This Turkey Shepherd’s Pie is a warm hug in a dish! It features tender ground turkey mixed with veggies, wrapped in a creamy layer of mashed potatoes that makes every bite irresistible.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a good comfort food? It’s like a cozy blanket on a chilly day. I love serving it with a side salad for a quick dinner that feels fancy without the fuss!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the star ingredient, lean and tasty. If you’re looking for alternatives, ground chicken or beef can work well too, just keep in mind the flavor and texture will change.
Mixed Vegetables: Frozen mixed veggies are super convenient. You can swap them for fresh veggies like diced carrots and peas or even use leftover vegetables you have on hand.
Tomato Paste: Tomato paste adds depth to the filling. If you don’t have any, ketchup can be used as a last resort, though it’s sweeter. Consider pureed tomatoes for a lighter option.
Broth: I prefer chicken broth for a rich flavor, but vegetable broth is a great option for a lighter taste. You can also use water in a pinch, just season it well.
Potatoes: I opt for russet potatoes for their creaminess. You can try other potatoes like Yukon gold, which are also delightful to mash or even cauliflower for a lighter version.
What’s the Best Way to Get Creamy Mashed Potatoes?
Making creamy mashed potatoes is all about technique. Start by boiling your peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water. It’s important to drain them well, so there’s no excess water affecting the texture.
- Once drained, mash while they’re still hot for the smoothest consistency.
- Add butter before the milk to let it melt in completely.
- Mix with milk gradually until you reach your desired creaminess. More milk will make them lighter!
- Season with salt and pepper at the end to enhance the flavor.
How to Make Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Potato Topping:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup milk (or more for desired creaminess)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Olive oil for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Turkey Shepherd’s Pie will take about 15 minutes to prepare and another 25-30 minutes to bake. So in total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes until you can dig into this comforting dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your pie cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden topping.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
In a large pot, add the peeled and chopped potatoes. Fill with salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Be sure to drain them well afterward so they don’t get watery!
3. Cook the Filling:
While your potatoes are cooking, heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant—this should take about 3-4 minutes.
4. Brown the Turkey:
Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon, and cook it until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Flavor It Up:
Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Cook everything together for another 1-2 minutes to meld those flavors!
6. Add the Veggies and Broth:
Now, it’s time to add your frozen mixed vegetables and the broth. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remember to season with salt and pepper to taste before taking it off the heat.
7. Mash Those Potatoes:
Go back to the potatoes! Mash them up with the butter and milk until they’re smooth and creamy. If you’re using cheese, stir it in for an extra cheesy topping!
8. Assemble the Pie:
In a baking dish, spread the turkey mixture evenly on the bottom. Then, spoon the creamy mashed potatoes over the turkey layer, spreading it out evenly. Use a fork to create some fun texture on top!
9. Add a Touch of Thyme:
Sprinkle extra dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves over the top of the mashed potatoes for a fresh flavor boost.
10. Bake Your Shepherd’s Pie:
Place your pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning!
11. Time to Serve:
Once done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps everything set a little for easier slicing. Enjoy your comforting Turkey Shepherd’s Pie!
Can I Use Ground Beef Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey with ground beef for a heartier flavor. Just be sure to drain excess fat after browning if you use a fattier beef.
What If I Don’t Have Frozen Mixed Vegetables?
No problem! You can use fresh vegetables like diced carrots, peas, and corn. Cook them briefly before adding to your filling mixture to ensure they’re tender.
Can I Make This Shepherd’s Pie Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the filling and mashed potatoes, then layer them in your baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Just bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
