Chicken & Turkey

Turkey And Mashed Potato Shepherd'S Pie

Name: Turkey And Mashed Potato Shepherd'S Pie
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground turkey; 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup frozen peas and carrots; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp butter; 1 cup milk; 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil

By Clara Holloway · June 19, 2026 · Chicken & Turkey

Prep30 min

Cook40 min

Total70 min

Serves6

I still remember the first time I made a shepherd's pie for my family. It was a cold winter evening, and we all gathered around the dinner table, eager to taste the warm, comforting dish. The combination of tender turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and savory vegetables was a hit, and it has since become a staple in our household.

As a home cook, I love making protein-forward meals that are not only delicious but also nourishing. This Turkey And Mashed Potato Shepherd'S Pie is a perfect example of such a meal. It's made with lean ground turkey, which is an excellent source of protein, and is paired with complex carbohydrates from the mashed potatoes and vegetables.

This recipe is special because it's easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The best part is that it's a crowd-pleaser, and both kids and adults will love it. Whether you're a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

So, what makes this recipe so special? For starters, it's made with high-quality ingredients that are easily accessible in most supermarkets. The ground turkey is lean and flavorful, and the mashed potatoes are creamy and comforting. The vegetables add natural sweetness and texture, while the gravy brings everything together.

In this recipe, I'll guide you through the process of making a delicious Turkey And Mashed Potato Shepherd'S Pie from scratch. We'll start with the basics, including how to cook the ground turkey and prepare the mashed potatoes. Then, we'll move on to assembling the dish and baking it to perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
The combination of lean ground turkey, complex carbohydrates, and savory vegetables makes for a nourishing and delicious meal.
The dish is a crowd-pleaser, and both kids and adults will love it.
The recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.
The leftovers can be refrigerated or frozen for later, making it a great option for meal prep.
The recipe is budget-friendly and can be made with ingredients that are easily accessible in most supermarkets.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great shepherd's pie is layering the flavors and textures. In this recipe, we start by cooking the ground turkey with aromatics like onions and garlic, which adds depth and richness to the dish. Then, we add frozen peas and carrots, which provide natural sweetness and a burst of color.

The mashed potatoes are a crucial component of the dish, and we make them with high-quality potatoes, butter, and milk. The potatoes are cooked until they're tender, then mashed with butter and milk until they're creamy and smooth.

The gravy is another important element of the dish, and we make it by deglazing the pan with chicken broth and whisking in flour to thicken it. The gravy brings everything together and adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish.

Finally, we assemble the dish by spreading the turkey mixture in the bottom of a baking dish, topping it with mashed potatoes, and baking it in the oven until the potatoes are golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Turkey And Mashed Potato Shepherd'S Pie, you'll need a few key ingredients. These include ground turkey, onions, garlic, frozen peas and carrots, all-purpose flour, butter, milk, potatoes, chicken broth, and salt and pepper. You'll also need some basic pantry staples like olive oil and Worcestershire sauce.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality items that are fresh and flavorful. For the ground turkey, look for lean meat that is at least 90% lean. For the potatoes, choose high-quality potatoes that are high in starch, like Russet or Idaho potatoes.

1 lb (450g) ground turkeyLook for lean ground turkey that is at least 90% lean. You can also use ground chicken or beef if you prefer.
1 large onion, dicedUse a sweet onion like Vidalia or Maui for the best flavor.
3 cloves garlic, mincedMince the garlic finely so it distributes evenly throughout the dish.
1 cup frozen peas and carrotsUse frozen peas and carrots for convenience and to preserve the nutrients.
2 tbsp all-purpose flourUse all-purpose flour to thicken the gravy and add structure to the dish.
2 tbsp butterUse high-quality butter that is fresh and flavorful.
1 cup milkUse whole milk or a non-dairy milk alternative if you prefer.
3-4 large potatoes, peeled and dicedChoose high-quality potatoes that are high in starch, like Russet or Idaho potatoes.
1 cup chicken brothUse low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content of the dish.
1 tsp saltUse kosher salt or sea salt for the best flavor.
1/2 tsp black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
2 tbsp olive oilUse high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.

Ingredients for Turkey And Mashed Potato Shepherd'S Pie

Equipment You’ll Need

Large skilletInstant-read thermometerCutting boardChef's knifeMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon9x13 inch baking dish

How to Make Turkey And Mashed Potato Shepherd'S Pie

1
Preheat the oven to 375 F (190 C).
2
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it's translucent, about 5 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4
Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Add the frozen peas and carrots, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
6
Sprinkle the flour over the turkey mixture and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute, until the flour is lightly toasted.
7
Gradually add the chicken broth, whisking constantly, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, until the gravy has thickened.
8
While the gravy is simmering, prepare the mashed potatoes. Boil the diced potatoes in a large pot of salted water until they're tender, about 15-20 minutes.
9
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, milk, salt, and pepper, and mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork until they're creamy and smooth.
10
Transfer the turkey mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top of the turkey mixture, making sure to cover it evenly.
11
Drizzle the top of the potatoes with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the potatoes are golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
12
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the turkey is at least 165 F (74 C).
13
Serve the Turkey And Mashed Potato Shepherd'S Pie hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika, if desired.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
Don't overcook the turkey or the potatoes, as this can make the dish dry and unappetizing.
Let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the turkey is at least 165 F (74 C).
Customize the recipe to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.
Make the dish ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later.
Use leftover turkey or vegetables to make the dish more convenient.
Add other ingredients, such as diced bell peppers or chopped fresh herbs, to the turkey mixture for added flavor and nutrition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the turkey or potatoes, which can make the dish dry and unappetizing.
Not using a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the turkey is at least 165 F (74 C).
Not letting the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, which can make the flavors seem disjointed.
Using low-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not customizing the recipe to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.
Not making the dish ahead of time and refrigerating or freezing it for later.

Variations and Substitutions

Use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey for a different flavor.
Add diced bell peppers or chopped fresh herbs to the turkey mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter flavor.
Add a sprinkle of paprika or chopped fresh herbs to the top of the potatoes for added flavor and color.
Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content of the dish.
Make the dish ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later.
Use leftover turkey or vegetables to make the dish more convenient.

What to Serve With Turkey And Mashed Potato Shepherd'S Pie

Serve the Turkey And Mashed Potato Shepherd'S Pie hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika, if desired. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it's sure to become a family favorite.

Consider serving the dish with a side of steamed vegetables, a green salad, or a warm loaf of bread. You could also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese for added flavor and creaminess.

Steamed vegetablesGreen saladWarm loaf of breadDollop of sour creamSprinkle of grated cheese

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The Turkey And Mashed Potato Shepherd'S Pie can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later. To refrigerate, let the dish cool to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To freeze, let the dish cool to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator, then bake it in the oven at 375 F (190 C) for 25-30 minutes, until the potatoes are golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.

When reheating the dish, make sure to check the internal temperature of the turkey to ensure it reaches at least 165 F (74 C). You can also reheat the dish in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as this can make the potatoes dry and unappetizing.

To prevent drying out the dish when reheating, make sure to cover it with foil or a lid, and add a splash of chicken broth or water if necessary. You can also add a pat of butter or a sprinkle of grated cheese to the top of the potatoes for added flavor and creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the internal temperature of the turkey when it's cooked?

The internal temperature of the turkey should be at least 165 F (74 C) when it's cooked. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature.

Can I make the dish ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later?

Yes, you can make the dish ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later. To refrigerate, let the dish cool to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To freeze, let the dish cool to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

What can I serve with the Turkey And Mashed Potato Shepherd'S Pie?

You can serve the dish with a side of steamed vegetables, a green salad, or a warm loaf of bread. You could also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese for added flavor and creaminess.

Can I customize the recipe to suit my tastes and dietary preferences?

Yes, you can customize the recipe to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. Consider adding diced bell peppers or chopped fresh herbs to the turkey mixture for added flavor and nutrition. You can also use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter flavor.

How do I prevent drying out the dish when reheating?

Can I use leftover turkey or vegetables to make the dish more convenient?

Yes, you can use leftover turkey or vegetables to make the dish more convenient. Simply chop the cooked turkey or vegetables and add them to the turkey mixture for added flavor and nutrition.

What is the best way to reheat the dish?

The best way to reheat the dish is to bake it in the oven at 375 F (190 C) for 25-30 minutes, until the potatoes are golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly. You can also reheat the dish in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as this can make the potatoes dry and unappetizing.

How long can I store the dish in the refrigerator or freezer?

You can store the dish in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Make sure to label the dish with the date it was made and the contents, and to follow safe food handling practices when reheating and serving.

The Full Recipe

Recipe Card