This Turkey Shepherd’s Pie is a warm and cozy dish, packed with tender turkey, flavorful veggies, and a creamy mashed potato topping. It’s comfort food done right!
I love how it uses turkey instead of beef, making it a bit lighter, but just as tasty. You might find yourself going back for seconds—it’s that good! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the star of the dish. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey is great. However, you could also use ground chicken or beef if you prefer a richer flavor.
Potatoes: I recommend Yukon Gold for mash—they’re creamy and buttery. If you’re short on time, you can try pre-made mashed potatoes, but nothing beats homemade. For a lower-carb version, cauliflower mash is a fantastic substitute!
Tomato Paste: This adds a nice depth to the filling. If you don’t have tomato paste, ketchup works in a pinch, or you could use crushed tomatoes, just remember to adjust the liquid in your broth a little.
Dried Herbs: Thyme and rosemary bring so much flavor. If you don’t have rosemary, it’s fine to omit it. Fresh herbs can also be used; just double the quantity as they are less concentrated.
Peas: Frozen peas are easy and reliable as they need no prep. If you want to mix it up, you can swap them for corn or green beans.
How Do I Get the Perfect Mashed Potatoes?
Getting creamy and fluffy mashed potatoes is essential for this recipe. Here’s how you can master them:
- Start by boiling the potatoes until they’re fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Make sure to cut them into even pieces for uniform cooking.
- After draining, mash them while they’re still hot for the best texture. A potato masher or ricer works wonders!
- Add your butter first; this helps absorb and incorporate it well. Then, mix in the milk or cream gradually until you reach your desired creaminess.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. For an extra flavor kick, try adding garlic powder or a splash of sour cream!
Remember, over-mixing can lead to gluey potatoes, so be gentle!
Delicious Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1.5 lbs ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme (plus extra fresh thyme for garnish)
- 1 tsp dried rosemary (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (made from about 2 lbs potatoes)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup milk or cream (for mashed potatoes)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 25-30 minutes to cook and bake. You’ll spend some nice quality time in the kitchen creating a comforting meal—perfect for any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheating the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when your pie is ready to bake!
2. Making the Mashed Potatoes:
Peel, chop, and boil the potatoes in a pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Once they’re soft, drain the water and mash the potatoes with butter, milk or cream, and add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside the creamy goodness.
3. Cooking the Filling:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Adding the Turkey:
Next, add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook it until it’s browned, using a spoon to break it up as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
5. Incorporating Vegetables:
Stir in the diced carrots and let them cook for another 3-4 minutes until they are slightly softened. Don’t rush this part; it’s where flavors develop!
6. Mixing in Flavor:
Now, mix in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
7. Adding Chicken Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
8. Adding Peas:
Toss in the frozen peas and cook for another 2 minutes. This adds a nice pop of color and sweetness. Then, remove the skillet from the heat.
9. Assembling the Pie:
Transfer the turkey mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Now, spoon the mashed potatoes over the top. Make sure to spread them smoothly and seal the edges well, so the filling doesn’t escape!
10. Adding Some Butter:
Dot the top of the mashed potatoes with small bits of butter. This will help create a beautiful golden crust as it bakes.
11. Baking Time:
Pop the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the potato topping is golden brown and crisp!
12. Extra Crispy (Optional):
If you like a really crispy top, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
13. Garnishing:
Before you serve, sprinkle some fresh thyme leaves on top for that extra touch of flavor and freshness.
14. Serving:
Serve your hot Turkey Shepherd’s Pie and enjoy! It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Breast Instead of Thigh?
Yes, you can use ground turkey breast! Just be aware that it tends to be leaner than thigh meat, so you may want to add a little extra olive oil or broth to keep the filling moist.
What If I Don’t Have Worcestershire Sauce?
No worries! You can substitute it with soy sauce or balsamic vinegar for a similar depth of flavor. Just use a little less, as these can be saltier than Worcestershire sauce.
Can I Freeze Leftover Shepherd’s Pie?
Absolutely! Let the pie cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground turkey with a mix of lentils, mushrooms, and your favorite vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and follow the same cooking instructions for a hearty filling!
