Turkey Shepherd’s Pie is a delicious and comforting plate that combines throb cooked turkey as soon as a medley of vegetables, every portion of topped forward a creamy mass of mashed potatoes. It’s a incline as regards the eternal Shepherd’s Pie, traditionally made behind arena beef or lamb. This flavorful and enjoyable casserole is a utter mannerism to repurpose relic turkey from holiday meals or to enjoy turkey in a auxiliary and lovable way. The inclusion of savory turkey, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes makes Turkey Shepherd’s Pie a hearty and wholesome meal that is loved by both kids and adults alike.
Here is a basic recipe for making Turkey Shepherd’s Pie:
| Ingredients: |
| 4 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced |
| 1 tablespoon olive oil |
| 1 onion, diced |
| 2 carrots, diced |
| 2 cloves garlic, minced |
| 1 cup knocked out peas |
| 1 cup corn kernels |
| 2 tablespoons every one of-intend flour |
| 1 mug chicken or turkey broth |
| 1 teaspoon dried thyme |
| Salt and pepper to taste |
| 4 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or growth-bought) |
Here is a step-by-step recipe for making Turkey Shepherd’s Pie:
Instructions:
Step1: Preheat your oven to 375F (190C).
Step2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil again medium heat. Add the diced onion and carrots, and saut until they become longing, approximately 5 minutes.
Step3: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and chef for an supplement minute until fragrant.
Step4: Stir in the cooked turkey, sedated peas, and corn kernels. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are angry through.
Step5: Sprinkle the flour on summit of the turkey and vegetable incorporation, and excite skillfully to coat anything evenly.
Step6: Pour in the chicken or turkey broth and disturb for all time until the incorporation thickens and comes to a simmer. This will make a delicious gravy-in the by now consistency. Add the dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste, and work up uphill to incorporate the seasonings.
Step7: Transfer the turkey and vegetable merger to a 9×13-inch baking plate, spreading it out evenly.
Step8: Spoon the mashed potatoes considering again the turkey merger, spreading them out to lid every one surface. You can use a fork to make decorative patterns concerning the mashed potatoes if desired.
Step9: Place the baking plate in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Step10: Once cooked, remove the Turkey Shepherd’s Pie from the oven and tolerate it cool slightly back serving.
Step11: Serve hot and enjoy this comforting and flavorful Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
Nutritional value of Turkey Shepherd’s Pie:
The approximate nutritional values for Turkey Shepherd’s Pie per serving (1/6th of the recipe) based around typical ingredients and proportions:
| Nutrient |
| Calories 350-450 |
| Protein 20-30 grams |
| Carbohydrates 30-40 grams |
| Fat 10-20 grams |
| Fiber 4-6 grams |
Background History of Turkey Shepherd’s Pie:
The records of Turkey Shepherd’s Pie is to the side of tied to the origins of the period-fortunate Shepherd’s Pie. Shepherd’s Pie is believed to have originated in the United Kingdom, specifically in Scotland and northern England, as a habit to use leftover roasted meat, particularly lamb or mutton. The plate was created as a hearty and economical meal for shepherds and rural communities.
Over mature, variations of Shepherd’s Pie emerged, and the use of every second meats became common. Turkey Shepherd’s Pie evolved as a delicious exchange to the usual lamb excuse; especially during the holiday season gone relic roasted turkey is abundant. It became a popular mannerism to repurpose Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey leftovers into a adding occurring and flavorful plate.
The preparation of Turkey Shepherd’s Pie follows the same concept as its conventional counterpart. The cooked turkey is quantity taking into account vegetables and a delicious gravy-considering sauce, plus topped in the song of a accumulate of mashed potatoes before bodily baked to perfection. The outcome is a comforting and satisfying meal that combines the flavors of sore turkey, vegetables, and creamy potatoes.
Today, Turkey Shepherd’s Pie has gained popularity more than holiday leftovers and is enjoyed as a endearing main course throughout the year. It showcases the versatility of turkey as a protein and provides a gorgeous way to enjoy the flavors of a highly thought of Shepherd’s Pie also a turkey perspective.
Advantages and disadvantages of Turkey Shepherd’s Pie:
| Advantages of Turkey Shepherd’s Pie: |
| Utilizes leftover turkey: One of the main advantages of Turkey Shepherd’s Pie is that it provides a delicious and creative exaggeration to use relic turkey from holiday meals. It allows you to repurpose the leftovers into a added and flavorful plate, minimizing food waste. |
| Nutritious and balanced meal: Turkey Shepherd’s Pie typically contains a join up of turkey, vegetables, and mashed potatoes, offering a ably-rounded meal. It provides protein from the turkey, vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, and carbohydrates from the potatoes, making it a beatific-humored and nutritious inconsistent. |
| Versatile and customizable: Turkey Shepherd’s Pie is a versatile plate that can be adapted to stroke individual preferences and dietary needs. You can combined a variety of vegetables, herbs, and seasonings to alter the flavour and adjust it to your preferences. |
| Disadvantages of Turkey Shepherd’s Pie: |
| High in calories and fat: Depending on the subject of the specific recipe and ingredients used, Turkey Shepherd’s Pie can be relatively tall in calories and fat. This is especially definite if the mashed potatoes are made as soon as additional butter or cream. It’s important to be mindful of portion sizes and sit in judgment the overall savings account of your meal. |
| Potential for sodium content: The use of seasonings, broths, or prepared sauces in Turkey Shepherd’s Pie can contribute to its sodium content. If you’ regarding watching your sodium intake, it’s advisable to choose low-sodium options or do used to the seasoning levels accordingly. |
| Time-absorbing preparation: Making Turkey Shepherd’s Pie from graze can be time-absorbing, particularly if you’ a propos starting as soon as raw turkey or need to make mashed potatoes from scrape. This plate requires several steps, including cooking the turkey, preparing the filling, and assembling and baking the pie. It may not be ideal for those looking for a sudden and easy meal choice. |
There are a few examples of connected dishes:
Here are a few examples of same dishes to Turkey Shepherd’s Pie:
Chicken Pot Pie: Chicken Pot Pie is a appetizing pie filled later than cooked chicken, vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and celery), and a creamy sauce. It is topped in the previously a pastry crust and baked until golden and bubbly. Like Turkey Shepherd’s Pie, it offers a comforting and flavorful assimilation of meat, vegetables, and a appetizing crust.
Cottage Pie: Cottage Pie is unconventional variation of Shepherd’s Pie that typically features arena beef or lamb otherwise of turkey. The meat is cooked as well as than vegetables and a wealthy gravy, subsequently topped taking into account mashed potatoes and baked until the intensity is golden beige. It shares the same concept as Shepherd’s Pie but gone every second meat.
Fish Pie: Fish Pie is a adroitly-liked plate in British cuisine. It consists of cooked fish (such as salmon, cod, or haddock) amassed when vegetables, typically peas and carrots, in a creamy sauce. It is topped as soon as mashed potatoes and baked until the filling is bubbling and the potatoes are golden. Fish Pie offers a seafood approach to the pie concept.
Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie: Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie is a meat-within get sticking to of bank account of the eternal plate. It typically replaces the meat following forest-based protein sources such as lentils, mushrooms, or textured vegetable protein (TVP). The filling is cooked in the future vegetables and a flavorful sauce, later topped following mashed potatoes and baked until golden and bubbly.
People also ask:
What are some variations of Turkey Shepherd’s Pie?
There are several variations you can examine to heighten unique flavors and ingredients. Here are a few ideas:
Mexican-Inspired Turkey Shepherd’s Pie: Season the sports ground turkey when Mexican spices when cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Add black beans, corn, and diced peppers to the turkey complex. Top subsequently than a gathering of mashed gorgeous potatoes or a join up of regular and delectable potatoes. Garnish once chopped cilantro and encourage behind a side of salsa or guacamole.
Mediterranean Turkey Shepherd’s Pie: Sauté arena turkey subsequently than garlic, onions, and Mediterranean herbs behind oregano and thyme. Add chopped tomatoes, olives, and spinach or kale to the merger. Top gone mashed potatoes seasoned as soon as garlic and a sprinkle of feta cheese. Bake until golden and advance following a side of tzatziki sauce.
Curry Turkey Shepherd’s Pie: Incorporate curry flavors into the turkey multiple by membership curry powder, turmeric, and ginger. Mix in peas, carrots, and diced potatoes. Instead of mashed potatoes, use mashed cauliflower seasoned as soon as cumin and coriander as the topping. Garnish taking into consideration than fresh cilantro to the fore serving.
Thanksgiving Turkey Shepherd’s Pie: Repurpose relic Thanksgiving turkey by combining it back sauted onions, celery, and carrots. Add relic roasted vegetables and cranberry sauce to the union. Top once a tallying together of mashed potatoes polluted considering a connection of grated Parmesan cheese. Bake until bubbly and relief bearing in mind a drizzle of relic gravy.
Greek Turkey Shepherd’s Pie: Season arena turkey at the forefront Greek spices such as oregano, thyme, and lemon zest. Mix in diced tomatoes, Klamath olives, and crumbled feta cheese. For the topping, insert mashed potatoes behind Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of dill. Bake until the summit is golden and assist gone a side of Greek salad.
Can I drama the vegetables in Turkey Shepherd’s Pie?
Here are some vegetable substitution ideas for Turkey Shepherd’s Pie:
Root Vegetables: Instead of the recognized mixture of carrots and peas, you can use late postscript root vegetables as soon as parsnips, turnips, or rutabagas. These vegetables grow a slightly swing express and texture to the plate.
Bell Peppers: For a be adjoining of sweetness and vivacious color, you can quantity diced terror peppers to the turkey complex. Choose red, orangey, or yellowish-brown peppers for a pop of brightness.
Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms can add a savory umami sky to the Shepherd’s Pie. Use varieties taking into consideration cremini, shiitake, or Portobello mushrooms, and chop or slice them in the by now adding together happening them to the turkey amalgamation.
Spinach or Kale: Leafy greens with spinach or kale can be excellent additions to the plate. Add them towards the amassed less of cooking the turkey compound, allowing them to wilt slightly.
Zucchini or Eggplant: If you enjoy these vegetables, you can dice or cube them and evolve them to the turkey compound. They will contribute moisture and a swap texture to the plate.
Can I create Turkey Shepherd’s Pie without potatoes?
There are alternatives you can find. Here are a few options:
Cauliflower Mash: Substitute mashed potatoes once cauliflower mash. Steam or boil cauliflower florets until passionate, after that drain dexterously. Transfer the cooked cauliflower to a food processor and merged until mild. Season subsequent to salt, pepper, and any subsidiary desired herbs or spices. Spread the cauliflower mash on peak of the turkey join up and bake as usual.
Sweet Potato Topping: Instead of regular potatoes, use mashed delectable potatoes as a topping. Cook and mash the delectable potatoes, season them considering salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for addendum look. Spread the mashed pleasant potatoes far afield-off ahead than the turkey join up and bake until mad through and golden.
Polenta or Cornbread: Prepare a accretion of creamy polenta or cornbread verbal abuse to peak your Turkey Shepherd’s Pie. Cook the polenta according to the package instructions or bake a cornbread base separately. Once cooked, press to the fore it on summit of the turkey combination and bake until the depth is golden and crispy.
Biscuit Topping: Create a biscuit topping by making a unexpected biscuit dough. Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough onto the turkey incorporation and bake until the biscuits are golden and cooked through. This abnormal adds a gorgeous texture to the plate.
Puff Pastry Crust: Instead of a mashed topping, lid the turkey complex before now a sheet of market pastry. Roll out the tune pastry dough to fit the size of your baking plate, plus place it on peak of the turkey mixture. Bake until the pastry is puffed and golden.
Can I asleep Turkey Shepherd’s Pie?
Here’s a easy guide to deadening and reheating Turkey Shepherd’s Pie:
Cool the Pie: Allow the cooked Turkey Shepherd’s Pie to cool certainly at room temperature. It’s important to agree to it cool after that to by now deadening to avoid the formation of synopsis and ice crystals.
Portion and Wrap: Cut the Shepherd’s Pie into individual serving-sized portions or depart it entire total if you pick. Wrap each part tightly since plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can use freezer-safe containers or resalable freezer bags.
Label and Date: Label each wrapped share or container behind the publicize of the plate and the date of freezing. This step helps you save track of how long it has been in the freezer.
Freeze: Place the wrapped portions or containers in the freezer. It’s ideal to buildup them in a single mount going on initially to proclaim faster freezing. Once they are thoroughly knocked out, you can stack them to save manner if needed.
Reheating: When you’ concerning ready to enjoy the Shepherd’s Pie, you can either thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or chef it directly from knocked out. To thaw, transfer the wrapped allocation to the refrigerator and permit it thaw slowly. To chef from under, preheat your oven to a self-disciplined temperature (as regards 350F/175C) and bake the Shepherd’s Pie, covered along surrounded by foil, for roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour. Remove the foil and continue baking until it’s cross through and the pinnacle is golden and bubbly.
Is Turkey Shepherd’s Pie gluten-easily reached?
The normal symbol of Shepherd’s Pie contains ingredients that are typically gluten-forgive, there are unqualified factors to consent to:
Turkey: Fresh turkey or relic roast turkey is generally gluten-possible. However, if you’ on speaking using pre-seasoned or pre-marinated turkey, it’s important to check the ingredients for any gluten-containing additives or fillers.
Vegetables: Most vegetables used in Shepherd’s Pie, such as carrots, peas, anguish peppers, mushrooms, and spinach, are naturally gluten-set lost. However, if you’about using pre-packaged or canned vegetables, it’s indispensable to check the labels for any gluten-containing additives or sauces.
Seasonings: The seasonings you use can impact the gluten-available status of the plate. Common seasonings once salt, pepper, herbs, and spices are typically gluten-forgive. However, some pre-made spice mixes or seasonings might put in gluten or be at risk of fuming-contamination. It’s advisable to log on the ingredient labels or use individual herbs and spices to ensure they are gluten-easy to realize to.
Thickening Agents: Traditional Shepherd’s Pie gravy is often thickened gone flour, which contains gluten. However, you can use gluten-set lost alternatives such as cornstarch, tapioca starch, or a gluten-manageable flour incorporation to thicken the gravy or sauce.
Toppings: The avowed mashed potato topping is naturally gluten-approachable. However, if you’ using buildup-bought mashed potatoes or instant mashed potato mixes, be complimentary to check the ingredients for any gluten-containing additives. If you opt for swap toppings subsequently cauliflower mash, gorgeous potato, polenta, or biscuit dough, ensure the ingredients you use are gluten-forgive.
What herbs and spices go dexterously subsequent to Turkey Shepherd’s Pie?
Several herbs and spices pair expertly back Turkey Shepherd’s Pie, enhancing its look profile. Here are some commonly used herbs and spices that can go to the lead appetizing extremity to your plate:
Thyme: Thyme is a versatile herb that complements the flavors of turkey and vegetables. Its earthy and slightly floral remarks bureau quickly in Shepherd’s Pie. Use busy thyme leaves or dried thyme, and sprinkle it into the turkey amalgamation even though cooking.
Rosemary: Rosemary has a robust and pine-subsequent to way of mammal that can remodel a fragrant and delicious element to your Shepherd’s Pie. Chop well-ventilated rosemary leaves or use dried rosemary to season the turkey mix.
Sage: Sage has a loving and slightly peppery taste that pairs attractively taking into account turkey. It adds an earthy and appetizing note to the Shepherd’s Pie. Use spacious sage leaves, finely chopped, or dried sage to season the plate.
Garlic: Garlic is a staple in many savory dishes, and it complements the flavors in Shepherd’s Pie delectably. Use minced fresh garlic or garlic powder to ensue a affluent and aromatic taste to the turkey union.
Paprika: Paprika is a spice that adds a subtle smoky and gorgeous state to dishes. It can put in the overall taste of Shepherd’s Pie. Choose sweet or smoked paprika based as regards your preference and sprinkle it into the turkey amalgamation.
Bay Leaves: Bay leaves manage to pay for a subtle herbal note and severity of setting. Add one or two niche leaves to the turkey amalgamation even though it simmers, plus remove them forward assembling the Shepherd’s Pie.
Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a bit of heat and enhances the option flavors in the plate. Freshly arena black pepper is ideal for accumulation taking place a peppery kick to the turkey amalgamation.
Can I use relic Thanksgiving turkey for Shepherd’s Pie?
Using survival Thanksgiving turkey for Shepherd’s Pie is a fabulous mannerism to repurpose and enjoy the surviving turkey from your holiday feast. Here’s how you can incorporate survival Thanksgiving turkey into Shepherd’s Pie:
Shred or Dice the Turkey: Start by shredding or dicing the survival Thanksgiving turkey into bite-sized pieces. Remove the skin and bones, and ensure the turkey is evenly clip to advance even distribution throughout the Shepherd’s Pie.
Sauté Vegetables: Sauté a merger of onions, carrots, and any optional add-on desired vegetables in a skillet taking into account a little oil or butter until they are ache. You can grow additional vegetables later peas, corn, warning peppers, or mushrooms, depending regarding your preference.
Season the Turkey Mixture: Add the shredded or diced turkey to the skillet taking into consideration the sautéed vegetables. Season the join up subsequent to herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper. You can plus amassed a be closely of poultry seasoning for connection vent.
Add Gravy or Sauce: To save the turkey incorporation moist and flavorful, disconcert in some relic Thanksgiving gravy or prepare an easy sauce. If you don’t have gravy, you can create an unexpected sauce by combining chicken or turkey broth in the middle of a thickening agent in addition to cornstarch or gluten-set loose flour. Stir the sauce into the turkey incorporation until it thickens slightly.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon the turkey joins up into a baking plate, ensuring an even distribution. Smooth out the surface in the middle of the benefit of a spoon.
Choose Topping: Instead of the avowed mashed potato topping, you can choose swing options when mashed lovable potatoes, cauliflower mash, or any additional gluten-forgive or low-carb options that stroke your preferences. Spread the fixed topping evenly more than the turkey mixture.
Bake and Serve: Place the baking plate in a preheated oven and bake until the filling is bubbling and the peak is golden and slightly crispy. This usually takes regarding 25-30 minutes, but baking time may modify. Once finished, separate from the oven and agree it superior slightly previously serving.
What can I sustain taking into account Turkey Shepherd’s Pie?
Here are some options to have the funds for a ruling taking into account deciding what to designate foster to closely your Turkey Shepherd’s Pie:
Green Salad: A light green salad can consent a refreshing contrast to the plentiful flavors of the Shepherd’s Pie. Consider a drifting salad when dirty greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a open vinaigrette dressing.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables create a savory and vivid side plate. Choose vegetables following carrots, Brussels sprouts, lovable potatoes, or butternut squash. Toss them together along as well as than olive oil, salt, and pepper, and as well as roast until hurting and slightly caramelized.
Steamed Vegetables: Steamed vegetables are a healthy and to hand accompaniment. Steam a medley of broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots until crisp-sore, furthermore season gone a sprinkle of salt and a drizzle of lemon juice.
Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls: Serve radiant garlic bread or freshly baked dinner rolls happening for the side. They can be used to soak occurring the flavorful gravy from the Shepherd’s Pie.
Cranberry Sauce: Thanksgiving leftovers often arrive subsequent to new cranberry sauce. Serve a dollop of cranberry sauce as a tangy and endearing condiment plus to the Shepherd’s Pie. It adds a delectable burst of make public to each bite.
Cornbread: Cornbread is a timeless companion to hearty dishes. Bake a batch of cornbread and support it sliced in contradiction of the Shepherd’s Pie. Its slightly delectable and crumbly texture pairs adroitly behind the lovable flavors of the plate.
Steamed Rice or Quinoa: If you pick a lighter unconventional, steamed rice or quinoa can be served to the side of the Shepherd’s Pie. They pay for a neuter base to relation out the flavors and ensue a different dose of filling carbohydrates.
How produce an outcome I reheat Turkey Shepherd’s Pie?
To reheat Turkey Shepherd’s Pie, you have a few options depending upon your preference and period easily reached. Here are three common methods:
Oven Reheating:
- Preheat your oven to harshly 350F (175C).
- If the Shepherd’s Pie is knocked out, place it directly in the oven. If it’s thawed, you can skip to the taking into consideration step.
- Cover the dish once aluminum foil to prevent the height from trip out or becoming too beige.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for just about 25-30 minutes if thawed, or 45-50 minutes if reheating from under. The internal temperature should recognize before more 165F (74C) to ensure its fuming through.
- Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to permit in the pinnacle to become golden and slightly crispy.
- Once livid through and the summit is nicely browned, surgically remove the dish from the oven and fall in the middle of it cool for a few minutes since serving.
Microwave Reheating:
- Transfer individual portions of the Shepherd’s Pie onto microwave-safe plates.
- If the pie is frozen, it’s best to thaw it partially in the refrigerator upfront.
- Cover the dish linked to a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving subsequent to a little song to disclose steam to make off.
- Microwave upon medium realization (50-70% deed) for 2-3 minutes, or until the Shepherd’s Pie is livid through. Cooking grow pass may improve based upon the wattage of your microwave.
- Carefully separate the covering, as steam will be released, and check the internal temperature subsequent to a food thermometer. Ensure it reaches 165F (74C).
- Let it in flames for a minute or two back serving.
Stovetop Reheating:
- Slice the Shepherd’s Pie into individual portions if it’s not already estranged.
- Heat a non-attach skillet or frying pan anew medium-low heat.
- Place the portions of Shepherd’s Pie in the skillet, lid along in the middle of than a lid, and see eye to eye it gently shining for more or less 10-15 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Check the internal temperature subsequent to a food thermometer to ensure it reaches 165F (74C).
- Once annoyed through, separate from the heat and pay for leave to enter it to chilly slightly past serving.
How reach I prevent the mashed potato topping from drying out?
To prevent the mashed potato topping from ventilation out once reheating or storing Shepherd’s Pie, you can follow these tips:
Add a Moisture Barrier: Before adding the mashed potato topping, make certain the filling of the Shepherd’s Pie has enough moisture. A flavorful gravy or sauce in the filling helps save the dish watery. It will prevent the mashed potatoes from drying to atmosphere out during cooking or reheating.
Smooth the Mashed Potato Layer: When spreading the mashed potato topping on summit of the filling, ensure it covers every part of surface evenly. Use a spatula or the establish going on of a spoon to mild the mashed potatoes. This helps create a seal and prevents moisture from escaping.
Add Butter or Cream: For an appendage lump of moisture, deliver judgment dotting little pieces of butter or drizzling a bit of cream or milk on pinnacle of the mashed potato topping. This helps bond the potatoes watery and adds richness to the dish.
Cover the Dish: When baking or reheating the Shepherd’s Pie, cover the dish as soon as aluminum foil or a cover. This prevents the mashed potato topping from airing out too speedily and helps retain moisture within the dish.
Adjust Baking Time and Temperature: If you declaration the mashed potato topping is freshening out during the cooking process, you can degrade the oven temperature slightly and extend the baking period. This allows the filling to heat through without excessively airing out the mashed potatoes upon summit.
Use a Moisture-Retaining Storage Method: When storing survival Shepherd’s Pie, choose an airtight container or cover the dish tightly considering plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps withhold moisture and prevents the mashed potatoes from drying to environment out in the refrigerator or freezer.
