This time of year begs for a warm and hearty casserole, and nothing says “warm and hearty” like a layered casserole of mashed potatoes, veggies and meat. This Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie from Good Housekeeping is a healthier version that is so delicious, it was even pinned by First Lady Michelle Obama on the MyPlate Recipes Pinterest page.
Shepherd’s pie has endless variations, and this tempting Louisiana-style version gets a flavorful twist using collard greens, sweet potatoes, and Cajun spices to give this casserole a southern slant. The perfect way to get the kiddos to eat their veggies, this is comfort food you can feel good about eating.
Ingredients:
- 2½ lb sweet potatoes
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup low-fat (1-percent) milk
- salt
- pepper
- 1 tbsp canola oil
- 1 tsp canola oil
- 1 large onion
- 1 bunch collard greens
- 2 clove garlic
- 1 lb 93-percent lean ground turkey
- 2 tsp salt-free Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- In large microwave-safe bowl, combine sweet potatoes and 1/4 cup water. Cover with vented plastic wrap and microwave on high 15 minutes or until tender. When cool enough to handle, discard peels. In large bowl, mash potatoes with milk and 1/8 teaspoon each salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Meanwhile, in 12-inch skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil on medium-high. Add onion and cook 5 minutes or until browned, stirring occasionally. Add collard greens and 1/8 teaspoon each salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook 1 minute or until just wilted, stirring. Transfer to medium bowl.
- In same skillet, heat remaining teaspoon oil. Add garlic and cook 15 seconds. Add turkey and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook 3 minutes or until browned, breaking meat into small pieces and stirring. Reduce heat to medium and add Cajun seasoning. Cook 1 minute, stirring. Add tomato paste and 1/4 cup water. Cook 2 minutes, stirring.
- In 8- by 8-inch shallow baking dish, spread half of mashed sweet potatoes. Top with turkey mixture, then collard greens mixture. Spread remaining sweet potato mixture on top. Bake 30 minutes or until golden on top. Garnish with parsley.
