#EatWellLiveWell: Savory Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potatoes

A sweet potato is just that, a potato sweeter than the regular yellow potato. In addition to their unique taste, sweet potatoes have over 400 percent of the daily recommended amount of vitamin A, along with significant amounts of vitamin K. All of these great nutrients, and more, come in a sweeter package with less calories than yellow potatoes. What's not to love?

You may have prepared sweet potato pie in the past, but we are switching it up with today’s recipe and proving that sweet potatoes can be incorporated into your diet without adding marshmallows. Sweet potatoes are already overflowing with natural sugars, making them an excellent food choice for those with diabetes. Research shows sweet potatoes may reduce low blood sugar episodes and insulin resistance. Sweet potatoes can also positively affect other health issues such as blood pressure, fertility, digestion, cancer, immunity and inflammation.

Recipe: Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potatoes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey (90% lean)
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 can (8-3/4 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 can (8-3/4 ounces) green beans, drained
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• Dash each ground cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons 2% milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

1. Clean and pierce each sweet potato; place on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave, uncovered, 8-10 minutes on high, turning once.

2. Place meat, corn, onions, green beans, and tomato sauce in a 1-qt. baking dish that is coated with cooking spray.

3. Once cool, cut the sweet potatoes in half; scoop out the pulp and place in a small bowl. Mash with butter, milk, salt and pepper. Spread evenly over meat mixture.

4. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.

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