Black Bean & Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Introduction

This Black Bean & Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for any night of the week. It combines creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a flavorful mixture of black beans, corn, and spices for a nourishing and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes until tender.
3. Step 3: While the potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
4. Step 4: Add minced garlic and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
5. Step 5: Stir in black beans, corn, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Combine well.
6. Step 6: Pour in vegetable broth, tomato paste, and soy sauce or tamari. Mix and simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
7. Step 7: Drain the sweet potatoes and return to the pot. Mash until smooth, adding a splash of water or olive oil if desired for creaminess.
8. Step 8: In a baking dish, spread the bean and corn mixture evenly on the bottom. Layer the mashed sweet potatoes on top and smooth with a spatula.
9. Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is slightly golden and crispy.
10. Step 10: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving, if using.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of lime juice or a pinch of smoked chili flakes to the bean mixture.
• Try topping the pie with a mix of shredded cheese before baking for a cheesy crust.
• Use different beans like pinto or kidney beans for variety.
• To make this dish gluten-free, ensure your soy sauce or tamari is certified gluten-free.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions covered to retain moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this shepherd’s pie vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan when using soy sauce or tamari instead of fish-based sauces. Just ensure all added ingredients are plant-based.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely. You can assemble the pie and refrigerate it before baking. Bake it fresh when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.

Black Bean & Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 89 reviews

A hearty and nutritious Black Bean & Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie featuring a savory black bean and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed sweet potatoes, baked to golden perfection. This vegetarian dish combines sweet and smoky flavors, perfect as a comforting meal for any occasion.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sweet Potato Topping

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

Filling

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari

Garnish

• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the shepherd’s pie.
2. Cook Sweet Potatoes: Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
3. Sauté Aromatics: While potatoes are cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
4. Add Vegetables: Stir in minced garlic and diced bell pepper into the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until softened.
5. Combine Beans and Spices: Add the drained black beans, corn kernels, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to mix ingredients thoroughly.
6. Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth, tomato paste, and soy sauce or tamari. Stir well and let the mixture simmer on medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly, then remove from heat.
7. Mash Sweet Potatoes: Drain the cooked sweet potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash with a potato masher or fork until smooth. Add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil for extra creaminess if desired.
8. Assemble Pie: In a baking dish, spread the black bean and vegetable mixture evenly on the bottom. Layer the mashed sweet potatoes on top, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
9. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the sweet potato topping is slightly golden and crisp around the edges.
10. Serve and Garnish: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired before serving.

Notes

• You can substitute bell pepper with zucchini or mushrooms for a different vegetable mix.
• For a vegan option, ensure soy sauce or tamari is gluten-free and vegan friendly.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Adding a little nutritional yeast to the mashed sweet potatoes can add a cheesy flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the filling mixture.

Keywords: black bean, sweet potato, shepherd’s pie, vegetarian, vegetarian main dish, healthy dinner, baked casserole, comfort food, gluten free option