My Turkey Shepherd's Pie is a comforting classic that brings together a savory blend of lean ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes. This hearty dish features a flavorful turkey mixture simmered with aromatic herbs and Worcestershire sauce, all topped with smooth, creamy mashed potatoes. Whether you're using Thanksgiving leftovers or preparing a cozy meal for your family, this turkey shepherd's pie is both satisfying and delicious. Perfect for chilly nights or family gatherings, it's a dish that promises to warm hearts and please appetites. Enjoy this ultimate comfort food that will surely become a favorite at your table!
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I have a special fondness for comforting, home-cooked cozy meals, and this Turkey Shepherd's Pie always brings back memories of cozy with a classic Shepherd's pie recipe with ground lamb. Growing up, my family often enjoyed similar dishes, and the aroma of savory turkey and fresh vegetables bubbling in the oven was a highlight of our mealtime. While this recipe is technically a cottage pie—thanks to the use of ground turkey instead of the traditional lamb or beef used in shepherd's pie—it still embodies that same heartwarming essence. This turkey shepherd's pie is not just a cozy meal; it’s a nostalgic reminder of those cherished moments spent around the table, sharing stories and laughter. Perfect for busy nights or special occasions, it has a way of making any dinner feel a little more festive and inviting.
If you're looking for more hearty turkey recipes, try my Puff Pastry Turkey Pot Pie, One Pan Turkey Stuffed Peppers, White Bean Turkey Chili, Turkey Meatballs with Gravy and Turkey Meatballs with Red Pepper Sauce.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty and Comforting: This Turkey Shepherd's Pie features a savory blend of lean ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, creating a satisfying dish that warms both the body and soul. It's a comforting meal that captures the essence of home-cooked goodness.
Simple and Quick to Prepare: With straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. You can whip up this delicious turkey shepherd's pie in no time, making it a convenient option when you need a hearty meal without the fuss.
Crowd-Pleasing and Adaptable: Whether you're enjoying a cozy family dinner or entertaining friends, this turkey shepherd's pie is sure to impress while still being classic comfort food. Its rich flavors and creamy topping make it a delightful dish that appeals to all tastes, making it a fantastic choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
Butter – Adds a rich, creamy flavor to the turkey mixture, enhancing the overall taste. Melted and used to sauté the vegetables, it creates a savory base for the dish.
Chopped Onion – Provides a sweet, aromatic foundation that enhances the flavor profile of the filling. Sautéed until softened, it helps create a delicious base for the turkey mixture.
Diced Carrots – Contributes a subtle sweetness and texture, balancing the savory notes of the dish. Diced to integrate smoothly into the filling, adding both flavor and nutrition.
Minced Garlic – Infuses the filling with a robust, aromatic flavor, elevating the overall taste. Sautéed briefly to release its natural sweetness and enhance the savory profile.
Ground Turkey Breast – The star ingredient of this turkey shepherd's pie, offering a lean and flavorful base. Cooked until no longer pink, it blends perfectly with the other ingredients.
Onion Salt – Enhances the onion flavor in the filling, adding depth to the dish. A convenient seasoning that complements the fresh onions.
Garlic Salt – Provides a convenient way to infuse garlic flavor throughout the dish. Enhances the savory notes of the turkey mixture and complements the other seasonings.
Dried Oregano – Adds a fragrant, herbal note that complements the savory flavors. A key herb that enhances the overall taste of the filling.
Dried Thyme – Contributes an earthy, aromatic quality to the dish, enhancing the flavor complexity. Works beautifully with the other herbs and seasonings.
Tomato Paste – Thickens the filling and intensifies the tomato flavor, adding a deep richness to the mixture. Essential for creating a robust flavor base.
Worcestershire Sauce – Introduces a tangy, savory depth to the filling, enhancing the overall flavor. A little goes a long way in adding complexity to the dish.
Flour – Helps thicken the turkey filling, giving it a hearty consistency. Sprinkled into the mixture to create a satisfying texture.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth or Chicken Stock – Adds moisture and flavor to the filling, making it rich and savory. Used to simmer the mixture, allowing the flavors to meld.
Frozen Peas – Provide a pop of color and sweetness, balancing the savory flavors of the filling. Stirred in at the end to retain their bright texture.
Medium Russet Potatoes – The foundation of the creamy mashed potato topping, offering a fluffy texture. Peeled and mashed to create a smooth, comforting layer.
Half and Half – Adds a rich, creamy texture to the mashed potatoes, enhancing their indulgent quality. Mixed in to achieve the desired creaminess.
Garlic Salt – Used in the mashed potato topping to add flavor, ensuring the potatoes are seasoned well. Enhances the overall taste and complements the turkey filling.
Onion Salt – Provides an extra layer of seasoning for the mashed potatoes, balancing the flavors throughout the dish. A convenient seasoning for added depth.
See recipe card for quantities.
Step by Step Instructions
Prep the Mashed Potatoes: Peel and dice 2 medium russet potatoes. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil, add the potatoes, and boil until fork-tender, about 12-15 minutes. Drain and mash with a fork or potato masher. Stir in 1 cup of half and half, ¼ teaspoon of garlic salt, and ¼ teaspoon of onion salt. Mix until smooth and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add 1 cup of chopped onions and 1 cup of diced carrots. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 8-10 minutes.
Add Garlic: Add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently until fragrant.
Cook the Turkey: Lightly spray the pan with cooking spray or olive oil, then add 1 pound of ground turkey breast. Use a spatula to break the meat into crumbles. Cook until no longer pink, about 10 minutes.
Season the Meat Mixture: Stir in ½ teaspoon of onion salt, ½ teaspoon of garlic salt, ¼ teaspoon of dried oregano, and ¼ teaspoon of dried thyme. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
Incorporate Tomato Paste and Worcestershire Sauce: Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Mix well to combine.
Thicken with Flour and Broth: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of flour over the meat mixture and stir it in. Pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
Add Peas: Stir in ¾ cup of frozen peas and remove the skillet from heat.
Assemble the Pie: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread the turkey filling evenly in the dish. Top with the mashed potatoes, spreading them out smoothly with a fork or the back of a spoon.
Bake the Pie: Place the whole dish in the preheated oven. Bake at 400°F for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly.
Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. This helps the pie set and makes it easier to portion out. Enjoy your delicious Turkey Shepherd's Pie!
Tips and Notes
Use Leftover Turkey for Extra Flavor: If you have leftover turkey from a previous meal, feel free to use it in this recipe. It adds depth of flavor and makes for a great way to utilize Thanksgiving leftovers.
Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preferences. Green beans, bell peppers, or even corn can enhance the dish and provide added nutrition.
Make It Ahead of Time: This turkey shepherd's pie can be prepared in advance. Assemble it and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven straight from the fridge.
Don’t Skip the Peas: The frozen peas add a pop of color and sweetness to the dish. They also provide a nice contrast to the savory turkey filling.
Check for Consistency: When adding chicken broth, keep an eye on the consistency of the filling. You want it to be moist but not overly soupy, so adjust the amount if necessary.
Let It Rest: After baking, allow the shepherd's pie to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice.
Experiment with Toppings: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding grated cheese on top of the mashed potatoes before baking. Cheddar or mozzarella can create a delicious cheesy crust.
Substitutions and Additions
Different Meats: You can replace the ground turkey with other types of ground meat, such as lean ground beef or ground chicken. Each option brings a unique flavor; beef will add richness, while chicken offers a lighter profile.
Different Potatoes: If you want to switch up the mashed potato topping, consider using sweet potatoes for a hint of sweetness and a vibrant color. Cauliflower mash is also a great low-carb alternative.
Different Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses in the mashed potato topping. Cream cheese or sour cream can add creaminess, while shredded cheddar or gouda can provide a delicious cheesy flavor.
Add Extra Veggies: Enhance the nutritional value by adding more vegetables to the filling. Consider incorporating bell peppers, zucchini, or corn, sautéing them with the onions and carrots for extra flavor.
Herb Variations: For a different flavor profile, try adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the mashed potato topping or the meat mixture. Fresh herbs can brighten up the dish significantly.
Spice It Up: If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the turkey mixture. This will elevate the flavor and add an exciting kick to your turkey shepherd’s pie.
Serving Suggestions
Wine Pairing: A light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir, pairs beautifully with turkey shepherd’s pie. Its fruity notes complement the savory turkey and vegetables. For a white wine option, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc can enhance the dish’s flavors and freshness.
Side Salad: A simple arugula or mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette makes a refreshing side. The acidity of the dressing brightens up the meal and balances the richness of the turkey shepherd’s pie.
Crusty Bread: Serve the pie with a slice of warm, crusty garlic bread or a hearty dinner roll. It’s perfect for scooping up the creamy filling and adds a delightful texture to the meal.
Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Pair the turkey shepherd’s pie with steamed green beans, roasted broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts. These vegetables add a nutritious element and a pop of color to your plate, complementing the hearty flavors of the pie.
Herbed Yogurt or Sour Cream: A dollop of herbed yogurt or sour cream on top adds a cool, creamy contrast. You can mix in fresh herbs like chives or dill for added flavor that enhances the overall dish.
FAQ's
Yes, you can assemble the turkey shepherd’s pie in advance. Prepare the filling and mashed potatoes, then layer them in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through.
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, you can substitute it with vegetable broth or even beef broth for a different flavor. Just
Leftover turkey shepherd’s pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. To reheat, simply bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Storage, Reheating, and Freezing
Storage: Turkey shepherd’s pie will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Allow the pie to cool completely before refrigerating to help preserve its texture and flavor.
Freezing: To freeze, let the turkey shepherd’s pie cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Thawing: Thaw the turkey shepherd’s pie in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. To reheat, place it in a covered baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until heated through. If the filling appears dry, add a splash of chicken broth or milk before reheating to keep it moist and flavorful.
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📋 Recipe
Turkey Shepherd's Pie (Ground Turkey Cottage Pie)
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Equipment
- Large skillet
- Medium pot
- Masher or fork
- Spatula
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring spoons
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Oven
- Stove
- Peeler
Ingredients
Turkey and Vegetable Filling:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup onions chopped
- 1 cup carrots diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound ground turkey breast
- ½ teaspoon onion salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ¾ cup frozen peas
Mashed Potato Topping
- 2 medium russet potatoes peeled
- 1 cup half and half
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon onion salt
Instructions
- Prep mashed potatoes: Peel and dice 2 medium russet potatoes. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add potatoes, and boil until fork-tender, about 12-15 minutes. Drain and mash with a fork. Stir in 1 cup half and half, ¼ teaspoon garlic salt, and ¼ teaspoon onion salt. Mix until smooth and set aside.
- Cook vegetables: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add 1 cup chopped onions and 1 cups diced carrots. Sauté until softened, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add garlic: Add 3 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Cook turkey: Spray the pan lightly with olive oil, then add 1 pound ground turkey breast. Break up the meats with a spatula and cook until no longer pink, about 10 minutes.
- Season meat mixture: Stir in ½ teaspoon onion salt, ½ teaspoon garlic salt, ¼ teaspoon dried oregano, and ¼ teaspoon dried thyme. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Add tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce: Stir in 1 tablespoon tomato paste and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.
- Thicken with flour and broth: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon flour over the meat mixture and stir it in. Pour in 1 cup chicken broth. Simmer for about 5 minutes, until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Add peas: Stir in ¾ cup frozen peas and remove the pan from heat.
- Assemble the pie: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread the turkey filling evenly in the dish. Top with the mashed potatoes, spreading them out smoothly with a fork.
- Bake the pie: Place the assembled Shepherd’s Pie in the preheated oven. Bake at 400°F for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, allow it to cool slightly, then serve your delicious Turkey Shepherd's Pie!
Notes
- Meal Prep: This turkey shepherd’s pie is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time for busy weeknights.
- Customization: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or swap in different seasonings for a unique twist.
🌡️ Food safety
- Turkey - Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
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