup beef broth (or chicken/vegetable broth)
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cook sweet potatoes in boiling water until very tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and mash with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
Stir in tomato paste, broth, oregano, cumin, chili powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
Transfer meat mixture to a greased baking dish. Spoon mashed sweet potatoes on top, spreading evenly. Add cheese on top if using.
Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Broil for 2–3 minutes for extra browning if desired.
Let rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Roasting the sweet potatoes instead of boiling can add more depth of flavor.
Use lamb for a more traditional shepherd’s pie version.
Cheese adds richness to the topping but is optional.
Leftovers store well and taste even better the next day.
Make it vegetarian by replacing meat with lentils or beans and using vegetable broth.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: British

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 410
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 21g
Cholesterol: 75mg