Ever wonder how the smell of roasted carrots melts into beefy gravy as it mingles with earthy thyme? It’s not just comfort; it’s a reminder that some recipes hold memories in their aroma. This isn’t your grandma’s Shepherd’s Pie, though. I swapped out the usual mashed potatoes for sweet potato and let the meat stew simmer with a splash of soy sauce. Yeah, that salty umami sneaks in.

Right now, in the middle of winter, when all I want is something honest and filling but not overly fancy, this dish hits differently. You get that crispy crust on top, a little charred around the edges, and underneath, a messy mash of meat and vegetables. It’s like a warm secret buried under golden clouds. Would I call it elegant? Nope. But I’ll tell you, it’s just what some nights ask for.

Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie with Soy-Infused Beef

This dish features a savory ground beef filling combined with roasted carrots and earthy thyme, topped with a layer of mashed sweet potatoes. The casserole is baked until the top is golden and slightly crispy, showcasing a hearty texture with tender vegetables and flavorful meat beneath a smooth, orange crust.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Comfort Food

Calories: 480

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 large carrots roasted and sliced
• 1 lb ground beef preferably lean
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce for umami flavor
• 1 teaspoon thyme dried or fresh
• 2 sweet potatoes sweet potatoes peeled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter for mashing
• 1/4 cup milk to loosen mash
• salt to taste
• pepper to taste

Equipment

• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Skillet or frying pan
• Medium pot
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Baking Dish

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place whole carrots on a baking sheet, toss with a little oil, and roast for about 20-25 minutes until tender and caramelized. Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then slice into rounds.
   1 lb ground beef
2. Meanwhile, peel and chop sweet potatoes into even chunks. Place in a medium pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook for 15-20 minutes until very tender. Drain and transfer to a mixing bowl.
   1 lb ground beef
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Break apart the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Add minced garlic, thyme, soy sauce, salt, and pepper, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat.
   1 lb ground beef
4. Drain the cooked sweet potatoes and mash with butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
   1 lb ground beef
5. Spread the beef mixture evenly in a baking dish, then layer the roasted carrots over the meat. Spoon the sweet potato mash on top, spreading it into an even layer with a spatula. Smooth the surface for an even crust.
   1 lb ground beef
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chopped fresh herbs on top before baking.

Sometimes you just need food that doesn’t pretend to be anything but honest. No fuss, no frills—just a plate that tastes like I meant it to. Shepherd’s Pie, but with a little more swagger.

Theo Granger

Hi, I’m Theo Granger, the voice and recipe creator behind Boldly Overseasoning.

If you believe salt is not the enemy, spices should be generous, and flavor should never whisper when it can sing, then you are absolutely in the right place. Boldly Overseasoning is my unapologetic celebration of big flavor, confident cooking, and trusting your instincts in the kitchen. I created this space for people who are done with bland food and ready to cook with courage.