Looking for a comforting and delicious meal that's easy to make? Look no further than this 1 package (340 g) Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie! Packed with flavor and only 330 calories per serving, this dish is a perfect weeknight dinner option for anyone looking for something hearty and delicious.
In addition to being low in calories, this dish is also surprisingly nutritious. Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber, vitamin C, and other important nutrients, while the ground beef adds a good dose of protein to the mix. And with a generous helping of mixed vegetables in every bite, this pie is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies and get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals.
Despite its many health benefits, this Shepherd's Pie doesn't skimp on flavor. With creamy mashed sweet potatoes on top and savory beef and veggie filling on bottom, this dish is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. And with just 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes in the oven, it couldn't be easier to make either!
Ingredients
To make this Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie, you will need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup mixed veggies (carrots, peas, corn, green beans)
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 package (340 g) mashed sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Note: If you're looking for a vegan version of this dish, simply substitute the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Calories per serving
This Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie is surprisingly low in calories, with just 330 calories per serving. That means you can indulge in this comforting and hearty meal without worrying about packing on the pounds!
Serving Size
This recipe makes 4 servings of Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie. Each serving is about 1 cup in size.
Preparation and Cooking Time
This Shepherd's Pie is a breeze to make, with just 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes in the oven. Here's how to make it:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as you go.
- Add the mixed veggies, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine. Cook for a few minutes, until the veggies are tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Pour the beef and veggie mixture into a 9-inch baking dish, then spoon the mashed sweet potatoes on top and spread it out evenly.
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutritional Benefits
This Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie is surprisingly nutritious, with plenty of vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients packed into every bite. Here are some of the nutritional benefits:
- Rich in fiber: Sweet potatoes are a great source of dietary fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied after eating.
- High in vitamin C: Sweet potatoes are also loaded with vitamin C, which is important for immune system health and other functions.
- Good source of protein: With ground beef as one of the main ingredients, this dish is also a great source of protein.
- Packed with veggies: By adding a mix of veggies to the filling, this Shepherd's Pie also provides a generous helping of important vitamins and minerals.
Vegan-Friendly Option
If you're following a vegan diet, you can still enjoy the comfort and flavor of this Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie by making a few simple substitutions. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 package (340 g) plant-based meat alternative (such as Beyond Meat, Lightlife, or Impossible Foods)
- 1 cup mixed veggies (carrots, peas, corn, green beans)
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce
- 1 package (340 g) mashed sweet potatoes (made with vegan butter and non-dairy milk)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Simply follow the same preparation and cooking instructions, using the plant-based meat alternative and vegetable broth instead of beef. For the mashed sweet potatoes, use vegan butter and non-dairy milk instead of regular butter and milk.
Gluten-Free Option
If you're following a gluten-free diet, you'll be happy to know that this Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie is already gluten-free! All of the ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, so no substitutions are necessary.
Sustainable Option
If you're looking for a more sustainable option for your meals, there are a few things to keep in mind when making this Shepherd's Pie. Here are some tips:
- Choose grass-fed beef: If possible, choose grass-fed beef for this recipe. Grass-fed beef is more environmentally sustainable than conventionally-raised beef, as it helps support healthy soil and reduces methane emissions.
- Buy local and organic: When shopping for the other ingredients, try to buy local and organic whenever possible. This can help support small farmers and reduce your carbon footprint.
- Reduce food waste: To reduce your food waste, try freezing any leftovers of this Shepherd's Pie for a quick and easy meal later on.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This Shepherd's Pie is also a great option for meal prep! Simply make a batch at the beginning of the week and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat a serving in the microwave or oven for a quick and easy meal.
Comfort Food Favorite
Finally, this Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie is the ultimate comfort food favorite. With creamy mashed sweet potatoes on top and savory beef and veggie filling on bottom, this dish is warming, hearty, and satisfying. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday supper, this Shepherd's Pie is sure to hit the spot!
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FAQs About Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie
1. What are the ingredients in Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie?
The main ingredients in Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie are ground meat (usually beef or lamb), vegetables (carrots, peas, corn), tomato sauce, and mashed sweet potatoes on top.
2. Is Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie a healthy meal option?
Compared to traditional Shepherd's Pie made with white potatoes, Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie is a healthier option as sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber, potassium, and vitamins. However, the dish may still contain high amounts of sodium and fat, depending on the recipe and preparation.
3. Can I freeze Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie?
Yes, Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, let the dish cool completely then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before storing it in the freezer. To reheat, thaw the pie in the fridge overnight then place it in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
4. How can I make Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie vegetarian or vegan?
You can substitute the ground meat with lentils, mushroom, or tofu to make a vegetarian version of Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie. To make it vegan, use vegan butter or olive oil and coconut milk instead of dairy milk and cheese in the sweet potato mash.
5. What are some variations of Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie?
Some variations of Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie include adding different herbs and spices, using different types of meat or vegetables, or adding a layer of grated cheese on top of the sweet potato mash.