Shepherd’s Pie with Leftover Turkey: A Comforting and Delicious Way to Use Up Your Thanksgiving Turkey

Shepherd’s Pie with Leftover Turkey

Shepherd’s pie is a classic comfort food that is perfect for using up leftover turkey. This hearty dish is made with a layer of mashed potatoes, a layer of ground turkey and vegetables, and topped with a flavorful gravy. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Whether you are looking for a simple weeknight meal or a special holiday dish, shepherd’s pie is sure to please.

In this article, we will discuss the history of shepherd’s pie, the different ingredients that can be used, and how to make a delicious shepherd’s pie with leftover turkey. We will also provide some tips for making the perfect shepherd’s pie.

Ingredient	Quantity	Instructions
Leftover turkey	1 pound, shredded	Chop the leftover turkey into small pieces.
Potatoes	3 pounds, peeled and cubed	Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Onion	1 large, chopped	Saut the onion in butter until softened, about 5 minutes.
Carrots	2 large, chopped	Add the carrots to the pan and cook until softened, about 5 minutes more.
Celery	1 stalk, chopped	Add the celery to the pan and cook until softened, about 5 minutes more.
Beef broth	1 cup	Add the beef broth to the pan and bring to a simmer.
Worcestershire sauce	1 tablespoon	Add the Worcestershire sauce to the pan and stir to combine.
Dried thyme	1 teaspoon	Add the thyme to the pan and stir to combine.
Salt and pepper	To taste	Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cornstarch	2 tablespoons	In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth.
Milk	1 cup	Add the milk to the pan and bring to a simmer.
Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened, about 2 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, combine the turkey, potatoes, vegetables, and sauce.
Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Top with the mashed potatoes.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Ingredients

For the Shepherd’s Pie:

* 2 pounds ground turkey
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 cups frozen peas and carrots
* 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
* 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
* 1 cup milk
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For the Mashed Potatoes:

* 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/4 cup butter
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

To Make the Shepherd’s Pie:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground turkey.
2. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the peas and carrots, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
5. In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, milk, butter, salt, and pepper.
6. Spread the mashed potatoes over the shepherd’s pie filling.
7. Sprinkle with the cheddar cheese.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

To Make the Mashed Potatoes:

1. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
3. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or ricer.
4. Add the milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Stir until combined.

To Serve:

Serve the shepherd’s pie immediately. Enjoy!

Ingredients

For the Shepherds Pie Filling:

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 cups frozen peas and carrots
* 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
* 1 cup milk
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Mashed Potatoes:

* 3 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/4 cup butter, melted
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, stirring to break up the meat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes more. Stir in the peas and carrots, cream of mushroom soup, milk, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are heated through.
3. In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth.
4. Spread the mashed potatoes over the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the turkey filling over the potatoes. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

* To make ahead, prepare the filling and mashed potatoes according to the recipe. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
* If you don’t have any leftover turkey, you can use ground beef, chicken, or even a vegetarian protein like tofu.
* Feel free to add your own favorite vegetables to the filling. Some good options include corn, green beans, or broccoli.
* For a more flavorful mashed potatoes, use Yukon Gold potatoes or red potatoes. You can also add some sour cream, chives, or bacon bits.

Variations

Here are a few variations on the classic Shepherd’s Pie recipe:

* Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash: Instead of using mashed potatoes, use mashed cauliflower. This is a great option for a healthier Shepherd’s Pie.
* Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Mash: Sweet potato mash is a delicious and flavorful alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
* Shepherd’s Pie with Vegetarian Filling: For a vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie, use a vegetarian protein like tofu, tempeh, or seitan. You can also use vegetables like lentils or beans in place of the ground meat.
* Shepherd’s Pie with a Different Protein: If you don’t have any leftover turkey, you can use ground beef, chicken, or even a vegetarian protein like tofu.

Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a winter meal. It is easy to make, hearty, and delicious. With so many variations to choose from, you are sure to find a Shepherd’s Pie that everyone will love.

Q: What is Shepherd’s Pie?
A: Shepherd’s pie is a traditional British dish made with ground lamb, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. It is often served with gravy.

Q: Can I use leftover turkey instead of lamb in Shepherd’s Pie?
A: Yes, you can use leftover turkey in Shepherd’s Pie. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be a delicious and hearty dish.

Q: What vegetables can I use in Shepherd’s Pie?
A: You can use any vegetables that you like in Shepherd’s Pie. Some common vegetables include carrots, peas, onions, and celery.

Q: How do I make mashed potatoes for Shepherd’s Pie?
A: To make mashed potatoes for Shepherd’s Pie, you will need:

* 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/4 cup butter
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

1. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth.

Q: How do I assemble Shepherd’s Pie?
A: To assemble Shepherd’s Pie, you will need:

* A 9×13 inch baking dish
* 1 pound ground turkey
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 1/2 cup chopped celery
* 1/2 cup chopped carrots
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup beef broth
* 1/2 cup frozen peas
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 2 cups mashed potatoes

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground turkey over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, carrots, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Stir in the peas and mashed potatoes. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Q: How do I make gravy for Shepherd’s Pie?
A: To make gravy for Shepherd’s Pie, you will need:

* 1 tablespoon butter
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 cup beef broth
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1 minute, or until the mixture is golden brown.
2. Slowly whisk in the beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Q: How do I store Shepherd’s Pie?
A: Shepherd’s Pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in a preheated 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven until heated through, about 20 minutes.

Shepherd’s pie is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for using up leftover turkey. This recipe is simple to follow and can be made in just a few steps. The result is a delicious and flavorful meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

* Shepherd’s pie is a traditional British dish that is made with layers of mashed potatoes, cooked vegetables, and ground meat.
* Leftover turkey is a great way to make shepherd’s pie because it is already cooked and flavorful.
* This recipe is simple to follow and can be made in just a few steps.
* The result is a delicious and flavorful meal that the whole family will enjoy.