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This Pork and Bacon Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potato Topping is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food, offering a rich, savory filling topped with a creamy, slightly sweet layer of mashed sweet potatoes. The combination of smoky bacon, flavorful pork, and tender vegetables creates a hearty and satisfying dish that's perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Seriously, I made this for a friend going through a hard time, and she said it was just what she needed. It's like a warm hug on a plate, ya know?
The sweet potato topping adds a unique touch, providing a subtly sweet contrast to the savory meat filling. It's also a healthier alternative to traditional mashed potato toppings, packed with vitamins and antioxidants. I've tried different toppings – cauliflower mash (meh), regular potatoes (good, but predictable), but sweet potato? Total game changer. Plus, it looks gorgeous when it's all browned in the oven.
Required Equipments
Large Skillet
Baking Dish
Potato Masher
Mixing Bowls
Measuring Cups & Spoons
Pork and Bacon Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potato Topping: Frequently Asked Questions
Pork and Bacon Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potato Topping
Enjoy a modern twist on classic comfort food with this Pork and Bacon Shepherd's Pie, featuring a delicious sweet potato topping. This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy family meal, offering a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors that everyone will love.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:6 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
First, let's get that oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). This ensures everything cooks evenly and perfectly. Trust me, it makes a difference!
In a large skillet, brown the ground pork and bacon over medium-high heat. Make sure to break up the pork as it cooks. Drain any excess grease – we want flavor, not oil!
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. The smell alone is gonna make your mouth water.
Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. This layers the flavors beautifully.
Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. It's like a warm hug in a pan.
While the meat mixture simmers, let’s tackle the sweet potato topping. In a large pot, boil the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes until they are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. I like mine with a hint of nutmeg!
Now, it's assembly time! Pour the pork and vegetable mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the sweet potato mash evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is lightly browned and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it – ovens can be sneaky!
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Seriously, try not to eat the whole thing in one sitting...but I won't judge if you do!