Sweet Potato Shephard’s Pie

Classic comfort food that’s lightened up.  This recipe for Shephard’s Pie is one of my favorites.  I swapped out mashed potatoes for sweet potatoes, which are a good source of vitamin B6, C, D and rich in antioxidants.  Also, I incorporated ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option.  It’s a nice alternative to a cozy meal that will feed all of your family.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery sticks, chopped
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 1 15oz can diced tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic
• 3 sweet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon chile powder (divided)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin

Directions:

1. Start cooking the sweet potatoes.  Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.  Peel the potatoes, dice them up and place them on a cookie sheet.  drizzle them in light salt and olive oil and bake in the oven for 30 minutes or until softened.
2. In a medium skillet combine the ground turkey, chopped carrots, chopped celery, and onions, and cook until carrots are soft and turkey is cooked through.
3. Add in diced tomatoes, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and 1/2 tbls chile powder.  Simmer for another 10 minutes.
4. Once the potatoes are cooked, place them in a food processor with the coconut oil and remaining chile powder and process until smooth.
5. Transfer the meat filling to a 9×9 casserole dish or cast-iron skillet and top the meat with the sweet potato mash. Sprinkle with a little paprika and bake in the oven for 10 minutes.
6. Remove from the oven and serve.