Creamy Turkey Shepherd’s Pie The Perfect Thanksgiving Leftover Recipe

If you’re looking for a creative and delicious way to use up your holiday leftovers, look no further than this Creamy Turkey Shepherd’s Pie. It’s the perfect recipe to transform your turkey and vegetables from Thanksgiving into a warm, comforting meal. This dish is a great way to repurpose those leftovers, giving them new life in a hearty, savory pie that your whole family will love.

Shepherd’s pie is a classic comfort food, traditionally made with lamb or beef, but this version features leftover turkey, making it an ideal recipe for the day after Thanksgiving. It’s easy to prepare and doesn’t require many ingredients. With mashed potatoes, turkey, veggies, and a simple gravy-like filling, this recipe delivers a delicious and satisfying meal in no time.

Whether you have extra mashed potatoes, turkey, or both, this recipe is the best way to give those ingredients a second chance. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal, so cleanup is a breeze!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s pie has long been loved for its hearty, comforting qualities, but this creamy turkey version takes it up a notch. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

Easy to Make: If you’ve got some leftover turkey and mashed potatoes, you’ve already got the main ingredients ready to go. The rest of the prep is simple, and it only takes about 10 minutes to assemble.
Comforting Meal: Creamy mashed potatoes, tender turkey, and savory vegetables – this dish is perfect for cozy nights or busy weeknights when you want something comforting and satisfying.
Flexible: You can adapt this recipe based on what you have on hand. Add different veggies, swap turkey for chicken, or make it a vegetarian option with beans and lentils.
Great for Leftovers: This recipe is designed to use up holiday leftovers like turkey, gravy, and mashed potatoes, saving you time and minimizing food waste.

Ingredients for Creamy Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

To make this delicious dish, you’ll need some basic ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen or leftover from your holiday meals. Here’s what you’ll need:

Oil or Butter: You can use either butter or oil to sauté the veggies. Butter will add a richer flavor, while oil offers a neutral taste.
Veggies: A classic mix of onion, carrot, and celery provides the foundation for this dish. These vegetables add flavor and texture.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for infusing the filling with a savory, aromatic flavor.
Flour and Chicken Broth: The flour helps thicken the broth into a creamy, gravy-like filling that holds everything together.
Frozen Peas: Peas add color, texture, and sweetness to balance the savory turkey and gravy.
Turkey: Leftover turkey is perfect for this dish. You can use shredded or chopped turkey, whether from Thanksgiving or another meal.
Seasonings: Simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and dried thyme are all you need to bring out the flavors of the filling.
Mashed Potatoes: This is where you can get creative! Use leftover mashed potatoes or make a fresh batch. You can go for a classic mashed potato recipe, or try variations like garlic mashed potatoes, cream cheese mashed potatoes, or even cheesy mashed potatoes for a twist.

How to Make Creamy Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Making this creamy turkey shepherd’s pie is quick and straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Start by melting 1 tablespoon of butter (or adding canola oil) in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery, and cook them until they become tender – about 10-15 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Make the Filling

Once the veggies are tender, add another tablespoon of butter or oil to the pan. Stir in 1 tablespoon of flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to make a roux. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce.

Next, stir in frozen peas and shredded turkey. Season the filling with salt, pepper, and dried thyme to taste. Once the peas are heated through, your filling is ready!

Step 3: Add the Mashed Potatoes

Take your mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made) and spread them evenly over the turkey and veggie filling. If you like a little extra richness, dab the potatoes with remaining butter or brush them with canola oil for a golden finish when baked.

Step 4: Bake the Shepherd’s Pie

Place the skillet in the oven and bake at 375ºF (190ºC) for about 20 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are heated through and slightly golden on top. The filling should be bubbling around the edges.

Tips for Making the Perfect Creamy Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

To make sure your Creamy Turkey Shepherd’s Pie turns out absolutely perfect every time, here are some additional tips and tricks that will help elevate the dish:

1. Use Leftover Gravy

If you have leftover gravy from your Thanksgiving dinner, feel free to incorporate it into the filling. Instead of using flour and broth, you can simply use the gravy to create a rich, flavorful sauce. If your gravy is a bit too thick, just thin it out with a little bit of water or extra broth. It’ll add even more depth of flavor to your turkey shepherd’s pie.

2. Customize with Your Favorite Vegetables

While this recipe calls for classic vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, feel free to experiment with what you have on hand. Mushrooms, green beans, or corn can be great additions to the filling. Just sauté the veggies the same way you would the carrots and celery to ensure they’re tender before adding the flour and broth mixture.

3. Make It Cheesy

For an extra indulgent twist, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese (cheddar works wonderfully) over the mashed potatoes before baking. The cheese will melt beautifully, creating a golden, cheesy crust that everyone will love.

4. Make It Spicy

If you want a bit of heat, feel free to add some red pepper flakes, paprika, or even a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling. This subtle heat will complement the savory flavors and add a kick to the dish.

5. Use a Cast Iron Skillet

If you have a cast iron skillet, it’s perfect for this recipe! It not only allows you to make the filling directly in the pan but also helps to achieve an even, golden crust on the mashed potatoes. Plus, cast iron gives the dish a rustic, homey touch.

6. Check for Seasoning

As with any recipe, always taste and adjust the seasoning before baking. If you feel the filling needs more flavor, add a pinch of salt, pepper, or thyme to suit your taste. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up the dish and balance out the richness of the turkey and potatoes.

Storing and Reheating Your Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

If you happen to have leftovers (which is quite likely with this hearty meal!), you’ll want to store and reheat them properly to preserve the deliciousness.

1. Storing Leftovers

Allow the shepherd’s pie to cool completely before storing.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure the leftovers are well-sealed to maintain freshness.

2. Freezing Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

This dish freezes very well, making it a great meal to prepare in advance. If you want to freeze it before baking, assemble the entire pie (including the mashed potatoes) and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as usual. You may need to add 10-15 extra minutes of baking time if it’s still cold from the fridge.

3. Reheating Leftovers

To reheat leftovers, preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Place the shepherd’s pie in the oven, covered with foil, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If you want to crisp up the mashed potatoes, uncover the pie for the last 5-10 minutes of baking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

As with any recipe, you may have a few questions before diving in. Here are some commonly asked questions about making Creamy Turkey Shepherd’s Pie:

1. Can I make this Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can absolutely prepare this dish ahead of time. You can assemble the pie up to 1-2 days in advance. Just cover it with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, pop it in the oven and cook as directed. If you’ve refrigerated it, you may need to add 10-20 extra minutes to the baking time.

2. Can I use something other than turkey?

Definitely! This recipe is quite versatile, and you can use any leftover meat you have on hand. Shredded chicken or even ground beef or ground turkey work well as a substitute for the turkey. If you don’t have any leftover meat, simply cook up your choice of meat before adding it to the filling.

3. Can I make a vegetarian version of this Shepherd’s Pie?

Yes! For a vegetarian option, simply replace the turkey with lentils, chickpeas, or even extra veggies. You can still make the gravy-like filling with flour, broth, and veggies for a satisfying vegetarian pie.

4. What if I don’t have mashed potatoes?

If you don’t have mashed potatoes, you can make this pie with store-bought mashed potatoes, or try sweet potatoes for a slightly different twist. Cauliflower mash is also a great low-carb option that would work well in this recipe.

How to Customize Your Creamy Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

One of the great things about Creamy Turkey Shepherd’s Pie is its versatility. You can adjust the ingredients and flavors based on your preferences or what you have available in your kitchen. Here are some easy ways to customize this dish:

1. Add a Cheesy Topping

If you love cheese, why not add a cheesy twist to your turkey shepherd’s pie? Simply sprinkle shredded cheddar, parmesan, or mozzarella over the mashed potatoes before baking. The cheese will melt beautifully into the potatoes and form a golden, bubbly crust that’s irresistibly delicious.

2. Spice It Up

If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes, paprika, or even a touch of chili powder to the filling. These spices will bring a gentle heat to balance the richness of the turkey and mashed potatoes. If you want to go bolder, add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra zing.

3. Try Sweet Potatoes

For a twist on the classic mashed potato topping, use mashed sweet potatoes. Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory turkey and veggies, creating a sweet-salty contrast. If you go this route, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the sweetness of the potatoes.

4. Make it Low-Carb

If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, swap out the mashed potatoes for a cauliflower mash. It’s a great way to enjoy a creamy topping with fewer carbs. Cauliflower mash mimics the texture of mashed potatoes but has fewer calories and carbohydrates. You can make it just like regular mashed potatoes, adding butter, cream, and seasoning for flavor.

5. Add Different Veggies

While this recipe uses classic vegetables like carrots, celery, and peas, feel free to get creative with your veggie choices. You can add green beans, mushrooms, corn, or even butternut squash for extra flavor and texture. Just sauté the new veggies as you would the onions and carrots to ensure they’re tender before adding them to the filling.

Perfect Pairings with Your Creamy Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

This hearty shepherd’s pie is a meal on its own, but if you’re looking to serve it with a side, here are a few perfect pairings that will complement its flavors:

Garlic Bread: A warm, crispy piece of garlic bread is always a hit alongside shepherd’s pie. It’s perfect for dipping into the creamy filling and adding some crunch to your meal.
Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the shepherd’s pie. A salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy lemon dressing is a refreshing side.
Roasted Vegetables: Add more vegetables with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or cauliflower. The caramelized flavors of roasted veggies pair wonderfully with the creamy turkey pie.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes: For a twist, serve some mashed sweet potatoes on the side for a sweet contrast to the savory turkey and mashed potatoes.