Transform Leftover Turkey into Comforting Shepherd’s Pie

why make this recipe

Transforming leftover turkey into Shepherd’s Pie is a wonderful way to reduce food waste while creating comforting and delicious meals. This recipe is not only affordable but also gives a warm, hearty feeling with every bite. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner with family or friends. The blend of vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes makes it a fulfilling dish that everyone will enjoy.

how to make Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons Butter (unsalted preferred)
• 1 medium Onion (chopped)
• 1 medium Green Bell Pepper (chopped)
• 1 medium Carrot (peeled and chopped)
• 2 stalks Celery (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon Dried Basil (or fresh)
• 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme (or fresh)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 1 cup Chicken Broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 cube Chicken Bouillon Cube (or vegetable bouillon)
• 2 cups Turkey Meat (chopped into small pieces)
• 1 cup Frozen Peas
• 3 cups Mashed Potatoes (leftover preferred)
• 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (or cheddar cheese)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the green bell pepper, carrot, and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
4. Add the dried basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
6. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture and stir to combine.
7. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bouillon cube. Stir until it dissolves and the mixture thickens.
8. Stir in the chopped turkey and frozen peas. Mix well and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes.
9. Transfer the turkey mixture to a baking dish and spread it evenly.
10. Top the filling with the leftover mashed potatoes, spreading it evenly.
11. Sprinkle the mozzarella or cheddar cheese over the top.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
13. Remove from oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

how to serve Shepherd’s Pie

Serve the Shepherd’s Pie warm from the oven. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread. You can also enjoy it with a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for a little kick!

how to store Shepherd’s Pie

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Make sure to cover it well to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

tips to make Shepherd’s Pie

• If you prefer a crispy topping, broil the pie for an extra 2-3 minutes after baking.
• You can use different types of cheese like cheddar or gouda for varied flavor.
• For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the turkey mixture.

variation

You can easily make this Shepherd’s Pie vegetarian by using mushrooms instead of turkey and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Just ensure to keep the same cooking steps for a delicious veggie version.

FAQs

Can I use other meats in Shepherd’s Pie?

Absolutely! You can use beef, lamb, or even a mix of minced meats. Just cook them properly before adding the broth and vegetables.

Can Shepherd’s Pie be made ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the turkey mixture and mash the potatoes ahead of time. Assemble the pie and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Is it okay to use instant mashed potatoes?

Yes, using instant mashed potatoes is a quick and easy option if you don’t have leftovers. Just follow the package instructions to prepare them before topping the Shepherd’s Pie.

Shepherd’s Pie

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• Author: jurgentukur
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Transform leftover turkey into a comforting and delicious Shepherd’s Pie that the whole family will enjoy.

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Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Butter (unsalted preferred)
• 1 medium Onion (chopped)
• 1 medium Green Bell Pepper (chopped)
• 1 medium Carrot (peeled and chopped)
• 2 stalks Celery (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon Dried Basil (or fresh)
• 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme (or fresh)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 1 cup Chicken Broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 cube Chicken Bouillon Cube (or vegetable bouillon)
• 2 cups Turkey Meat (chopped into small pieces)
• 1 cup Frozen Peas
• 3 cups Mashed Potatoes (leftover preferred)
• 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (or cheddar cheese)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the green bell pepper, carrot, and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
4. Add the dried basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
6. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture and stir to combine.
7. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bouillon cube. Stir until it dissolves and the mixture thickens.
8. Stir in the chopped turkey and frozen peas. Mix well and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes.
9. Transfer the turkey mixture to a baking dish and spread it evenly.
10. Top the filling with the leftover mashed potatoes, spreading it evenly.
11. Sprinkle the mozzarella or cheddar cheese over the top.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
13. Remove from oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For a crispy topping, broil the pie for an extra 2-3 minutes after baking. You can also use different types of cheese for varied flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British