The Ultimate Turkey Shepherd’s Pie Recipe – Easy Comfort Food For The Whole Family

Shepherd’s pie is a warm, hearty and comforting dish that is loved by many. The classic version is made with ground beef, but I like to put a fun twist on it by using ground turkey instead. Not only is turkey a leaner meat, but it also gives the dish a slightly different flavor profile. After making this turkey shepherd’s pie numerous times and testing different ingredient combinations, I’ve honed in on a recipe that is absolute perfection. This turkey shepherd’s pie is incredibly flavorful, easy to make, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Keep reading for my step-by-step method for making the best turkey shepherd’s pie recipe!

Why Turkey Shepherd’s Pie?

While the traditional shepherd’s pie calls for ground lamb or beef, using ground turkey instead has some advantages

• Lower in fat and calories – Turkey is a leaner meat than beef or lamb, so you get all the flavor for fewer calories per serving.

• Milder flavor – Ground turkey has a more delicate flavor than beef or lamb. This allows the other ingredients like vegetables, herbs and gravy to shine through.

• Budget-friendly – Ground turkey is an affordable alternative to pricier meats like lamb. This makes turkey shepherd’s pie a great budget meal.

• Leftover turkey – You can use up leftover roasted or smoked turkey meat instead of raw ground turkey. It’s a delicious way to repurpose holiday leftovers!

My Favorite Turkey Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Over the years, I’ve tweaked my turkey shepherd’s pie recipe to perfection. Here’s how I make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and diced
• 8 oz button mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tsp fresh thyme
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 cups mashed potatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground turkey until browned and crumbled, 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

3. In the same pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, mushrooms and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.

4. Sprinkle vegetables with flour and stir constantly for 1 minute. Slowly stir in chicken broth and milk. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.

5. Stir in cooked turkey, thyme, rosemary and season with salt and pepper. Transfer mixture to a 9×13 baking dish.

6. Top turkey mixture evenly with mashed potatoes. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over top.

7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and top is lightly browned. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Mashed Potato Tips:

• Use russet potatoes for light, fluffy texture. Boil until fork tender then mash with milk, butter, salt and pepper.

• For richer flavor, use a mix of potatoes like Yukon gold and sweet potatoes.

• Stir in sour cream or cream cheese for extra creamy potatoes.

• For convenience, use store-bought refrigerated mashed potatoes.

Turkey Shepherd’s Pie Variations

The great thing about shepherd’s pie is how versatile it is. You can customize it to your tastes and what you have on hand. Some tasty turkey shepherd’s pie variations include:

• Use a mix of ground turkey and ground beef or sausage. This adds deeper, meatier flavor.

• Add frozen peas, corn or green beans to the filling. Great way to increase veggies!

• Stir in gravy, Worcestershire sauce or tomato paste for extra moisture and flavor.

• Top with grated Parmesan cheese instead of cheddar for a nice tang.

• Swap regular potatoes for cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower for lower carbs.

• Add a layer of cooked corn on the bottom before the turkey mixture. Provides sweetness.

• Use leftover Thanksgiving turkey instead of ground for a post-holiday meal.

• Mix in sautéed kale, spinach or Swiss chard for healthy greens.

• Add a dash of paprika, cayenne or smoked paprika to the mashed potatoes for a kick.

Cooking Tips for the Best Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Follow these tips to ensure delicious turkey shepherd’s pie every time:

• Use 85% or 90% lean ground turkey so it doesn’t become greasy. Extra lean can be too dry.

• Cook the ground turkey fully before making the pie to remove excess fat.

• Cut the vegetables small so they cook through and blend nicely with the turkey.

• Make sure to use flour to thicken the broth into a gravy. This adds important moisture and binds the pie.

• Season the filling generously. The turkey and potatoes tend to be bland so seasonings are crucial.

• Use hot mashed potatoes to top the pie before baking. Cold potatoes will make it dry out.

• Let the pie rest for 5 minutes after baking so flavors can set. Don’t cut into it too quickly!

Serving Suggestions

Turkey shepherd’s pie is a filling meal on its own, but here are some tasty items to serve alongside it:

• Crusty bread or rolls to soak up the delicious gravy

• A fresh mixed green salad

• Sauteed or roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli or asparagus

• Cranberry sauce for a tangy contrast

• Irish soda bread for an authentic touch

Storage and Leftovers

One of the bonuses of shepherd’s pie is it keeps well and leftovers are amazing. Here are some storage tips:

• Let the pie cool completely before covering it to prevent condensation.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

• The flavors meld even more on days two and three! The pie tastes even better.

• To reheat, place individual slices on a plate, cover with a paper towel and microwave in 30 second intervals until hot.

You can also assemble the entire pie ahead of time and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours before cooking. Allow extra baking time for cold pies.

For longer storage, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

I’ve been perfecting this turkey shepherd’s pie recipe for years, and it’s easily become one of my most made meals. Here are some of the reasons it’s so delicious:

• It’s hearty, filling comfort food but lighter than beef shepherd’s pie

• The combo of ground turkey with tons of vegetables is so flavorful

• It uses affordable ingredients that are easy to find

• You likely have most of the ingredients on hand already

• It’s simple to throw together on a weeknight but feels special

• Both adults and kids devour this meal every time I make it

• Leftovers provide easy lunches or dinners for days after

• It reheats beautifully and freezes well for longer storage

I hope you’ll give this fantastic turkey shepherd’s pie recipe a try soon. It delivers on the ultimate comfort food experience. The entire family will be going back for seconds and asking for it again and again. Enjoy!