After the big holiday feast, you’re often left with a mountain of delicious cooked turkey. While turkey sandwiches are great for a day or two, eventually, you might find yourself wondering what else you can do with all that wonderful poultry. Enter the humble, yet incredibly satisfying, Shepherd’s Pie – reimagined with your turkey leftovers! It’s the perfect dish to bring comfort and warmth to your table, turning what could be mundane leftovers into an exciting, hearty meal that everyone will love.
This recipe takes the classic concept of Shepherd’s Pie and gives it a fantastic seasonal twist, making the most of your holiday bounty. It’s a complete meal in one dish, featuring savory turkey and vegetables simmered in a rich gravy, all tucked under a fluffy, golden-brown mashed potato topping. Get ready to impress your family and friends (or just yourself!) with this incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy dish.
Contents
What You’ll Need: The Delicious Ingredients
One of the best parts about making shepherds pie with turkey leftovers is that you probably have most of the ingredients on hand already. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
- For the Filling:
- 3-4 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced (your precious leftovers!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 1.5 – 2 cups turkey or chicken broth (or leftover gravy if you have it!)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or sage (or a mix of both!)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: A splash of white wine for extra depth
- For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 4-5 cups mashed potatoes (leftovers work perfectly, or make them fresh!)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (if using fresh)
- 1/4 cup milk or cream (if using fresh or if leftovers are too thick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan for an extra cheesy crust
Getting Started: Essential Equipment
You don’t need fancy gadgets for this comfort food classic. Here’s what will make the process smooth:
- A large oven-safe skillet (like a cast iron skillet) or a 9×13 inch baking dish
- A large pot for making fresh mashed potatoes (if not using leftovers)
- A sturdy spatula or wooden spoon
Let’s Cook! Step-by-Step Instructions
Bringing your shepherds pie with turkey leftovers to life is simpler than you might think. Follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies
- Heat the olive oil or butter in your large oven-safe skillet or a separate large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until they start to soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Donol’t let it burn!
Step 2: Build the Flavorful Turkey Filling
- Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook out a bit (this forms your roux for thickening).
- Gradually pour in the turkey or chicken broth (or gravy), stirring constantly to avoid lumps. If using a splash of white wine, add it here and let it simmer for a minute before adding the broth.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring until the sauce thickens. If using leftover gravy, you might not need the flour at all, or just a little to adjust consistency.
- Stir in the shredded turkey, frozen peas, and corn. Add the dried thyme or sage.
- Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. The filling should be savory and well-balanced.
Step 3: Assemble Your Pie
- If you used a separate skillet for the filling, transfer the turkey mixture to your 9×13 inch baking dish. If your skillet is oven-safe, you can leave the filling in it.
- Carefully spoon the mashed potatoes over the turkey filling, spreading them evenly to the edges. You can use a fork to create little ridges on top – these will get beautifully crispy!
- If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle it over the mashed potato topping now.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly around the edges and the mashed potato topping is golden brown and slightly crispy.
- If you want an extra golden-brown top, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch it very carefully to prevent burning!
Step 5: Rest and Serve
- Once baked, remove the Shepherd’s Pie from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set a bit, making it easier to serve.
- Scoop out generous portions and enjoy your magnificent shepherds pie with turkey leftovers!
Pro Tips for the Ultimate Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
- Leftover Gravy Magic: Don’t toss that extra gravy! It adds incredible depth and richness to your filling. Use it in place of some of the broth, adjusting the flour as needed for thickness.
- Crispy Topping: For an extra crunchy potato topping, mix a tablespoon of melted butter with a handful of panko breadcrumbs and sprinkle over the mashed potatoes before baking. Or, try sprinkling with paprika for a hint of color and flavor.
- Cheesy Goodness: A layer of shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or even a mix!) between the filling and the mashed potatoes, or on top, takes this dish to another level.
- Herb Power: Fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley chopped and added to the filling or sprinkled over the top before serving will brighten the flavors.
- Veggie Variety: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have or what you love. Diced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach can be great additions.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the entire pie (without baking) up to a day in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be going into the oven cold.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I freeze Shepherd’s Pie with turkey leftovers?
A: Absolutely! Shepherd’s Pie freezes beautifully. Once assembled, cover it tightly with foil and then plastic wrap before freezing. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To cook from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed, or bake directly from frozen at a slightly lower temperature (around 350°F / 175°C) for a longer period (approx. 60-90 minutes), until heated through and bubbly.
Q: What if I don’t have leftover mashed potatoes?
A: No problem! You can easily make fresh mashed potatoes. Boil about 2 pounds of peeled and cubed potatoes until very tender. Drain, then mash with 1/4 cup warm milk or cream, 2 tablespoons butter, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust liquids and seasonings until you reach your desired consistency.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or use cornstarch (mixed with a little cold water to create a slurry) to thicken the sauce. Ensure your broth and any other packaged ingredients are also gluten-free.
Q: How long does this dish last in the refrigerator?
A: Cooked Shepherd’s Pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It reheats wonderfully in the microwave or oven.
Enjoy Your Comforting Creation!
There you have it – a magnificent way to transform your holiday turkey leftovers into a hearty, comforting, and absolutely delicious meal. This shepherds pie with turkey leftovers recipe is a testament to how creative you can get with ingredients already on hand, minimizing food waste while maximizing flavor. So, gather your turkey, your veggies, and your potatoes, and get ready to enjoy a warm, satisfying dish that feels like a big, cozy hug.