Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Turkey Shepherd’s Pie because it’s wholesome, filling, and easy to make. It combines the satisfying comfort of mashed potatoes with the savory richness of seasoned turkey and veggies. Plus, it’s lighter than the traditional version made with beef or lamb—perfect for those who prefer a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground turkey (or shredded cooked turkey leftovers)
• Olive oil or butter
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Carrots, diced
• Peas and corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• Worcestershire sauce
• Tomato paste
• Chicken or turkey broth
• Salt and black pepper
• Dried thyme or rosemary
• Mashed potatoes (prepared in advance or made fresh)
• Shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and carrots, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through.
4. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Mix well.
5. Pour in the broth and simmer for 5–7 minutes, until slightly thickened. Stir in peas and corn.
6. Transfer the turkey mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly.
7. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top, spreading them smoothly with a spatula.
8. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, if using.
9. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
10. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Leftover Turkey Version: Use shredded cooked turkey instead of ground for a post-holiday twist.
• Sweet Potato Topping: Replace regular mashed potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes for a flavorful change.
• Vegetable Boost: Add mushrooms, green beans, or spinach for extra nutrients.
• Cheesy Mash: Stir some cheese into the mashed potatoes for a rich, creamy topping.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use olive oil and non-dairy milk for the mashed potatoes.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until heated through. Individual portions can be microwaved for 2–3 minutes. To freeze, wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use leftover turkey instead of ground turkey?

Yes, just chop or shred the cooked turkey and stir it into the vegetable mixture before baking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the pie, cover it tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze Turkey Shepherd’s Pie?

Yes, it freezes very well. Just cool completely before wrapping and freezing.

What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?

Soy sauce or tamari makes a great substitute for a similar savory depth.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the turkey with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.

How do I make the mashed potato topping smooth and creamy?

Use warm milk and butter when mashing the potatoes and avoid overmixing.

What vegetables work best in this recipe?

Carrots, peas, corn, and onions are classic, but you can add green beans, mushrooms, or celery too.

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

Yes, if you’re short on time—just prepare them according to package directions.

How do I get a golden top?

Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking for a lightly browned, crisp topping.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Cover the dish with foil and reheat in the oven to retain moisture.

Conclusion

Turkey Shepherd’s Pie is a wholesome, satisfying comfort meal that brings together creamy mashed potatoes and savory turkey filling in every bite. Whether you’re repurposing holiday leftovers or making it from scratch, this dish is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for feeding the family. Serve it warm and watch it disappear fast!

Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

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Turkey Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty and comforting dish made with seasoned ground turkey, mixed vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes baked to golden perfection. It’s a lighter take on the traditional shepherd’s pie, full of rich flavor and ideal for weeknight dinners or using up leftover turkey.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey (or 2 cups shredded cooked turkey)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 cup peas and corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• ¾ cup chicken or turkey broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
• 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and carrots; cook for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add ground turkey and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon.
4. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme.
5. Pour in broth and simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in peas and corn.
6. Transfer turkey mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
7. Spoon mashed potatoes over the top and smooth with a spatula.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top if using.
9. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
10. Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Notes

• Use leftover shredded turkey for an easy post-holiday version.
• Sweet potatoes can be used instead of regular mashed potatoes for a twist.
• Broil the top for a crisp, golden crust.
• Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for more flavor and nutrients.
• To make it dairy-free, use olive oil and non-dairy milk for the mashed potatoes.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 85mg