Introduction:
Cozy up with this hearty and delicious Turkey Shepherd’s Pie, a satisfying meal for those cozy nights in or a family gathering. This recipe introduces a delightful twist on classic comfort food – a turkey based shepherd’s pie, perfect for any turkey lover or those after a lighter take on this wholesome dish.
Why Make This Recipe:
Whipping up a Turkey Shepherd’s Pie is a fantastic way to use up your leftover turkey and transform it into a different delectable dish. It’s a comforting, satisfying meal that is full of essential nutrients from a variety of vegetables and lean turkey meat.
How to Make Turkey Shepherd’s Pie:
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
– 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
– 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1/2 cup milk
– 4 tbsp butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Start by preparing the mashed potatoes. Boil the potatoes until tender, drain the water, return them back into the pot and mash with milk and butter until smooth. Season it with salt and pepper and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and sauté until softened. Add the turkey, cooking until browned.
3. Stir in tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce, peas, carrots, and corn, let it cook until the mixture thickens.
4. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Evenly spread the turkey mixture in a baking dish then top it off with the mashed potatoes.
5. Bake for 20 minutes, until the top is golden.
6. Allow the bake to cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Turkey Shepherd’s Pie:
Serve warm. It’s perfect on its own but even better with a side of green salad or freshly baked bread.
How to Store Turkey Shepherd’s Pie:
Store in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month.
Tips to Make Turkey Shepherd’s Pie:
1. For a perfectly browned and crispy shepherd’s pie, broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.
2. Add other veggies you have on hand, like green beans or bell peppers, for variety.
Variation:
For non-turkey eaters, you can switch the turkey with the same amount of ground beef or chicken to make a classic shepherd’s pie or chicken shepherd’s pie.
FAQs:
1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for the mashed topping?
– Yes. Sweet potatoes can be a delicious and healthy alternative.
2. Is it okay to use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
– Absolutely, just adjust your cooking time as fresh vegetables may take a bit longer to soften.
3. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
– Yes. You can make Turkey Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time and freeze it. Just remember to bake it a little longer if you’re cooking it from frozen.
Make your dinner times memorable and pleasing with this warm Turkey Shepherd’s Pie! Enjoy!