Easy Ground Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

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When it comes to comfort food, few dishes rival the timeless appeal of shepherd’s pie.

But what if you could enjoy all that hearty goodness while keeping it light and healthy?

Enter the Ground Turkey Shepherd’s Pie!

This twist on the classic swaps traditional beef for lean turkey, delivering a dish that’s just as satisfying but lower in fat.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is the perfect blend of nourishment and nostalgia.

Let’s dive in and create a dish that’s as easy to make as it is to love!

Ingredients for Ground Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

To make this delicious recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 3 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 tbsp butter (optional)
• ¼ cup milk (or a dairy-free alternative)
• Salt to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

• Sweet potato mash for the topping.
• Grated cheese for a golden crust.
• Fresh parsley for garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Filling

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add carrots, peas, and corn, cooking for 3-5 minutes.
4. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried herbs, and broth. Simmer until the mixture thickens slightly.
5. Return the turkey to the skillet and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Prepare the Mashed Potato Topping

1. If using fresh potatoes, boil until tender, then mash with butter, milk, and salt.
2. For a lighter option, swap potatoes for mashed cauliflower or sweet potatoes.

Step 3: Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread the turkey filling evenly in a baking dish.
3. Layer the mashed potato topping over the filling, smoothing it out with a spatula.
4. Optional: Sprinkle grated cheese on top for extra flavor.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling.
2. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Tips for the Best Ground Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

• Prevent a Watery Filling: Simmer the filling until it thickens to avoid excess moisture.
• Flavor Boost: Add a dash of paprika or a pinch of nutmeg to the potatoes for extra depth.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the pie a day in advance and bake it when needed.

Variations on Ground Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Sweet Potato Topping

Swap regular potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet twist.

Low-Carb Option

Use mashed cauliflower as a topping to reduce carbs without sacrificing texture.

Global Flavors

Incorporate curry powder, soy sauce, or smoked paprika for an international spin.

FAQ’s

Can I freeze shepherd’s pie?

Yes! Assemble the pie and freeze it unbaked. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

What are good side dishes to serve with this?

A simple green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts pairs wonderfully. You can find more side dish ideas by clicking here.

How do I reheat it?

Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions.

Easy Ground Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

This Ground Turkey Shepherd’s Pie is a lighter, healthier take on the classic comfort food. Featuring a savory turkey and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, it’s the perfect dish for a cozy family dinner or meal prep.

Prep Time15minutes mins
Cook Time30minutes mins
Total Time45minutes mins

CourseMain Course
CuisineBritish

Servings6 Servings
Calories300 kcal

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 cup carrots diced
• 1 cup peas frozen or fresh
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 3 cups mashed potatoes homemade or store-bought
• 2 tbsp butter optional
• ¼ cup milk or a dairy-free alternative
• Salt to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

• Sweet potato mash for the topping.
• Grated cheese for a golden crust.
• Fresh parsley for garnish.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Filling

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Remove and set aside.

• In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.

• Add carrots, peas, and corn, cooking for 3-5 minutes.

• Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried herbs, and broth. Simmer until the mixture thickens slightly.

• Return the turkey to the skillet and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Prepare the Mashed Potato Topping

• If using fresh potatoes, boil until tender, then mash with butter, milk, and salt.

• For a lighter option, swap potatoes for mashed cauliflower or sweet potatoes.

Step 3: Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Spread the turkey filling evenly in a baking dish.

• Layer the mashed potato topping over the filling, smoothing it out with a spatula.

• Optional: Sprinkle grated cheese on top for extra flavor.

Step 4: Bake

• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling.

• Let it cool slightly before serving.

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