Basil Pesto Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Mash
A comforting shepherd’s pie layered with savory ground beef and a vibrant basil pesto, topped with creamy mashed sweet potatoes for a colorful twist. This mediterranean-inspired beef ready in about 65 minutes layers ground beef, medium, diced onion, large, diced carrot into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 1 large, diced carrot
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/3 cup basil pesto
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 large (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed sweet potatoes
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place 2 large peeled and cubed sweet potatoes into a large pot of salted boiling water (use 1/2 tsp salt), cooking for 15-18 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Step 2: While sweet potatoes cook, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and 1 large diced carrot, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 cup beef broth, 1 cup frozen peas, and 1/3 cup basil pesto. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Drain sweet potatoes well and return to pot. Mash with 3 tbsp butter, 1/4 cup milk, and remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Step 5: Spread the beef mixture evenly in a 9x9-inch baking dish. Dollop the sweet potato mash on top and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Step 6: Bake for 20 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the top is slightly golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Basil Pesto Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Mash take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Basil Pesto Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Mash?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Basil Pesto Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Mash?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Basil Pesto Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Mash for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Basil Pesto Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Mash?
Mediterranean beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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