Leftover Turkey Shepherds Pie

There’s something magical about transforming holiday leftovers into a comforting meal, and that’s exactly what you’ll find with Leftover Turkey Shepherds Pie. After a bustling Thanksgiving filled with laughter, good food, and family, I often end up with extra turkey. Instead of letting it go to waste, I whip up this delicious pie that brings all the cozy flavors together in one dish. Imagine the smell of melting cheese mingling with savory turkey and fresh vegetables—it’s a winter hug in a casserole dish!

What to Buy for Leftover Turkey Shepherds Pie

The ingredients for Leftover Turkey Shepherds Pie come together to create a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for utilizing those Thanksgiving leftovers. Each component plays a vital role in building flavor and texture, from the rich butter to the vibrant vegetables. Let’s dive into what you’ll need.

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: This is the base for sautéing your vegetables, adding richness and flavor.
• 1 large onion (chopped): A great aromatic that forms the backbone of your filling, providing savory notes.
• 1 medium green bell pepper (chopped): Adds a hint of sweetness and crunch to the dish.
• 1 medium carrot (peeled and chopped): Offers natural sweetness and texture.
• 2 stalks celery (chopped): Complements the onion and adds depth to the flavor profile.
• ½ teaspoon dried basil: A fragrant herb that brightens the dish.
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Brings an earthy note that pairs wonderfully with poultry.
• Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning your filling, balancing flavors.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced): Adds an aromatic punch that elevates the dish.
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the filling and binds everything together.
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Introduces moisture and enhances flavor.
• 1 cube chicken bouillon: Intensifies the savory taste of the filling.
• 2 cups turkey meat (chopped): The star of the dish, providing heartiness and protein.
• ½ cup frozen peas: A pop of color and sweetness.
• 4 cups mashed potatoes: Creamy topping that makes this dish comforting and indulgent.
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded): Melts beautifully over the top, creating a golden crust.

Recipe Steps for Leftover Turkey Shepherds Pie

Making Leftover Turkey Shepherds Pie is a straightforward process that yields a hearty meal, perfect for chilly evenings. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a comforting dish ready in no time.

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F. This will ensure that your pie bakes evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
2. Cook veggies: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, carrot, and celery. Cook until the veggies soften and the onion is tender and translucent, about 5 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Add herbs and broth: Sprinkle in the basil, thyme, salt, pepper, and garlic. Stir well and cook for another 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant. Then, sprinkle flour over the veggies and stir to combine, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
4. Add chicken broth and bouillon: Pour in the chicken broth and add the chicken bouillon cube, stirring to dissolve the cube fully. Let it cook for about 5 more minutes until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
5. Add turkey and peas: Fold in the turkey and peas. Stir everything together and bring the filling back to a light boil. This step ensures that the turkey heats through and all flavors meld together nicely.
6. Finish with mashed potatoes: Spread the mashed potatoes over the filling, smoothing it out with a spoon. Use a fork to rough up the top slightly, which helps create a nice texture. Take this opportunity to sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and bubbly. This is when your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
8. Garnish and serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. If desired, garnish with parsley before serving warm. Enjoy every bite of this comforting pie!

Tips and Tricks about Leftover Turkey Shepherds Pie

Perfecting the Leftover Turkey Shepherds Pie can be achieved with a few handy tips. Here are some suggestions to elevate your dish:

• Storage: Leftover shepherd’s pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure it’s tightly covered to maintain freshness.
• Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. It will last for about 2 months in the freezer.
• Variations: Feel free to mix in any other leftover vegetables you have, such as corn or green beans, to enhance texture and flavor.
• Make it spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a kick.
• Cheese options: While mozzarella is delicious, you can swap it out for cheddar or even a blend of cheeses to change the flavor profile.

Perfect Matches for Leftover Turkey Shepherds Pie

Finding the right accompaniments for your Leftover Turkey Shepherds Pie can enhance the meal experience. Consider these pairings:

• Green salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the pie perfectly.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or carrots, provide a healthy balance.
• Comforting sides: Serve with steamed green beans or a creamy coleslaw for a refreshing contrast.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for family dinners, cozy gatherings, or even as a hearty lunch option during the fall season.
• Storage tips: If you have leftover pie, wrap it tightly and store it in the fridge to enjoy it for days to come!

FAQ

Conclusion

Leftover Turkey Shepherds Pie is a heartwarming dish that transforms leftover turkey into a comforting meal perfect for any day. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a way to savor memories while enjoying delicious food. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you!

Leftover Turkey Shepherds Pie

The ultimate comfort food, Leftover Turkey Shepherds Pie brings together savory turkey, vibrant vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes into one cozy dish. It’s perfect for using up those Thanksgiving leftovers, making for an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons Butter unsalted
• 1 large Onion chopped
• 1 medium Green Bell Pepper chopped
• 1 medium Carrot peeled and chopped
• 2 stalks Celery chopped
• ½ teaspoon Dried Basil
• ½ teaspoon Dried Thyme
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 3 cloves Garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup Low Sodium Chicken Broth
• 1 cube Chicken Bouillon
• 2 cups Turkey Meat chopped in small pieces
• ½ cup Frozen Peas
• 4 cups Mashed Potatoes
• 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Skillet
• Peeler
• Wooden Spoon
• Chef's Knife

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. This will ensure that your pie bakes evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, carrot, and celery. Cook until the veggies soften and the onion is tender and translucent, about 5 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Sprinkle in the basil, thyme, salt, pepper, and garlic. Stir well and cook for another 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant. Then, sprinkle flour over the veggies and stir to combine, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and add the chicken bouillon cube, stirring to dissolve the cube fully. Let it cook for about 5 more minutes until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
5. Fold in the turkey and peas. Stir everything together and bring the filling back to a light boil. This step ensures that the turkey heats through and all flavors meld together nicely.
6. Spread the mashed potatoes over the filling, smoothing it out with a spoon. Use a fork to rough up the top slightly, which helps create a nice texture. Take this opportunity to sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and bubbly. This is when your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
8. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. If desired, garnish with parsley before serving warm. Enjoy every bite of this comforting pie!

Notes

• Tip 1: Leftover shepherd’s pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure it's tightly covered to maintain freshness.
• Tip 2: This dish freezes beautifully. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. It will last for about 2 months in the freezer.
• Tip 3: Feel free to mix in any other leftover vegetables you have, such as corn or green beans, to enhance texture and flavor.
• Tip 4: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a kick.
• Tip 5: While mozzarella is delicious, you can swap it out for cheddar or even a blend of cheeses to change the flavor profile.

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Meet Margot Vance

Founding Savor Feasts was my way of celebrating the art of generous cooking. I believe that food should be abundant, flavorful, and memorable. I personally cook, test, and photograph our recipes to ensure they bring a sense of occasion to your table, whether it is a simple dinner or a grand holiday celebration.