Easy to prepare and even easier to eat, this Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie is the ideal way to use up any leftover turkey and mashed potatoes from the holidays! Leftovers have never tasted so good!.
If you have an abundance of leftover turkey or mashed potatoes from Thanksgiving and are at a loss for what to do with them, this Shepherd’s Pie is ideal. This is my very basic version; I just used what I had in the refrigerator, and in no time at all, I had this masterpiece of comfort food!
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, mountains of delicious food. But what happens when the feast is over and you’re left with a fridge full of leftovers? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Today, we’re bringing you two incredible recipes that will transform your leftover turkey and mashed potatoes into culinary masterpieces.
Recipe 1: Leftover Turkey & Mashed Potato Pie (Life As A Strawberry)
This recipe is a delightful twist on the classic shepherd’s pie, combining creamy mashed potatoes with a savory turkey filling. It’s perfect for using up those leftover veggies and creating a comforting, hearty meal
Ingredients:
- Leftover turkey, diced
- Chicken or turkey stock
- Vegetables of your choice (carrots, peas, corn, green beans, etc.)
- Mashed potatoes
- Butter
- Onion
- Garlic
- Flour
- Worcestershire sauce
- Dried herbs (rosemary, thyme)
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Sauté onions and garlic in butter, then add herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Make a roux by adding flour and cooking for a minute.
- Gradually add stock, stirring to break up any lumps.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, veggies, and diced turkey.
- In a separate bowl, mix an egg into your leftover mashed potatoes.
- Spread the potato mixture over the filling in a Dutch oven.
- Bake at 400°F until the filling is bubbling and the potatoes are golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve!
Recipe 2: Turkey and Mashed Potatoes Casserole (Olivia’s Cuisine)
This recipe is a Brazilian-inspired take on the classic casserole, featuring a rich gravy and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
Ingredients:
- Leftover turkey, shredded
- Leftover gravy
- Mashed potatoes
- Heavy cream (optional)
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil, then add the shredded turkey and sauté for a minute.
- Add the gravy and parsley, and cook until incorporated.
- If your mashed potatoes are too thick, add heavy cream to loosen them up.
- Spread a layer of mashed potatoes in a greased baking dish.
- Top with the turkey filling and another layer of mashed potatoes.
- Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and bake at 400°F for 30 minutes.
- Top with more parmesan cheese and serve!
Tips and Tricks:
- Feel free to get creative with your leftover vegetables! Both recipes are incredibly versatile and can accommodate whatever you have on hand.
- If you don’t have leftover gravy, you can easily make your own by whisking together chicken or turkey stock with a cornstarch slurry.
- For an extra cheesy experience, add some shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese to your mashed potatoes before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
With these two delicious recipes, you’ll never have to worry about what to do with your leftover turkey and mashed potatoes again. So gather your ingredients, put on your aprons, and get ready to create some culinary magic! And remember, the possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment and add your own personal touch. Happy cooking!
How To Make Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, carrot, and celery to a large skillet with melted butter over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent.
- Add the garlic, salt, pepper, basil, and thyme to the broth. Once the garlic is aromatic, give it another 30 seconds of cooking and stirring. Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir well. Simmer for one to two minutes to eliminate the taste of raw flour. Stir to dissolve the chicken bouillon cube after adding it to the chicken broth. Stirring occasionally, cook for an additional five minutes or until the sauce thickens.
- Finish with mashed potatoes after adding the turkey and peas. Stir well and bring the filling back to a boil. Using a spoon, smooth the mashed potatoes over the filling. Using a fork, slightly roughen the top and then add mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the oven and bake for thirty minutes, or until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly and golden on top.
- Garnish and serve: If desired, garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Why Make This Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
- Great Use Of Holiday Leftovers
- Easy & Straightforward
- Simple Ingredients
- Total Comfort Food
- Overall Pretty Healthy
The fact that I added some fresh mozzarella cheese to the mashed potatoes and baked the pie until the cheese melted and turned golden and bubbly made this shepherd’s pie exceptionally delicious. This recipe, which is incredibly tasty and a true comfort food in my opinion, is the best way to use up leftover holiday food!
- White or dark turkey meat, whatever’s left, chop it up into small pieces.
- Vegetables: chopped celery, carrots, bell peppers, onions, peas, and garlic Load it up with whatever veggies you have on hand.
- Butter – I used unsalted to control the sodium!
- Spices – Dried thyme and basil. You can use any kind of herbs you like; Italian seasoning is a great alternative.
- Cheese – Mozzarella cheese, shredded. Although I personally enjoy a cheesy flavor in my mashed potatoes, I would say that this ingredient is optional.
- Chicken Broth – I always opt for low sodium.
- Mashed Potatoes – let’s not forget the best part. Lots of creamy mashed potatoes.
- Note that the ingredient “chicken bouillon” is absent from the image. This optional ingredient gives the filling extra flavor.
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FAQ
How do you reheat turkey and mashed potatoes?
How long do leftover mashed potatoes last in the refrigerator?