Introduction

Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting classic, and this easy version uses ground turkey for a lighter twist. Packed with vegetables and topped with creamy mashed cauliflower or potatoes, it’s a wholesome, satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.

A thick, square slice of layered shepherd's pie sits on a stack of two white plates on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer shows a mix of ground meat, bright orange carrot cubes, yellow corn kernels, and peas, all mixed tightly together. Above that is a thick, soft layer of mashed potatoes, creamy white with a slight golden brown crust and sprinkled with fresh green parsley leaves. In the background, there is a large white baking dish holding the rest of the shepherd’s pie with a golden, bubbly top. A silver fork lies beside the plate on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey (85% lean, 15% fat)
8 oz white mushrooms (or baby bella mushrooms)
1 onion, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
2 cups frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp tomato puree
2 tbsp flour
1 cup chicken broth
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dried thyme
2 lbs cauliflower (or potatoes)
1/3 cup milk (1% milk recommended)
2 tbsp sour cream
3 garlic cloves, peeled
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Step 2: Prepare the topping by placing cauliflower florets or peeled and cut potatoes into a pot of water along with 3 cloves of garlic and 1 tsp salt. Boil for about 30 minutes until fork tender, then drain well.
Step 3: Return cauliflower or potatoes to the pot. Add milk and sour cream, then blend with an immersion blender until smooth. Alternatively, mash with a potato masher.
Step 4: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Brown the ground turkey with 3/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, dried thyme, and paprika until cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 6: Add butter to the same skillet. Cook chopped onions and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 7: Add mushrooms and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until mushrooms soften, about 3–5 minutes. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well to combine.
Step 8: Add tomato puree, frozen vegetables, cooked turkey, Worcestershire sauce, and chicken broth. Stir and cook on low heat until the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.
Step 9: Spread the turkey and vegetable mixture evenly in a casserole dish (such as a 9×12 ceramic or any oven-safe dish).
Step 10: Spoon the mashed cauliflower or potatoes in blobs over the filling. Use the back of a spoon to spread it evenly over the top, covering the meat and vegetables.
Step 11: Bake in the preheated oven at 400 degrees F for 30 minutes or until bubbly. For a crispier top, you can briefly broil for a few minutes at the end.
Step 12: Let the pie cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

Tips & Variations

Use cauliflower for a lower-carb, lighter topping or traditional potatoes for a classic taste.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth of flavor in the meat mixture.
Feel free to swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a milder flavor or to make it poultry-free.
Leftover Shepherd’s Pie reheats well in the oven or microwave—just cover and warm thoroughly.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot. For longer storage, freeze the pie in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A white baking dish filled with a golden brown baked casserole, showing a top layer of melted cheese that is slightly browned in spots. The edges are slightly crisped and browned, while uneven patches of creamy white and light orange cheese form a textured surface. Chopped green herbs are sprinkled evenly across the top, adding fresh color contrast. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a blue and white striped cloth peeking in the corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?

Absolutely. Ground beef will give a richer flavor and a more traditional Shepherd’s Pie experience. Adjust cooking times slightly if needed to fully brown the beef.

What can I use if I don’t have an immersion blender?

You can mash the cooked cauliflower or potatoes with a potato masher or fork. For a smoother texture, whip them with a hand mixer or in a food processor if you have one.