Chris Wilder's Blades went ahead with just 14 minutes on the clock as a header from Tyrese Campbell hit the post and then Illan Meslier before crossing the line for a Meslier own goal. Campbell was following up a header from Callum O'Hare which Meslier had tipped on to the crossbar after an unopposed Ben Brereton Diaz cross.
Leeds were on the ropes but the Whites gradually got going but without making any breakthrough until Junior Firpo equalised with 18 minutes left through a bullet header to convert an excellent Dan James cross.
Seeking a winner, Daniel Farke’s Whites were then only denied by an absolutely fantastic save from Blades keeper Michael Cooper to somehow tip a rising drive from substitute Willy Gnonto over the bar for a corner.
Yet all the momentum was now with the Whites who went ahead with just one minute left as Ao Tanaka arrived at the back post to coolly head home from the corner.
Amazingly, the Whites still weren't done and Farke's side went 3-1 up just one minute later with an absolute piledriver from Joel Piroe from the edge of the box.
The brilliant victory sent Leeds five points clear of second-placed Sheffield United at the top of the Championship and re-established a seven-point cushion in the division’s automatic promotion places back to third-placed Burnley with 12 games left.
Graham Smyth, the YEP’s chief football writer, hands out the scores from another incredible Whites night to remember at Bramall Lane.
7. Ao Tanaka
7 - Was a little wobbly to begin with and couldn't get to grips with the Blades midfield but started to show his class and got himself a vital goal. Photo: Danny Lawson
8. Manor Solomon
8 - Dangerous all night and just ran out of steam after putting in a big shift. A little wasteful but he dragged Leeds on in the first half. Photo: Alex Davidson
9. Dan James
7 - Had loads of endeavour but no end product until he suddenly produced that cross for Firpo. Ended the night with two assists. Photo: George Wood
10. Brenden Aaronson
3 - Anonymous for too much of the game until he was withdrawn. Looked physically outmatched. Failed to create. Photo: George Wood
11. Joel Piroe
7 - Struggled to make an impact in the first half but came into it more as Leeds rallied in the second and scored a beautiful goal. Photo: Alex Livesey
12. Joe Rothwell (sub)
8 - Added urgency, tempo and pushed Leeds forward. Yet again provided a set-piece delivery from which Leeds scored. A game changer. Photo: George Wood