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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
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
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.