Healthy Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie (Paleo & Whole30)

If you’re craving a comforting, nourishing dinner, this Healthy Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie delivers everything you love about the classic dish with a wholesome twist. Topped with creamy, naturally sweet mashed sweet potatoes and packed with savory beef and vegetables, this recipe is filling, family-friendly, and perfect for clean eating lifestyles like Paleo and Whole30.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

• It’s rich and cozy without feeling heavy
• Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness, fiber, and vitamins
• Simple ingredients you can find anywhere
• Easy to customize for Paleo, Whole30, or dairy-free diets
• Perfect for meal prep and leftovers

This dish is ideal for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, or anytime you want comfort food that still feels good to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the savory beef filling

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (or coconut aminos for Whole30)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (see substitutions below)
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the sweet potato topping

• 3 large sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

How to Make Healthy Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cubed sweet potatoes and cook for 15–18 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain well, then mash with butter, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Thicken the Filling

Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir well. Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Add Worcestershire sauce and fold in the peas and carrots. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the beef mixture evenly into a greased baking dish. Spoon the mashed sweet potatoes over the top and smooth into an even layer.

Step 5: Bake

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the filling is bubbling and the top is lightly golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Whole30/Paleo: Use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch instead of flour
• Dairy-free: Swap butter for ghee and milk for unsweetened almond or coconut milk
• Extra veggies: Add mushrooms or diced zucchini to the beef mixture
• Crispy top: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a lightly browned finish

Serving Ideas & Storage

Serve this shepherd’s pie with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat beautifully. You can also freeze individual portions for easy future dinners.

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Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~420
Protein	25g
Carbohydrates	32g
Fat	22g
Fiber	6g
Sodium	480mg

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie proves that comfort food can still be nutritious and satisfying. With its savory beef filling and warmly spiced sweet potato topping, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again — especially on cozy nights when you want something hearty and wholesome.