Turkey Shepherd’s Pie: the ultimate hug in a bowl. This dish makes a great weeknight supper for the family with the kids or a great weekday lunch that you can prepare ahead of time. Turkey shepherds pie features ground turkey and sautéed vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes, baked to perfection. Turkey shepherd’s pie is a decadent dish that is guilt-free and convenient to store and reheat.
Shepherd’s pie, that comforting dish of savory meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, gets a healthy makeover with these two delicious turkey shepherd’s pie recipes. Whether you’re looking for a lighter option for St. Patrick’s Day or a way to use up leftover turkey, these recipes are sure to please.
1. Allrecipes’ Turkey Shepherd’s Pie: A Classic with a Healthy Twist
This recipe from Allrecipes offers a classic shepherd’s pie experience with a lighter touch. Ground turkey replaces the traditional ground beef, making it a lower-fat option. The filling is packed with flavor thanks to the addition of mushrooms, carrots, and fresh herbs. The mashed potato topping is made with warm milk and butter for a creamy texture, and seasoned with salt and pepper for a simple yet satisfying finish.
Here are some highlights of the Allrecipes recipe:
- Healthier: Uses ground turkey instead of ground beef for a lower-fat option.
- Flavorful: Includes mushrooms, carrots, and fresh herbs for a delicious and aromatic filling.
- Creamy: Uses warm milk and butter for a creamy mashed potato topping.
- Simple: Easy to follow instructions and readily available ingredients.
If you’re looking for a classic shepherd’s pie with a healthy twist this recipe is a perfect choice.
2. Delish’s Best Turkey Shepherd’s Pie Recipe: A Springtime Refreshment
This recipe from Delish offers a lighter and brighter take on shepherd’s pie, perfect for spring. The ground turkey filling is mixed with fresh vegetables like parsnips and carrots, and seasoned with fresh thyme and sage for a herbaceous flavor. The mashed potato topping is made with milk, sour cream, and Monterey Jack cheese for a creamy and flavorful finish.
Here are some highlights of the Delish recipe:
- Springtime Refreshment: Uses fresh vegetables and herbs for a lighter and brighter flavor.
- Creamy and Flavorful: Mashed potato topping made with milk, sour cream, and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Versatile: Can be easily customized with additional vegetables or spices.
- Ovenproof Skillet: Makes for easy cleanup and one-pan cooking.
If you’re looking for a lighter and more flavorful shepherd’s pie this recipe is a great option.
No matter which recipe you choose, you’re sure to enjoy a delicious and comforting meal. Here are some additional tips for making the perfect turkey shepherd’s pie:**
- Use high-quality ground turkey: This will ensure that your filling is flavorful and juicy.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables: They should be tender but still have a bit of bite.
- Season the mashed potatoes generously: This will add flavor and depth to the dish.
- Let the pie rest for a few minutes before serving: This will allow the flavors to meld and the pie to set.
With these tips and the delicious recipes above, you’re sure to create a turkey shepherd’s pie that will warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds.
How to prep the mashed potato topping
I always start this process first, since it takes the longest to prep and boil the potatoes.
Start by peeling the potatoes. For this recipe, I use 30 oz of potatoes (weighed raw). This equated to about three medium-sized russet potatoes, which yielded about 3 1/2 cups when chopped.
Peel the potatoes and chop them roughly into large chunks.
Fill a small pot with water and bring the water to a boil, then add the potatoes.
Cook the potatoes until they are fork tender. Then, strain them.
You can make the shepherd’s pie filling while the potatoes are cooking, but for educational purposes, let’s finish this step right away!
After using a fork to mash them to remove any lumps, add the half-and-half, onion and garlic salts, and Stir to combine until they are creamy, like mashed potatoes. Set them aside until you’re ready to use them.
What you’ll need to make turkey shepherd’s pie
For the turkey and vegetable filling, you’ll need:
- light butter
- onion
- shredded carrots
- garlic
- ground turkey breast
- onion salt
- garlic salt
- dried oregano
- dried thyme
- tomato paste
- Worcestershire
- flour
- reduced sodium chicken broth
- frozen peas
For the mashed potato topping, you’ll need:
- russet potatoes
- fat free half and half
- garlic salt
- onion salt
A shortcut I took when I first created this recipe was using these Ore-Ida Steam ‘n Mash potatoes for the topping. It eliminates the need to peel, cut and boil potatoes. But, I will say… I enjoy using the real potatoes here. I feel there is a bit of a difference in the taste! But, if you’re in a pinch, you can totally use these frozen bagged ones as a shortcut.
Giada’s Next-Day Turkey Shepherd’s Pie | Giada at Home | Food Network
FAQ
Can you make shepherd’s pie with ground turkey?
What can I use to thicken my shepherd’s pie?
Is shepherds pie and cottage pie the same?
Does Ina Garten have a recipe for shepherd’s pie?