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Home » Entrees » Shepherd’s Pie Recipe with Sweet Potato (Paleo, AIP, Whole30)

Shepherd’s Pie Recipe with Sweet Potato (Paleo, AIP, Whole30)

February 4, 2019 by Hannah Healy, Updated November 7, 2021 21 Comments

overhead view of shepherd's pie with pieces taken out of it and a slice on a separate white plate

This shepherd's pie recipe is the best simple classic fall or winter meal that is paleo, AIP and whole30 compliant. Made with grassfed ground beef and veggies, it's a hearty, affordable and healthy dinner staple.

Total Time: 50 minutes
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This shepherd’s pie recipe is the best simple classic fall or winter meal that is paleo, AIP and whole30 compliant. Made with grassfed ground beef and veggies, it’s a hearty, affordable and healthy dinner staple.

overhead view of shepherd's pie with pieces taken out of it and a slice on a separate white plate

I have made this shepherd’s pie recipe countless times over the years. I love making it when I have company over for dinner because it’s soo tasty and filling. It also looks really impressive but it’s pretty easy to make. Since sweet potatoes are in season fall through winter, this is the perfect dish to warm you up for the cold weather months.

Having People Over for Dinner as a Paleo or AIP Eater…

Having people over for dinner when you are paleo and try to eat only responsibly raised pastured meats can be a challenge. On the one hand you don’t want to break the bank by providing super expensive meat for a group of people, but on the other hand you don’t want to support factory farms by buying cheap unhealthy meat. Plus, you want to provide a meal that everyone will like, not just the paleo eaters.

So I find that using grass fed ground beef is a good compromise. It’s one of the least expensive pasture raised meats you can get, so if you stretch it by adding lots of veggies like with this shepherds pie, it’s sure to be a hit with your dinner guests! Add a salad and maybe another side and you’re good to go!

Close up of shepherd's pie in a clear pie dish with pieces taken out of it

Are Peas AIP?

If you are on the autoimmune protocol, you’re probably wondering about the peas in this recipe. From what I understand, peas are a “gray area food” so they are not a strict yes or no. I think it’s probably fine to have a little bit, but if you’re concerned about it, you can omit the peas and add another veggie like cauliflower.

shepherd's pie with pieces taken out of it and a slice on a separate white plate behind it

Why I love this recipe:

  • I love the flavor and texture of this shepherd’s pie recipe. The filling is flavorful, succulent and hearty while the sweet potato topping is creamy and rich.
  • All of the ingredients are very affordable. Grassfed ground beef is one of the cheaper quality meats that you can buy that is not only filling but also contains beneficial CLA and omega-3s.
  • It’s packed with veggies like onions, carrots, peas and sweet potatoes as well as protein so it makes for a complete meal.
  • This recipe is whole30 compliant, paleo and suitable for the autoimmune paleo diet (with a few easy modifications)

Close up of shepherd's pie in a clear pie dish with pieces taken out of it

Shepherd’s Pie Recipe Tips:

  • If you are on the autoimmune paleo diet (AIP) you’ll need to make a few small changes. Omit the peas and use finely chopped cauliflower instead (or cauliflower rice). You’ll also want to omit pepper and cumin. Finally for the topping, be sure to use coconut oil instead of butter.
  • To get the creamy smooth sweet potato topping it’s easiest to bake the sweet potatoes first with the skin on, then after it cools the skin easily comes off. Adding the butter or coconut oil to the puree really helps to smooth it out too.
  • I’ve found that this shepherd’s pie recipe last for a few days in the fridge and makes for great leftovers!
  • You can use either fresh or dried herbs for this recipe. I find that the flavor is a bit better with fresh, but dried is still good. I’ve done it both ways and they are both good!

How to Make This Shepherds Pie Recipe with Sweet Potato Topping:

Start by heating the oven to 400°F and baking the sweet potatoes for about 45 minutes or until soft and fork tender. Let the sweet potatoes cook while you work on the filling. When the sweet potatoes are done cooking turn the oven to 425°F.

Cooked sweet potatoes with the skin on on a baking sheet

While the sweet potatoes are baking gather the vegetables and herbs.

Whole vegetables and herbs on a white wooden table

Chop all the vegetables and herbs (if using fresh herbs), then set aside.

Chopped vegetables and herbs on a wooden cutting board

In a pan, heat 2 tbsp oil until hot. Then add the diced onions and stir occasionally for about 3-5 minutes. Then add the diced garlic and herbs. Cook until the onions are almost translucent and starting to brown a bit.

Diced onions and herbs cooking in a stainless steel pan

Add in the ground beef and break up into small pieces. Add in the salt, pepper and cumin and stir occasionally until all the meat has browned.

Onions and ground beef cooking in a stainless steel pan

Once the meat has browned, add in the carrots, mushrooms, peas and broth then stir. Cover with a lid and allow to cook. Stir every few minutes until the carrots have softened.

Shepherd's pie filling in a stainless steel pan

Remove the filling mixture from the heat and set aside. Once the sweet potatoes have cooled enough to handle, remove the skins from the cooked sweet potatoes and place them in a bowl.

Cooked sweet potato pieces in a white bowl on a white wooden table

Add the broth, butter and sea salt, then mash with a potato masher, immersion blender or food processor until smooth.

Pureed sweet potato topping mixture in a white bowl on a white wooden table

Get a 9 inch pie dish or baking dish and pour the filling mixture in. Evenly place the sweet potato mixture over the filling and spread to cover. Bake the shepherd’s pie at 425°F for about 20 minutes.

Overheat view of whole uncooked shepherd's pie on white wooden surface

Let cool and serve!

Whole shepherd's pie with sweet potato topping in a clear pie dish on a white wooden table

4.55 from 33 votes
overhead view of shepherd's pie with pieces taken out of it and a slice on a separate white plate
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Shepherd's Pie Recipe with Sweet Potato (Paleo, AIP, Whole30)
Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
50 mins
 

This shepherd's pie recipe is the best simple classic fall or winter meal that is paleo, AIP and whole30 compliant. Made with grassfed ground beef and veggies, it's a hearty, affordable and healthy dinner staple.

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: AIP, American, Paleo, Southern
Keyword: shepherds pie recipe, sweet potato shepherds pie
Servings: 6
Calories: 342 kcal
Author: Hannah Healy
Ingredients
Filling:
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil (ghee or refined coconut oil)
  • 1 medium onion
  • 6 cloves garlic
  • 2 medium carrots
  • 1 cup cremini mushrooms chopped
  • 1 cup frozen peas (sub with finely chopped cauliflower for AIP)
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp dried sage
  • ½ tsp dried marjoram
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • 1 lb grass-fed ground beef
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper (omit for AIP)
  • ½ tsp cumin (omit for AIP)
Topping:
  • 2 1/2 cup sweet potato pureed (about 5 medium or 3 large sweet potatoes)
  • 2 tbsp chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp butter (sub coconut oil for AIP)
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place all of the whole sweet potatoes on a baking sheet with the skin on in the oven and cook for about 45 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are soft and fork tender. Set aside to cool. 

  2. Once the potatoes are done, bring the oven to 425°.
  3. To make the shepherd's pie filling, chop the onions, garlic, mushrooms and carrots.

  4. Add 2 tbsp of oil to a pan on medium high heat. Once the oil is hot add in the onions and sauté for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add in the garlic, oregano, thyme, marjoram and sage and sauté for a couple more minutes until the onions are almost translucent and starting to brown a bit.

  5. Add in the ground beef in small chunks then sprinkle with salt, pepper and cumin. Stir and break up the beef with a spatula. Sauté until the beef is browned on all sides.

  6. Then add in the carrots, mushrooms, peas and 1/4 cup of broth and stir. Put a lid on the pan and allow to cook, stirring occasionally, until the carrots have softened. Then, turn off the heat and set the pan aside. 

  7. Once the roasted sweet potatoes have cooled enough to handle, remove the skin and place the potatoes into a separate bowl and add 2 tbsp chicken broth, 1 tbsp butter and sea salt. Use a potato masher, immersion blender or regular blender to puree the mixture until smooth and creamy.

  8. To assemble the shepherd's pie, place the beef and vegetable mixture in a 9 inch pie dish or an 9x9 baking dish. Place the sweet potato purée on top of the beef and vegetable mixture in the pie plate and smooth evenly over the beef and vegetables.

  9. Cook at 425°F for 20 minutes. Let cool and serve.

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes
  • You can use either fresh or dried herbs for this recipe. I find that the flavor is a bit better with fresh, but dried is still good. I've done it both ways and they are both good!
  • If your potatoes are a bit more dry, you can add more broth, 1 tbsp at a time to achieve the right texture for the topping. It should be the consistency of thick mashed potatoes.
  • If you are on the autoimmune paleo diet (AIP) you'll need to make a few small changes. Omit the peas and use finely chopped cauliflower instead (or cauliflower rice). You'll also want to omit pepper and cumin. Finally for the topping, be sure to use coconut oil instead of butter.
  • To get the creamy smooth sweet potato topping it's easiest to bake the sweet potatoes first with the skin on, then after it cools the skin easily comes off. Adding the butter or coconut oil to the puree really helps to smooth it out too.
Nutrition Facts
Shepherd's Pie Recipe with Sweet Potato (Paleo, AIP, Whole30)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 342 Calories from Fat 189
% Daily Value*
Fat 21g32%
Saturated Fat 7g44%
Cholesterol 58mg19%
Sodium 505mg22%
Potassium 607mg17%
Carbohydrates 20g7%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 16g32%
Vitamin A 11505IU230%
Vitamin C 14.5mg18%
Calcium 55mg6%
Iron 2.6mg14%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

This shepherd’s pie recipe with sweet potato topping was originally posted in September of 2017, but has been republished in February of 2019 to include new recipe tips, new photos and a video.

Shepherd\'s Pie Recipe with Sweet Potato (Paleo, AIP, Whole30)
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Filed Under: AIP, Entrees, Gluten Free, Paleo, Pies, Whole30 Tagged With: best, classic, ground beef, paleo, recipe, sheperds, shepherds pie, simple

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Hi, I’m Hannah Healy!

woman with black hair standing over cutting board with vegetablesI created Healy Eats Real to share healthy gluten-free, sugar-free, keto recipes and tips on healthy living. Sign up for my newsletter below for recipes, natural health info and my FREE Quit Sugar Ebook!

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