Sweet Potato Cottage Pie for Yummy Family Meals

Cottage pie has long been a staple of comfort food – rich, savoury mince topped with a layer of fluffy mashed potato and baked until golden. But if you’re looking to lighten things up without sacrificing flavour, this sweet potato cottage pie is the perfect twist on the traditional version.

Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the seasoned beef filling. They’re also packed with nutrients like fibre, vitamin A and antioxidants, making this version just as comforting but a little more wholesome.

This dish is easy to prepare and incredibly family-friendly. It’s a great way to sneak more vegetables onto the plate and it’s ideal for batch cooking, freezing, or preparing ahead. You can also easily make it dairy-free or vegetarian with a few simple swaps.

Whether you’re serving it for Sunday dinner or midweek comfort, this sweet potato cottage pie ticks all the boxes – warm, filling and full of flavour. Let’s get into how to make this hearty classic with a healthier, delicious twist.

Ingredients For Sweet Potato Cottage Pie

For the mince filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, finely diced
• 500g lean beef mince
• 2 tablespoons tomato purée
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 300ml beef stock
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the sweet potato mash:

• 800g sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil for dairy-free)
• 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream (or plant-based milk)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions To Make Sweet Potato Cottage Pie

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (fan 180°C).
2. Heat oil in a large frying pan. Sauté onion and carrot for 5–6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
3. Add the mince and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
4. Stir in tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, thyme and paprika (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
5. Pour in the stock and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and cook for 15 minutes until thickened. Stir in the peas and cook for a further 5 minutes.
6. Meanwhile, boil sweet potatoes in salted water for 12–15 minutes until tender. Drain, then mash with butter and milk until smooth. Season to taste.
7. Spoon the mince mixture into an ovenproof dish. Top with sweet potato mash, spreading evenly and fluffing with a fork for texture.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden on top and bubbling around the edges.

How to Prepare Sweet Potato Cottage Pie

Start by making the savoury filling. Soften your vegetables, brown the beef and simmer everything in a tomato-rich stock until thick and flavourful. Add your peas last to keep them fresh and bright.

For the mash, make sure the sweet potatoes are fork-tender before draining. Add your butter and milk gradually until you reach a creamy consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning.

Assemble the pie in a baking dish, then rough up the top of the mash with a fork – this creates lovely golden ridges once baked. Let the pie rest for a few minutes before serving to help the filling set.

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 40 minutes
• Total time: 55 minutes
• Servings

Serves 4–6

FAQs

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes. Use lentils or plant-based mince and swap beef stock for vegetable stock.

Can I use normal potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Of course. You can also mix sweet and white potatoes for a balanced flavour.

Does it freeze well?

Yes. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Defrost fully before reheating.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20 minutes or microwave individual portions until piping hot.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely. Try adding mushrooms, spinach, or courgettes for an extra veggie boost.

Conclusion

This sweet potato cottage pie brings all the satisfaction of a traditional dish with the added bonus of wholesome ingredients and natural sweetness. It’s hearty, budget-friendly and nourishing – perfect for feeding hungry families or prepping ahead for the week.

Swapping regular mash for sweet potato isn’t just a healthy alternative – it adds flavour, colour and a lovely creamy texture that complements the savoury filling beautifully. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is packed with goodness.

Whether you serve it with steamed greens, a fresh salad or just on its own, it’s sure to become a firm favourite in your home. So next time you’re craving something comforting, try this updated classic – and enjoy every golden, fluffy-topped bite.