Turkey Shepherd's Pie

Delicious Turkey Shepherd's Pie Recipe from the United Kingdom

Region / culture: United Kingdom | Servings: 6

Introduction

Turkey Shepherd's Pie is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. This recipe combines ground turkey, vegetables, and mashed potatoes for a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

Shepherd's Pie is a traditional British dish that dates back to the 18th century. Originally made with leftover roasted meat, vegetables, and mashed potatoes, it was a way to use up ingredients and create a filling and tasty meal. Over time, variations of the recipe have been created, including this version with ground turkey.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) ground turkey
1 clove of minced garlic
1 medium white onion, chopped
0.25 cup chopped green pepper
2 tbsp flour
1 tsp salt
2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 cups water
2 cups cooked whole-kernel corn
4 cups mashed potatoes
2 tbsp chopped parsley

How to prepare

In a skillet, brown the turkey, garlic, onion, and green peppers over medium heat for about 10 minutes.
Stir in the flour, salt, and pepper.
Add water and cook, stirring, until the mixture bubbles and thickens.
Pour the meat mixture into a three-quart casserole dish.
Layer the corn on top of the turkey.
Spread the mashed potatoes on top of the corn and sprinkle with parsley.
Bake in a 350-degree oven for 30 minutes.

Variations

Substitute ground beef or lamb for the ground turkey.
Add different vegetables such as peas, carrots, or mushrooms.
Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a twist on the classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the turkey and vegetables well to develop flavor.

- Season the dish generously with salt and pepper for a delicious taste.

- Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Turkey Shepherd's Pie with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs well with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the turkey and vegetables adds flavor to the dish.

- Baking the pie in the oven allows the flavors to meld together and creates a crispy top layer of mashed potatoes.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground chicken or pork instead of ground turkey.

- Swap out the green pepper for red or yellow pepper.

- Use instant mashed potatoes if you're short on time.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Turkey Shepherd's Pie ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover the casserole dish with foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Presentation Ideas

Sprinkle chopped parsley or grated cheese on top of the mashed potatoes before baking for a decorative touch. Serve the pie in individual ramekins for a stylish presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Turkey Shepherd's Pie pairs well with a light salad, crusty bread, or a side of cranberry sauce. For dessert, consider serving apple pie or fruit crumble.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Turkey Shepherd's Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

320

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 38g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 4g

Fats

- Total Fat: 12g

- Saturated Fat: 4g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 22g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 6%

- Vitamin C: 20%

- Calcium: 4%

- Iron: 10%

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

Turkey Shepherd's Pie is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a satisfying and nutritious dish that is perfect for a family dinner.

Summary

Turkey Shepherd's Pie is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner. With a flavorful filling of ground turkey, vegetables, and mashed potatoes, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this hearty and satisfying meal any day of the week!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first saw this recipe for Turkey Shepherd's Pie. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret's house for a cup of tea. As we sat at her kitchen table, sipping tea and catching up on each other's lives, Margaret suddenly pulled out a well-worn recipe card from her recipe box.

"Have you ever tried making Turkey Shepherd's Pie?" she asked, a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

I shook my head, intrigued by the sound of the dish. I had always been a fan of traditional Shepherd's Pie made with ground beef, but the idea of using turkey instead piqued my interest.

Margaret handed me the recipe card, explaining that it had been passed down to her from her own grandmother. The card was stained and faded, a testament to the many times it had been used over the years. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could practically taste the savory flavors dancing on my tongue.

I knew I had to try making it for myself. Margaret graciously offered to show me the ropes, guiding me through the process step by step. Together, we chopped onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing them in a skillet until they were soft and fragrant. We added the cooked turkey, along with a generous sprinkling of herbs and spices, creating a rich and flavorful filling for the pie.

While the filling simmered on the stove, Margaret taught me how to make the perfect mashed potato topping. We boiled the potatoes until they were tender, then mashed them with butter and milk until they were creamy and smooth. The smell of buttery potatoes filled the kitchen, making my stomach growl in anticipation.

Once the filling and topping were ready, we assembled the pie in a deep baking dish, spreading the turkey mixture evenly on the bottom and smoothing the mashed potatoes over the top. Margaret showed me how to create a decorative pattern with a fork, making the dish look even more appealing.

As we popped the pie into the oven to bake, Margaret regaled me with stories of her own grandmother, a formidable woman who had raised five children on her own and still found time to cook delicious meals for her family. She spoke of the love and care that went into every dish she made, passing down her recipes and culinary wisdom to future generations.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia as I listened to Margaret's stories. My own grandmother had been a skilled cook as well, and I had fond memories of helping her in the kitchen as a child. I thought of all the recipes she had taught me over the years, each one a precious piece of family history.

When the timer beeped, signaling that the pie was ready, Margaret and I eagerly pulled it out of the oven. The golden crust was perfectly browned, and the savory aroma that wafted from the dish made my mouth water. We let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into it, revealing the steaming filling beneath.

The first bite was like a taste of heaven. The turkey was tender and flavorful, the vegetables had a satisfying crunch, and the mashed potatoes were creamy and comforting. Margaret and I shared a moment of silence as we savored the dish, each bite bringing back memories of family dinners and shared meals with loved ones.

As I finished the last mouthful, I felt a sense of gratitude for Margaret and the recipe she had shared with me. It was more than just a dish; it was a connection to the past, a reminder of the love and care that went into every meal cooked by our grandmothers. I knew that I would treasure this recipe, passing it down to future generations as a symbol of our shared heritage.

And so, as I sit here writing this story, I can't help but smile at the memory of that day in Margaret's kitchen. The taste of Turkey Shepherd's Pie will always remind me of the warmth and comfort of a good meal shared with friends, and the love that goes into every bite.