Delicious Shepherd’s Pie with Leftover Turkey

The holidays have come and gone, and now you’re stuck with a fridge full of turkey leftovers. Don’t toss that precious poultry! With a few simple ingredients, you can transform those leftovers into a hearty, comforting shepherd’s pie that your whole family will love.

An Easy Way to Use Up Leftover Turkey

A classic shepherd’s pie is made with ground beef or lamb. But we’re using shredded or chopped turkey meat in this recipe instead. It’s an easy delicious way to repurpose those leftovers from your Thanksgiving or Christmas bird.

The great thing about shepherd’s pie is how versatile it is. You can throw in all kinds of veggies, seasonings and cheeses to customize it. Use up any leftover turkey gravy or stock to add even more flavor to the filling. Those leftover green beans, carrots, peas or brussels sprouts are perfect candidates too.

Creamy, Comforting and Full of Flavor

This shepherd’s pie starts with a sauteed veggie base of onion, carrots, celery and mushrooms. From there, we add fresh herbs, savory Worcestershire sauce, creamy broth and of course, shredded turkey. Frozen peas add a pop of color and freshness. The filling is spooned into a baking dish and topped with the crowning glory: leftover mashed potatoes.

The potatoes get mixed with egg yolk, butter and cheese to make them extra rich and velvety. Spread them evenly over the turkey layer and bake until the filling bubbles up at the edges and the potato topping turns golden brown.

The result is a hearty, comforting meal with delicious flavors from the just-cooked turkey and sides. With its creamy potato topping and tender veggies mixed in the filling, it makes for the perfect post-holiday meal.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for shepherd’s pie success

Prep the Ingredients

• Chop 1 onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks
• Slice 8 oz mushrooms
• Mince 2 garlic cloves
• Shred or chop 3 cups of cooked turkey
• Peel and cube 2 lbs potatoes

Make the Filling

• In a skillet, cook onion, carrots, celery and mushrooms until softened
• Add garlic, flour, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, herbs and cream
• Fold in turkey and frozen peas
• Simmer until thickened

Prepare the Potatoes

• Boil potatoes until fork tender
• Drain and mash with butter, cream, egg yolk, cheese, salt and pepper

Assemble and Bake

• Pour filling into a greased casserole dish
• Top with mashed potatoes, spreading evenly
• Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbling
• Broil 2-4 minutes until potatoes are crispy

Finish and Serve

• Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving
• Garnish with parsley

Following these simple steps yields the ultimate comforting leftover turkey shepherd’s pie Adjust any spices or ingredients to your taste, and feel free to top with extra cheese too.

Get Creative with Leftovers

Here are some ideas for customizing your shepherd’s pie using Thanksgiving leftovers:

• Stir in leftover turkey gravy or stock for extra moisture and flavor
• Use up leftover veggies like green beans, brussels sprouts, corn or squash
• Mix in leftover stuffing or cranberry sauce
• Top with crunchy fried onion straws
• Sprinkle shredded cheese between the layers
• Replace peas with edamame for extra protein
• Swap in sweet potatoes or butternut squash for the mashed potato layer
• Add hot sauce or chili powder for a kick
• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme or sage

The possibilities are endless when it comes to repurposing leftovers in this comforting shepherd’s pie. Don’t be afraid to get creative with ingredients to use up what you have on hand.

Make it Ahead for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Like most casseroles, this shepherd’s pie can be assembled a day or two in advance. Simply prepare the filling and mashed potatoes, then refrigerate in separate containers. When ready to bake, pour the chilled filling into a greased baking dish and top with the mashed potatoes. Bake as directed.

You can also double the recipe and bake two pies, keeping one in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy.

Having a shepherd’s pie premade makes weeknight dinners a breeze. Simply pop it in the oven after a long day for a hearty, homemade meal without much effort.

Comfort Food Any Time of Year

While this shepherd’s pie is the perfect way to use up Thanksgiving or Christmas leftovers, don’t reserve it just for the holidays. It’s a deliciously comforting meal any time of year.

You can prepare the filling with ground beef or lamb when turkey isn’t handy. Feel free to swap out the veggies and seasonings based on what you have available too. Top with freshly made mashed potatoes, or use convenient frozen or refrigerated varieties to cut down on prep time.

Kids and adults alike will devour this homey, flavorful dish. The one-dish meal makes for great Sunday dinners, potlucks or anytime you’re craving hearty comfort food.

Next time you need an easy, tasty meal that will satisfy the whole family, give this leftover turkey shepherd’s pie a try. It breathes new life into holiday leftovers while delivering the ultimate comfort food experience.