Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie Bites
A mini shepherd's pie with a sweet potato topping, perfect for little hands and packed with nutrients. It's a comforting and complete meal in one bite!
Ingredients
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon butter (or olive oil)
- 4 oz ground beef
- 1/4 cup finely diced carrot
- 1/4 cup finely diced green beans or peas (frozen mix is fine)
- 2 tablespoons finely diced onion
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour or cornstarch (optional)
- A pinch of dried thyme or parsley (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place diced sweet potato in a small pot and cover with water.
Bring to a boil and cook until the sweet potato is very tender (about 10 minutes).
Drain the sweet potato and mash it well with the butter (or olive oil). Add a spoonful of cooking water or milk if needed for a smoother consistency. Set aside.
In a small skillet, add a splash of water or a tiny bit of oil and sauté the onion, carrot, and green beans/peas until they begin to soften (about 5 minutes).
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
Pour in the low-sodium broth. If using flour/cornstarch, sprinkle it over the meat and vegetables and stir for about a minute to coat everything.
Simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Add more broth if it seems too dry. Stir in thyme or parsley, if using.
Transfer the meat mixture to a small, oven-safe baking dish or individual ramekins.
Spread the mashed sweet potato evenly over the top of the meat and vegetable mixture.
Use a fork to create a textured pattern on the sweet potato topping (this helps it brown nicely).
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the sweet potato topping is lightly golden and the pie is heated through.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Be sure to check the temperature before giving it to your little one.
Cut into small, manageable pieces before serving. Enjoy!
Safety Notes
- Adult supervision required for all steps involving heat and sharp objects.
- Ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Check the temperature of the pie before serving to avoid burns.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 250 kcal per serving
Protein: 15g
Carbs: 25g
Fat: 10g