Turkey Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potato Topping

Craving comfort food? This Turkey Shepherd's Pie is a lighter, healthier take on the classic. Sweet potato topping? Absolutely! A delicious ground turkey recipe the whole family will love. Get the recipe!

Recipe Introduction: Turkey Shepherd's Pie, But Make it Healthy!

Ever crave proper comfort food, but feel a bit guilty afterwards? me too! that's why i'm buzzing to share my take on a ground turkey recipe : turkey shepherd's pie with sweet potato topping.

This isn't your nan's recipe, though it's just as heartwarming.

This beauty swaps the usual beef for lean ground turkey , and tops it with sweet potatoes. think of it as a lighter, brighter twist on a classic.

It’s hearty, savoury, and slightly sweet. this all is the bliss you crave, trust me!

What Makes it Special?

This isn’t just a ground meat meals . it's a hug in a bowl. it’s perfect for a chilly evening or when you just need some serious comfort.

Swapping potatoes for sweet potatoes adds extra nutrients. this can even count toward turkey recipes healthy , winning!

From Fields to Your Fork: A Quick Look

Shepherd's pie has been around for yonks, originally a way to use up leftover meat. this version keeps that thrifty spirit but gives it a modern, healthier spin.

It’s fairly easy to make. it takes about an hour and 15 minutes. this includes prep and cooking. it makes enough for 6-8 people.

Ideal for a family meal.

Health Boost and Happy Tummies

Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamin a and fibre. this ground turkey and peppers recipe is a nutritious alternative to the standard fare.

It's also lower in fat, making it a great mom dinner ideas . perfect for a family dinner on the go or a cosy night in.

Or you could even prep it in advance for a turkey lunch .

Time to talk about ingredients. because you simply cannot start a ground turkey and peppers discussion without the stars of the show.

I also added some info in case you are curious about finding the perfect dinner with ground turkey recipes.

Alright, let's dive into what you need for this champion Shepherd's Pie! Honestly, getting the ingredients right is half the battle. You know?

Ingredients & Equipment: The Nitty-Gritty

Let's break down the essentials for this ground turkey recipe . We're aiming for tasty and easy.

Main Ingredients: Setting the Stage for Flavour

For the unbelievably delicious turkey filling , you'll need:

• 1 tbsp olive oil ( 15 ml ). Don’t skimp!
• 1 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup/150g ). Look for firm onions.
• 2 carrots, diced (around 1 cup/120g ). Bright orange carrots are best.
• 2 celery stalks, diced (about 1 cup/100g ). Celery should be firm.
• 1 pound ground turkey ( 450g ). Opt for lean ground turkey, 93% is perfect.
• 1 tsp dried thyme ( 5 ml ).
• ½ tsp dried rosemary ( 2.5 ml ).
• ½ tsp dried sage ( 2.5 ml ).
• ½ tsp salt ( 2.5 ml ).
• ¼ tsp black pepper ( 1.25 ml ).
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour ( 30 ml/25g ).
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth ( 240 ml ).
• ½ cup frozen peas ( 75g ). Straight from the freezer!
• ½ cup frozen corn ( 75g ).
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce ( 30 ml ).

Next, the lovely sweet potato topping. The perfect sweet counterpoint to our ground meat meals !

• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (around 3 pounds/1.36kg ). Choose firm sweet potatoes.
• ¼ cup milk ( 60 ml ). Almond milk works too.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter ( 30g ). Or olive oil for a dairy-free version.
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon ( 1.25 ml ).
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg ( 1.25 ml ).
• Salt and pepper to taste.

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life

This ground turkey and peppers recipe is already flavourful, but let's amplify it! thyme, rosemary, and sage is a classic combo.

A pinch of red pepper flakes would give this dinner with ground turkey a nice kick. no rosemary? use italian seasoning.

For flavor enhancers, worcestershire sauce adds depth. it's a turkey lunch upgrade, for sure!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need fancy gadgets. Honest! Just the basics:

• Large skillet or Dutch oven.
• Large saucepan.
• Potato masher (or electric mixer).
• 9x13 inch baking dish (about 23x33cm). A casserole dish will do.

Honestly, this is dinner on the go ready, because you can make it advance and keep it fresh for weeks.

So, there you have it. grab these ingredients, and you’re on your way to a cracking turkey shepherd's pie . it's one of those turkey recipes healthy that even picky eaters will love, and it's absolutely a winner of mom dinner ideas .

Cheers!

Okay, here we go! Talking Shepherd's Pie, are we? Always a good shout. And with ground turkey? Even better! Let's dive into this Turkey Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potato Topping .

Cooking Method: Shepherd's Pie, But Make It Healthy

Look, we all love a good shepherd's pie. but sometimes, you want something a bit lighter, you know? this ground turkey recipe is just that.

It's still got all the comforting goodness, but without the guilt. this is not any ground turkey and peppers recipe , this is far better.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

Honestly, the mise en place is key here. chop your onion, carrots, and celery. dice those sweet potatoes. measure out your spices.

It sounds boring, but it seriously speeds things up. i find prepping everything while the oven heats saves a bunch of time.

It helps me with dinner on the go , too. just grab, dump, repeat. and hey, no sharp knives after a glass of wine, yeah? no one wants a visit to a&e.

Step-by-Step: Pie Time!

Right, let's get cracking.

1. Sweet Potato Time: Boil your sweet potatoes until they are soft. Mash with milk, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Set that aside.
2. Veggies First: Sauté your onions, carrots, and celery in a large skillet until they soften.
3. Turkey Time! Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up as you go. Drain off any extra grease!
4. Spice it Up: Stir in your thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, and pepper. Add the flour and cook for a minute.
5. Sauce it Up: Slowly pour in the chicken broth and stir in the Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes. I love this turkey lunch dish!
6. Veggie Power: Stir in the peas and corn. Cook until heated.
7. Assemble: Pour the turkey mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the sweet potato topping evenly.
8. Bake: Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20- 25 minutes , until golden and bubbly.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Pie

• Don't overcrowd that pan when you brown the turkey. Trust me, it'll steam instead of brown, and nobody wants that. This will make the ground meat meals and recipe in general, better .
• Don’t be afraid to use salt! It’s important to season the dinner with ground turkey generously. I like to taste it as I go and add more if it needs it.
• Want to make this ahead? Totally doable. Assemble everything up to the baking step and then cover it tightly and stick it in the fridge. You can also freeze it. When you’re ready to bake, add an extra 10- 15 minutes to the baking time and make sure it is piping hot in the middle.

This shepherd’s pie is a winner for mom dinner ideas , too. healthy, comforting, and easy to make. it really does win at everything.

I have to confess, i sometimes sneak the ground turkey and peppers into a bowl dinners to eat during the day! enjoy making some turkey recipes healthy and share your pictures and success!

Alright, let's dive deeper into this awesome Turkey Shepherd's Pie recipe ! It's all about the little things, you know? These Recipe Notes will make sure yours is a total winner.

Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Pie!

Serving Suggestions: Show It Off!

Honestly, presentation matters. for plating, think rustic! a nice scoop in a bowl, maybe with a sprig of fresh thyme.

This dish is screaming to be shared. serve it hot and bubbly. imagine how gorgeous it would look!

As for sides, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is perfect . Balance out that richness, innit? For beverages, a nice, crisp cider would be lovely.

Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh!

Got leftovers? Who doesn't! Refrigerate your Turkey Shepherd's Pie in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Trust me, it tastes even better the next day.

Freezing is a go too. just let it cool completely first. then, wrap it up tight and freeze for up to 2 months.

Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating. reheat in the oven at 350° f ( 175° c) until heated through.

Cover it loosely with foil.

Variations: Make It Yours!

Fancy a dietary tweak? Easy peasy. For a Turkey Recipes Healthy dish, use unsweetened almond milk instead of regular milk in the sweet potato topping.

Seasonal swaps? Absolutely! Use butternut squash instead of sweet potato in autumn. So festive. Dinner On The Go ? Pre-portion it into containers!

Nutrition Basics: Good for You!

This ground turkey recipe is surprisingly good for you! It's packed with protein and fibre, thanks to the ground turkey and veggies. Each serving has about 350 calories.

The sweet potato topping adds vitamins and antioxidants. This can be a perfect Mom Dinner Ideas or even a light Turkey Lunch !

So there you have it. easy peasy, right? don't be afraid to experiment, tweak it, and make it your own.

And hey, if you make a total mess, don't sweat it! that's how we learn. this ground turkey and peppers recipe can be adapted! remember, cooking should be fun.

Go on, give it a go! you've got this! this would work well with ground turkey and peppers as well.

Give it a try. it is a perfect dinner with ground turkey . the possibilities are endless for ground meat meals .

How about bowl dinners for quick cleanup?

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I stop my ground turkey from being dry in this shepherd's pie ground turkey recipe?

Dry ground turkey is a common issue! To keep it moist, avoid overcooking it during the browning stage. Also, be sure to drain off any excess grease after browning. Adding a bit more chicken broth or Worcestershire sauce to the filling can also help keep things nice and juicy, a bit like adding gravy to your Sunday roast.

Can I freeze this Turkey Shepherd's Pie ground turkey recipe for later?

Absolutely! This Turkey Shepherd's Pie freezes brilliantly. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in cling film and then foil (or place it in a freezer-safe container). It will keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake until heated through, a bit like leftovers after Boxing Day.

What are some good substitutions if I don't have all the ingredients for this ground turkey recipe?

No worries, substitutions are easy peasy! If you don't have sweet potatoes, regular mashed potatoes work just fine. You can swap the ground turkey with ground chicken or even lentils for a vegetarian option. As for the herbs, any combination of Italian seasoning will do the trick – think of it as winging it like a good bake-off contestant.

Is this Turkey Shepherd's Pie ground turkey recipe healthy?

This version of Shepherd's Pie is definitely a healthier take on the classic! Using ground turkey instead of ground beef reduces the fat content, and the sweet potato topping adds extra vitamins and fiber. You can further lighten it up by using skimmed milk, a lighter olive oil spread instead of butter, and plenty of vegetables – it is all about balance, isn’t it!

Can I make this ground turkey shepherd's pie ahead of time?

You certainly can! This pie is perfect for prepping ahead. You can assemble the entire pie and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through, that way when your guest arrive, you don't have to panic like its the royal wedding!

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