Turkey Shepherd's Pie

A lighter take on a classic, using ground turkey.

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Pies English Moderate
Turkey Shepherd's Pie
A fantastical image to inspire you.

Shepherd's Pie, a beloved British comfort food, traditionally features a rich meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes. While the classic version is undeniably delicious, we're offering a lighter, healthier alternative by using ground turkey. This twist on the traditional recipe delivers all the warmth and flavor of the original, but with a lower-fat, higher-protein profile.  

What You Will Need

Ingredients

For the filling:

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tsp Better Than Bouillon (Vegetable Flavored)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

For the mashed potato topping:

  • 3 large Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup goat or cow's milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste

The Process

Prepare the filling:

  • Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Brown the turkey: Add ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
  • Add flavorings: Stir in garlic, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper.
  • Create a roux: Sprinkle flour over the mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  • Add broth: Boil the cup of water, add the Better than Bouillon, and mix until dissolved. Gradually pour in the broth, whisking to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened 5 to 10 minutes.

Prepare the mashed potatoes:

  • Boil potatoes: Peel the potatoes, then boil them in a large pot of salted water until tender. Drain well.
  • Mash potatoes: Mash potatoes with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Assemble and bake:

  • Transfer filling: Pour the turkey mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish or a 9-inch or 10-inch round deep-dish pie pan.
  • Top with mashed potatoes: Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the filling.
  • Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Additional Tips

If this dish is for a special occasion, you can elevate your Shepherd's Pie with a beautiful, professional-looking piped potato topping.

To pipe your mashed potatoes, fill a piping bag with warm mashed potatoes and attach a large, open star tip. Hold the bag upright, close to the Shepherd's Pie, and gently squeeze to pipe your desired design, such as swirls or rosettes. Use a spatula to smooth the top if needed. Remember, warm mashed potatoes pipe more easily, so keep them warm. Also, practice on a plate before piping on your dish to get the hang of it.