Irresistible Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Cups Recipe

Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Cups are like tiny flavor-packed hugs for your taste buds. Imagine a warm, buttery sweet potato topping that forms a fluffy cloud over a savory, hearty filling of seasoned meat and vegetables. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, making your mouth water as you anticipate that first bite. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel cozy inside, perfect for those chilly evenings when you just want to curl up with something delicious.

I still remember the first time I made Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Cups for my friends during a game night. Let’s just say it turned into a friendly competition to see who could eat the most before the final whistle blew! These little cups are not just about flavor; they bring people together, making them ideal for any occasion, from casual dinners to festive gatherings.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Cups

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Sweet Potatoes: Use medium-sized sweet potatoes for the perfect creamy topping; they should be firm and free from blemishes.
• Ground Meat (beef or turkey): Choose lean ground meat for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
• Onion: A medium onion adds depth and sweetness; look for ones with smooth skins.
• Carrots: Fresh carrots add color and crunch; baby carrots also work well if you’re short on time.
• Frozen Peas: Thawed peas bring sweetness and texture; they’re convenient and don’t require prepping.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic amps up the flavor profile; choose plump cloves for maximum taste.
• Beef Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control saltiness while enhancing flavors.
• Olive Oil: A drizzle helps sauté the veggies perfectly without sticking to the pan.
• Dried Thyme: This herb provides an earthy note that complements the filling beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Cups

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Sweet Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and cube about two medium sweet potatoes. Toss them in a pot of boiling water until fork-tender—around fifteen minutes should do trick! Drain them well.

Step 2: Mash Those Potatoes

In a mixing bowl, mash the sweet potatoes with a splash of olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth. You want it creamy but not too runny—think fluffy clouds rather than soup!

Step 3: Cook Up Your Filling

In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle some olive oil and throw in diced onions and carrots. Sauté until tender—about five minutes—before adding minced garlic. Cook until fragrant (your kitchen will smell heavenly) for another minute.

Step 4: Add Ground Meat

Stir in your choice of ground meat (beef or turkey) into the skillet. Break it apart with your spatula as it cooks through—about seven to ten minutes should do. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper as it browns.

Step 5: Stir in Broth and Peas

Pour in half a cup of beef broth along with those thawed peas. Let everything simmer together for about five minutes so flavors meld deliciously!

Step 6: Assemble Your Cups

Grab a muffin tin and lightly grease it. Layer spoonfuls of meat filling into each cup followed by generous dollops of your sweet potato mash on top. Bake in the oven for about twenty-five minutes or until golden brown on top.

Transfer to plates and marvel at your culinary creation! Drizzle some extra broth over them if desired for an even more luxurious experience.

There you have it! Delicious Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Cups that will not only fill bellies but also hearts! Perfectly portioned bites of comfort food that make every meal feel like a special occasion—now that’s something worth celebrating!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by roasting your sweet potatoes while browning the meat. Next, sauté your veggies and mix everything together before layering it into cups. Finally, top with mashed sweet potatoes and bake until golden.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add lentils for a vegetarian twist. Experiment with spices like smoked paprika or fresh herbs for an extra flavor boost. Your kitchen, your rules!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best results.

Sometimes I find myself reminiscing about the first time I made these cups; my friends devoured them! Their laughter filled the kitchen, reminding me that food is always better shared.

FAQs:

What are Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Cups?

Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Cups are a delightful twist on the traditional shepherd’s pie. These individual servings feature a savory filling of ground meat and vegetables, topped with a creamy layer of mashed sweet potatoes. They make for a perfect comfort food option that is both hearty and nutritious. Enjoy them as a main dish at dinner parties or for a cozy family meal. The cups not only look appealing but also allow for easy serving and portion control.

How do I store Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Cups?

To store your Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Cups, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for longer storage. If freezing, wrap each cup tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven until warmed through. This makes them an excellent make-ahead meal option.

Can I customize the filling for Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Cups?

Absolutely! The beauty of Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Cups lies in their versatility. You can customize the filling by using different types of ground meat, such as turkey, beef, or lamb. Additionally, feel free to incorporate various vegetables like peas, corn, or bell peppers based on your preference. For a vegetarian version, consider using lentils or mushrooms as a protein substitute. Get creative with spices and herbs to make it your own!

Are Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Cups healthy?

Yes, Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Cups can be a healthy meal choice when prepared with wholesome ingredients. Sweet potatoes provide essential vitamins and minerals while being lower in calories compared to regular potatoes. By using lean meats and plenty of vegetables in the filling, you increase the nutritional benefits significantly. This dish offers a balanced combination of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber, making it satisfying without compromising health.

Conclusion for Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Cups:

In summary, Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Cups are an innovative take on classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by everyone. Their individual portions make them perfect for serving at gatherings or weeknight dinners while allowing for customization based on personal taste preferences. Storing leftovers is simple, ensuring you have delicious meals ready whenever needed. Embrace this versatile recipe to add variety and nutrition to your dining table!

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Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Cups

• Author: Christina
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Cups are a delightful, comforting dish featuring a creamy sweet potato topping over a savory ground meat and vegetable filling. Perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lb lean ground turkey or beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes, then boil in water until fork-tender (about 15 minutes). Drain well.
3. In a mixing bowl, mash the sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil.
5. Sauté diced onions and carrots until tender (about 5 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
6. Stir in ground turkey or beef and cook until browned (7-10 minutes), seasoning with thyme, salt, and pepper.
7. Pour in beef broth and add peas; simmer for about 5 minutes.
8. Lightly grease a muffin tin.
9. Layer spoonfuls of meat filling into each cup followed by the mashed sweet potato topping.
10. Bake for about 25 minutes or until golden on top.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 360mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: - For a vegetarian option, substitute ground meat with lentils or mushrooms. - Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices like smoked paprika or fresh parsley for added flavor.