This Turkey Shepherd’s Pie is a warm and hearty dish, perfect for a cozy dinner! It’s made with tender turkey, savory veggies, and a creamy mashed potato topping that’s simply delicious.
Honestly, who can resist the comforting combo of turkey and fluffy potatoes? I love making this pie when I want something that feels like a warm hug on a plate! 🥰
It’s easy to whip up, and it’s great for using up leftovers! Just mix the turkey and veggies, top with mashed potatoes, and bake. Your family will love it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best for mashing. They become creamy and fluffy. If you’re in a hurry, you can use instant mashed potatoes, but fresh ones have the best flavor!
Ground Turkey: You can substitute ground chicken or even lean beef if you prefer a different meat. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or mushrooms for a meaty texture.
Milk: I used whole milk for creaminess, but any milk works! Almond milk or oat milk could be great for dairy-free versions.
Carrots: If you don’t have fresh carrots, frozen carrots are a good swap. Diced bell peppers can also add a colorful touch!
Chicken Broth: Swap with vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist or even water in a pinch—just remember to adjust seasoning!
How Do I Get My Mashed Potatoes Extra Creamy?
For the best mashed potatoes, start with larger chunks to boil evenly. Always mash them while they’re hot to ensure a creamy texture. Adding butter before the milk helps to incorporate air for fluffiness.
- Soak potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before boiling. It helps to remove excess starch.
- Drain well, then add butter first. Mash, then mix in the milk gradually until smooth and creamy.
- Don’t over-mix! Too much mixing can lead to gummy potatoes. Just mix until combined.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Ground Turkey?
Cooking ground turkey properly can bring out its best flavor. Start by making sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the turkey. This way, it browns instead of steaming.
- Break it up as you cook, allowing even browning and ensuring it cooks through.
- Season early! Adding salt and spices while it cooks enhances the flavor in every bite.
- Cook until no pink remains. Ground turkey is lean and best when fully cooked for safety and taste.
How to Make Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Turkey Filling:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 25 minutes for baking, totaling around 40 minutes. It’s a quick and hearty meal perfect for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is important to get that nice golden top on the shepherd’s pie!
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the chopped potatoes and cook for about 15-20 minutes or until they’re fork-tender. Drain the potatoes well once cooked.
3. Mash the Potatoes:
In the same pot, mash the drained potatoes with 2 tablespoons of butter and the milk. Keep mashing until smooth and creamy, then season with salt and pepper. Set this aside for later.
4. Cook the Turkey Filling:
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add in the chopped onion and garlic and sauté them until they’re soft, which will take around 3-5 minutes.
5. Brown the Turkey:
Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook it until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks so it cooks evenly and thoroughly.
6. Add the Veggies:
Stir in the diced carrots and continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until they’re a little soft.
7. Season the Mixture:
Now, mix in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and a bit more salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the filling!
8. Thicken the Mixture:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
9. Add Peas:
Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 2 minutes, just to warm them up.
10. Assemble the Dish:
Transfer the turkey filling into a baking dish, spreading it evenly. Then, spoon the mashed potatoes on top of the turkey, spreading it out smoothly. Use a fork to create some texture on the surface of the potatoes.
11. Add Final Touches:
Dot the top of the mashed potatoes with the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter for extra richness.
12. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
13. Garnish and Serve:
When it’s done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top before serving for a fresh touch. Enjoy your warm and comforting Turkey Shepherd’s Pie!
Can I Use Sweet Potatoes Instead of Regular Potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes will give your shepherd’s pie a delicious twist. Just follow the same process for boiling and mashing them, but you might want to adjust the seasoning slightly as sweet potatoes have a natural sweetness.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and mashed potatoes ahead of time. Just assemble everything in the baking dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the refrigerator, but you may need to increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies like corn, bell peppers, or even mushrooms to the filling for added flavor and nutrition. Just chop them finely and add them in with the other vegetables!