Paleo Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Topping

This paleo friendly shepherd’s pie is the perfect comfort food on a winter day. Topped with creamy sweet potatoes, grab a bowl and curl up by the fire.

Whether you live in a cold climate or warmer climate chances are you have enjoyed shepherd’s pie. Shepherd’s Pie is a classic winter staple food. It’s cozy, delicious and just warms the soul. It has become a part of our meal rotation November through March. Shepherd’s pie is traditionally made with hearty ground beef and lots of fresh vegetables. This version is made with creamy sweet potatoes which helps give it its bold flavor. It always keeps my family full and the kids asks for seconds. This paleo version is Whole 30 compliant, gluten-free and dairy-free.

Ingredients you’ll need

• Ground Beef
• Sweet Potatoes
• Carrots
• Mushrooms
• Green Beans
• Onion
• Tomato Paste
• Coconut oil
• Ghee
• Rosemary
• Black Pepper
• Chili Powder

How To Make Paleo Shepherd’s Pie

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Peel and boil sweet potatoes in sauce pan on medium heat. Prep all vegetables- cut up carrots and onions. In a skillet on medium heat, melt coconut oil then add in ground beef, carrots, mushrooms, onions and green beans. Cook until meat is browned and vegetables are soft. Add in water, tomato paste and seasonings and let simmer. For the sweet potatoes, make sure they are soft and drain out excess water. Add in ghee and begin mashing until there are no more chunks. Transfer the meat and vegetables into 9 x 9 pie pan then add the creamy sweet potatoes as a topping. Place in oven and bake for 10-15 minutes.

Benefits of Sweet Potatoes

You might wonder why I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes or a low carb cauliflower mash topping. These are the reasons why:

• Sweet Potatoes contain high vitamin A, C & E All these vitamins play a key role in vision health. Vitamin A contains high levels of beta carotene that are essential for helping the body fight infections. Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties that are effective in neutralizing oxidative stress. Vitamin E is another vitamin with antioxidant properties that reduce oxidative stress.
• Good for digestion Sweet potatoes are high in fiber therefore, helping to promote a healthy digestive system.
• Helps regulate blood pressure Sweet potatoes have a good dose of potassium and magnesium that can help control blood pressure decreasing heart disease.
• Reducing inflammation Sweet potatoes contain choline which helps reduce inflammatory responses in the body.
• Managing stress Yes, food can help manage stress. The magnesium in sweet potatoes can help aid in reducing stress and anxiety. Since many people are magnesium deficient, this food can be key in replenishing the body.

Substitutions + Variations

• Meat- instead of beef, any ground meat on hand will do- turkey, pork and chicken can be used.
• Sweet potatoes- any mashed potato or cauliflower mash can be used to still keep it paleo.
• Vegetables- you can add to or omit any of the vegetables listed. Not concerned about paleo- add peas.

Is this pie freezer friendly?

Yes, it can be frozen in an airtight sealed container or freezer bag. See re-heating instructions below.

Can I prep ahead of time?

Yes, this is a wonderful option to prep ahead then take out and re-heat when ready. Great to take to a gathering, a friend who’s had surgery, post-partum mom or make ahead healthy lunches.

Re-heating Instructions

To re-heat from the refrigerator, place in a 375 degree oven for 10 minutes. If re-heating from freezer, place freezer bag or dish in bowl of warm water to unthaw. Then place in a 375 degree oven to re-heat for 10-15 minutes.

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