Autumn Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie swaps lamb for ground turkey and uses pumpkin in the savory filling for a seasonal flavor profile. This comforting casserole layers a spiced turkey ragù under creamy mashed sweet potatoes — ideal for chilly nights and holiday leftovers.
Prep Time: 15 mins • Cook Time: 40 mins • Total Time: 55 mins • Servings: 6 (Yield: 6 servings)
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground ancho chile powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened)
- 4 cups mashed seasoned sweet potatoes (prepared, see note)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (for topping)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and stir in onion, bell pepper, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, ancho chile powder and cinnamon. Cook until onion and peppers soften, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in drained diced tomatoes and pumpkin until combined and warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Spread the turkey-pumpkin mixture evenly in the skillet (or transfer to a casserole dish). Spoon mashed sweet potatoes over the filling, smoothing with a spatula. Sprinkle smoked paprika over the top.
- Bake in preheated oven until the top is lightly browned and the filling bubbles at the edges, about 25–30 minutes. Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Cook’s Note
Make the mashed sweet potatoes ahead by mashing roasted or boiled sweet potatoes with butter (or olive oil), salt and a pinch of cinnamon. For extra richness, swirl in a little sour cream or yogurt when serving.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 452 • Total Fat: 14 g • Saturated Fat: 3 g • Cholesterol: 112 mg • Sodium: 766 mg • Carbs: 48 g • Fiber: 6 g • Sugars: 13 g • Protein: 35 g