Easy Ground Turkey Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together tender ground turkey, mixed veggies, and a creamy mashed potato topping. This classic meal is full of warm flavors and has just the right amount of savory goodness to satisfy your hunger without any fuss.
I love making this casserole when I want something filling but quick to put together. Using ground turkey makes it a bit lighter than the traditional beef version, and it cooks up fast, which is perfect for busy weeknights. I usually sneak in some frozen peas and carrots for color and a little extra nutrition, so it feels like a complete meal all in one dish.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy this shepherd’s pie is straight from the oven, with the mashed potatoes golden and a little crispy on top. It’s cozy and simple, and everyone always asks for seconds! Plus, it reheats well, so I often pack leftovers for lunch the next day, which makes it a winner in my book.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This lean meat keeps the dish light but still hearty. If you want, ground chicken or beef are great swaps. For a vegetarian twist, try lentils or chopped mushrooms.
Mashed Potatoes: The creamy topping is essential. Use store-bought mashed potatoes to save time or swap for mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option.
Mixed Vegetables: Frozen peas, corn, and carrots add color and nutrition. Feel free to mix in green beans or diced zucchini, depending on what you have.
Tomato Paste & Worcestershire Sauce: Tomato paste boosts flavor and thickness. If avoiding Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or balsamic vinegar lend a nice tang.
How Do I Get the Mashed Potatoes Creamy and Smooth for the Topping?
Good mashed potatoes are key! Here’s what helps:
- Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold—they mash nice and smooth.
- Boil potatoes in salted water until tender (test with a fork).
- Drain well to avoid watery mash.
- Add butter and warm milk or cream little by little while mashing for a creamy texture.
- Don’t overmix—too much stirring can make the potatoes gluey.
Also, smoothing the top evenly before baking helps create a neat golden crust, especially if you add cheese on top.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for browning the ground turkey and sautéing vegetables evenly.
- Medium pot – use it to boil potatoes for smooth mashed potatoes without fuss.
- Potato masher – makes mashing potatoes quick and easy for a creamy topping.
- Oven-safe baking dish (about 8×8 inches) – holds the shepherd’s pie layers and browns the top nicely.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – great for stirring the filling without scratching your pan.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground turkey for ground beef or lamb for a richer, classic flavor.
- Add cooked mushrooms to the filling for extra depth and a meaty texture.
- Mix shredded cheese like Parmesan or mozzarella into the mashed potatoes for a cheesy twist.
- Stir in fresh herbs such as parsley or rosemary to brighten the filling’s taste.
Easy Ground Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 1 cup diced carrots (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for cooking)
For the Topping:
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared from about 2 large potatoes)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, 15 minutes to cook the mashed potatoes, and around 30 minutes to bake. So, expect around 60 minutes in total before your delicious shepherd’s pie is ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
Peel and chop your potatoes into chunks. Boil them in salted water for about 15 minutes or until tender. Drain well, then mash with butter, milk or cream, and a pinch of salt. Set aside and keep warm.
2. Cook the Filling:
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in diced carrots, green bell pepper, and frozen mixed vegetables. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly.
Mix in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat. Pour in the broth, bring to a simmer and cook until the mixture thickens and vegetables are tender, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Assemble and Bake:
Transfer the turkey and vegetable filling into a baking dish and spread it out evenly. Carefully spoon the mashed potatoes over the top and smooth them with a spatula. If you want, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.
Bake in your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
4. Serve:
Remove the shepherd’s pie from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if you’d like, then dig in and enjoy your comforting and tasty meal!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Turkey for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen ground turkey, but make sure to fully thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking. Thawing ensures even cooking and better texture.
Can I Make Shepherd’s Pie Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the filling and mashed potatoes separately, then assemble just before baking. You can refrigerate the assembled dish for up to 24 hours and bake when ready.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
What Can I Substitute for Worcestershire Sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or balsamic vinegar work well as alternatives to add depth and tanginess to the filling.
