Easy Ground Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s pie is one of the most comforting foods there is.
But what if you could have all that hearty food while yet being healthy and light?
Here comes the Ground Turkey Shepherd’s Pie!
Instead of using beef, this version uses lean turkey, which makes the dish just as tasty but with less fat.
This dish is the perfect mix of food and memories, whether you’re cooking for your family or getting ready for the week.
Let’s get started and make a dish that’s simple to make and delicious!
About This Recipe
This Ground Turkey Shepherd’s Pie is a healthier, lighter version of the classic comfort meal. With a tasty turkey and veggie stuffing and creamy mashed potatoes on top, this is the perfect meal for a family dinner or meal prep.
- Time to get ready: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: British
- Servings: 6 Servings
- Calories: 300 kcal
What you need to make Ground Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
You will need the following things to make this tasty recipe:
For the stuffing:
- 1 pound of ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, cut into small pieces
- 2 cloves of garlic, chopped up
- 1 cup of chopped carrots
- 1 cup of peas, either frozen or fresh
- 1 cup of corn kernels
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 cup of broth made from chicken or turkey
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp of dried thyme
- 1 tsp of dried rosemary
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
For the top:
- 3 cups of mashed potatoes, either store-bought or prepared at home
- 2 tablespoons of butter (optional)
- ¼ cup of milk (or a dairy-free substitute)
- Add salt to taste
Add-Ins That Are Not Required:
- The topping is sweet potato mash.
- Grated cheese makes the crust golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
Step 1: Get the Turkey Filling Ready
Put a big skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and sauté it until it is browned, breaking it up into small pieces. Take out and set aside.
In the same skillet, cook the onion and garlic until they smell good.
Add the peas, corn, and carrots and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes.
Add the broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and dry herbs and stir. Let the mixture simmer until it thickens a little.
Put the turkey back in the skillet and stir well. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Make the topping for the mashed potatoes
If you are using fresh potatoes, boil them until they are soft, then mash them with butter, milk, and salt.
If you want a lighter meal, use mashed cauliflower or sweet potatoes instead of potatoes.
Step 3: Put together the Shepherd’s Pie
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) before you start cooking.
Put the turkey filling in a baking dish and spread it out.
Spread the mashed potatoes over the filling and use a spatula to level them evenly.
Optional: Add shredded cheese to the top for more flavor.
Step 4: Put in the oven
Put it in the oven that has already been heated for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Let it cool down a bit before you serve it.
How to Make the Best Ground Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
- To keep the filling from getting watery, simmer it until it thickens.
- To make the potatoes taste better, add a little paprika or nutmeg.
- Make Ahead: Put the pie together a day ahead of time and bake it when you need it.
Different kinds of Ground Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
Topping of Sweet Potatoes
For a delicious twist, use mashed sweet potatoes instead of ordinary potatoes.
Low-Carb Choice
To cut down on carbs without losing texture, use mashed cauliflower as a topping.
Flavors from around the world
Add curry powder, soy sauce, or smoky paprika to give it a global flavor.
Questions and Answers
Is it possible to freeze shepherd’s pie?
Yes! Put the pie together and freeze it without baking it. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
What are some nice side dishes to go with this?
A simple green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts go great with this. Click here for additional ideas for side dishes.
How do I reheat it?
Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings.
Ingredients Recap
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 of mashed potatoes, either store-bought or prepared at home
- 2 tbsp butter optional
- ¼ cup milk or a dairy-free alternative
- Salt to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- The topping is sweet potato mash.
- Grated cheese for a beautiful crust.
- Fresh parsley for garnish.
Step by Step Summary
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Filling
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and heat until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until aromatic.
- Add carrots, peas, and corn, simmering 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 stir well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Prepare the Mashed Potato Topping
- Boil fresh potatoes until they are soft, then mash them with butter, milk, and salt.
- For a lighter option, switch potatoes for mashed cauliflower or sweet potatoes.
Step 3: Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Put the turkey filling in a baking dish in an equal layer.
- Layer the mashed potato topping over the filling, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Optional: Sprinkle grated cheese over top for extra taste.
Step 4: Put in the oven
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Let it cool down a bit before you serve it.