Wholesome and Tasty Turkey Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Warm and flavorful Healthy Turkey Shepherd’s Pie Recipe featuring lean ground turkey, vibrant vegetables, hearty homemade gravy, and a topping of lighter mashed potatoes. This is a healthier variation of a beloved comfort food dish that your whole family will adore!

When I mention that I grew up enjoying classic shepherd’s pie, I truly mean my mother would prepare it for us every single week. She appreciated how it encompassed all the food groups in one simple casserole for dinner, and it was utterly delightful! This nourishing shepherd’s pie recipe offers a fresh take on this traditional comfort food, filled with veggies, lean ground turkey, rich homemade gravy, and topped with my healthier mashed potatoes. What makes them healthier? They are also infused with hidden vegetables! I hope your family loves this dish at their dinner gatherings.

Why You’ll Enjoy This

• High protein – using ground turkey instead of ground beef or lamb decreases saturated fat while packing in 22 grams of protein per serving.
• Extra veggies – we include additional veggies in the filling for an enhanced boost of fiber, vitamins, and essential nutrients, plus a whole head of cauliflower in the mashed topping!
• Lighter mash – you’re going to adore my healthy mashed potato recipe that halves the potatoes and incorporates an entire head of cauliflower for a creamy, lower-carb topping. Mashed cauliflower is also an option.
• Customizable – this healthy shepherd’s pie recipe can easily be adapted with various veggies and lean proteins.
• Great for a crowd – this straightforward recipe yields a large quantity, making it an excellent choice for feeding a group, and we love it for meal prepping!

What Sets Shepherd’s Pie Apart from Cottage Pie?

Classic shepherd’s pie is made exclusively with ground lamb, and its name originated from shepherds tending to their sheep. Conversely, cottage pie refers to those made with ground beef.

Essential Ingredients

• ground turkey – I opted for 93% lean ground turkey, though you could select an even leaner option, keeping in mind that it may result in drier, less flavorful meat. Alternatives include ground chicken, extra-lean ground beef, or ground pork.
• vegetables – we’ll use chopped onions, celery, and carrots, along with frozen corn and peas. I also included a whole head of cauliflower in the mashed potatoes.
• olive oil – I prefer a quality olive oil to sauté the veggies. It doesn’t need to be pricey; just ensure it’s cold-pressed and organic for the best flavor.
• mashed potatoes – I always follow this recipe that combines Yukon Gold potatoes (or russet potatoes) with cauliflower. Feel free to use your preferred mashed potato recipe, and consider adding a bit of cheddar cheese for enhanced flavor.
• flour – you only need 2 tablespoons to thicken the mixture. I opted for gluten-free flour, making this a gluten-free shepherd’s pie, but all-purpose flour or any other preferred flour works too.
• chicken broth – you’ll need 1 cup, but you can also use beef or vegetable broth, or any stock you have on hand.
• tomato paste – just 1 tablespoon adds depth of flavor and helps thicken the gravy. Tomato sauce is also an option.
• worcestershire sauce – it adds a boost of flavor!
• garlic – I recommend using fresh chopped garlic cloves or jarred minced garlic, although garlic powder can work in a pinch.
• fresh herbs – combine fresh thyme leaves and fresh rosemary.
• salt and black pepper – essential for seasoning the shepherd’s pie and enhancing flavor.

Steps to Create Healthy Shepherd’s Pie

1. Cook potatoes and cauliflower. Start by placing only the potatoes (set the cauliflower aside for now) in a large pot with salted water on the stovetop. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let the potatoes simmer for about 15 minutes. Add the fresh cauliflower florets and continue simmering for another 8-9 minutes until both are soft and fork-tender.
2. Prepare the mashed potatoes. Drain the potatoes and cauliflower, then return them to the pot they were cooked in or a large bowl. Incorporate the milk, Greek yogurt, chicken broth, butter, garlic powder, kosher salt, and pepper. Mash the mixture with a potato masher or blend with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
3. Brown the meat. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil and brown the ground turkey, breaking it apart as it cooks for about 5 minutes. Transfer the cooked turkey to a plate and set aside.
4. Sauté the vegetables. Drizzle another tablespoon of olive oil into the hot skillet, then add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the veggies are tender.
5. Create the meat filling. Return the ground turkey to the pan, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Dust the meat mixture with flour and toss to coat, cooking for 1 more minute. Stir in the tomato paste, chicken broth, worcestershire sauce, and herbs. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for approximately 10-12 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
6. Assemble the casserole. Mix frozen corn and peas into the turkey mixture, spreading it evenly in a casserole dish. Gently distribute the mashed potatoes over the turkey mixture, smoothing it into an even layer with a spatula or the back of a wooden spoon.
7. Bake and serve. Bake the shepherd’s pie in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Before serving, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley on top of the mashed potatoes.

Variations

• More veggies – feel free to include shredded or chopped zucchini, fresh mushrooms, green beans, sweet potatoes, or other vegetables.
• Extra protein – while this recipe calls for lean ground turkey, you could add a handful of cooked quinoa or chickpeas for added protein.
• Dairy-free option – to make this dish dairy-free, substitute almond milk or coconut milk for the milk in the mashed potatoes. You can also replace Greek yogurt (or sour cream) with a dairy-free alternative.
• Vegan option – replace the ground turkey with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative for a vegan or vegetarian shepherd’s pie. Swap the milk for coconut or almond milk in the mash.
• Low carb option – though I use my healthy mashed potato recipe, you can opt for my easy cauliflower mash for a lower-carb topping.
• Sweet potatoes – elevate nutrition in this recipe by using mashed sweet potatoes instead of traditional potatoes for a flavorful sweet potato shepherd’s pie.
• Spice it up – add a touch of smoked paprika, chili flakes, hot sauce, or sriracha for a warming kick.

Preparation and Storage

To Prepare in Advance – To simplify your meal prep, you can assemble the shepherd’s pie ahead of time, covering the baking dish with foil. Refrigerate for up to 2 days and then bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F for approximately 30 minutes or until heated through.

Storage – Leftovers can be kept in a sealed, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave.

Freezing – Shepherd’s pie also freezes exceptionally well! Assemble the casserole and cover it with aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and cook as directed.

More Casserole Recipes

I hope you all enjoy this Healthy Turkey Shepherd’s Pie Recipe! If you love this recipe as much as we do, please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating below and tag me on Instagram! Follow for more healthy comfort food recipes!