This Turkey Shepherd’s Pie is a cozy dish packed with savory ground turkey, fresh veggies, and creamy mashed potatoes on top. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
Honestly, who can resist that creamy potato layer? I always make extra so I can steal some bites before serving! 😊 It’s perfect for chilly nights and super easy to whip up.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best for this dish due to their creamy texture when mashed. If you’re trying to cut carbs, you can use cauliflower instead for a lighter version.
Ground Turkey: While I love the lean quality of ground turkey, you can easily swap it with ground chicken or even beef if you prefer. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as different meats may take varied times to brown.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables: This is super convenient, but feel free to use fresh veggies like carrots, peas, or green beans instead. Just chop them small so they cook evenly!
Worcestershire Sauce: If you don’t have this on hand, soy sauce can work as a substitute, giving a nice umami flavor. You could also try balsamic vinegar for a different twist.
How Do I Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes?
Mashed potatoes are key to a great shepherd’s pie, and getting them creamy makes all the difference. Start with properly boiling the potatoes—cooking them until fork-tender ensures they mash easily.
- Once drained, add warm milk and butter for that extra creaminess. Cold milk can cool down your mash!
- Use a hand mixer or potato masher for a smooth texture. Avoid over-mixing to keep them fluffy.
How to Make Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Turkey Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup turkey or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Turkey Shepherd’s Pie takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to cook, making it a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when it’s time to bake your shepherd’s pie.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Place your peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with salted water and bring them to a boil. Let them cook until they’re tender, which will take about 15-20 minutes. You want them soft enough to mash easily.
3. Mash the Potatoes:
Once cooked, drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add 2 tablespoons of butter, the milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy. Set the mashed potatoes aside for now.
4. Cook the Turkey Filling:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it’s softened, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant.
5. Brown the Turkey:
Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook it while breaking it up with a spoon until it’s browned and fully cooked. This will take about 7-10 minutes.
6. Add the Vegetables:
Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and let them cook for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
7. Make the Sauce:
In the skillet, mix in the tomato paste, turkey or chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and paprika if you’re using it. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
8. Assemble the Pie:
Take your turkey and vegetable mixture and transfer it into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, spoon the creamy mashed potatoes over the turkey mixture, making sure to cover it completely.
9. Add Butter and Bake:
Dot the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over the top of the mashed potatoes for extra flavor. Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty Turkey Shepherd’s Pie!
Serve this comforting dish warm, and enjoy a delightful meal that’s sure to please a crowd!
Can I Use Sweet Potatoes Instead of Regular Potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes will give your shepherd’s pie a different flavor profile and a touch of sweetness. Just prepare them in the same way by peeling, boiling, and mashing them with butter and milk.
Can I Use Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey?
Yes, definitely! This is a great way to use up leftover turkey. Simply shred or chop your leftover turkey into bite-sized pieces and substitute it for the ground turkey. You might want to reduce the cooking time for the filling, as it will only need to be heated through.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use the microwave for quicker reheating but keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! To make this dairy-free, you can substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine and use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk in the mashed potatoes. The flavor will still be delicious!
