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Home By Meal

Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

★★★★★ 26 Reviews Recipe Print
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By: Erin1/21/21

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

turkey shepherd's pie
turkey shepherd's pie

Turkey Shepherd’s Pie is a veggie-filled casserole of rich, creamy cauliflower, seasonings, and ground turkey. It’s the perfect meal for this time of year – warm, satisfying, and extra cozy!

turkey shepherd's pie

The most delicious shepherd’s pie recipe

What’s hearty, filling, and satisfying, and comes in a casserole dish large enough to feed a crowd? Shepherd’s pie, of course! But, not any shepherd’s pie. Turkey shepherd’s pie.

This delicious meal is filled with everything cozy and tasty. It’s loaded with veggies and seasoned to perfection with rosemary, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and more. And it even uses healthier ingredients to provide extra nutrients and less fat.

I love to eat this dish when I find myself craving something warm and filling, and it’s so good that you’ll usually catch me grabbing a second plate. Even better is that my family gets so excited when I prepare this, because it’s that darn tasty!

So, if you’ve been looking for something extra cozy or you need a recipe idea to feed a crowd, this is it.

turkey shepherd's pie on plate

Ingredients in ground turkey shepherd’s pie

This turkey shepherd’s pie recipe consists of the pie filling and the cauliflower “mash” topping. For both parts, we’re loading up on the seasonings and including a delicious combo of ingredients!

Cauliflower Mash Topping:

  • Cauliflower: The first ingredient of this dish is the cauliflower. You’ll need to chop up 2 medium heads, as we’ll be using this as the main portion of the “mash” topping!
  • Ghee or Butter: Include 2 tbsp of either ghee or butter for rich, creamy flavor.
  • Salt: I like to add salt in the amount of 1 tbsp.
  • Pepper: Finally, throw in 1/2 tsp of pepper.

Pie Filling:

  • Avocado oil: For the pie filling, we’ll start with 2 tbsp of avocado oil.
  • Yellow onion: Next, dice up a large yellow onion.
  • Carrots: For extra crunch, add 4 large, chopped carrots. You’ll want the pieces to be pretty small.
  • Mushrooms: Next, you’ll need 8 oz of roughly chopped mushrooms.
  • Garlic: Add 2 cloves of minced garlic, for obvious reasons!
  • Seasonings: As for the additional seasonings, include 1 tsp of dried rosemary, thyme, and salt (each), and 1/2 tsp of pepper.
  • Ground turkey: Finally, add the meat! We’ll be using 1 lb of ground turkey.
  • Broth: For the broth, you can use either chicken or beef. Use 1 cup.
  • Tomato paste: Next, add 1/4 cup of tomato paste.
  • Worcestershire sauce: Include 1 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
  • Frozen veggies: Finally, add 1 cup of frozen peas and 1 cup of frozen corn.
makings of shepherd's pie

Tools needed to create this dish

Ground turkey shepherd’s pie involves prepping ingredients, sautéing, and baking, so we’ll need the appropriate tools. Here’s a complete list of everything you’ll need:

  • Cutting board
  • Chopping knife
  • Large saucepan and lid
  • Food processor
  • Spatula
  • Stirring utensil
  • 9×13 baking dish

And for measuring, grab these sizes: 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp, 1 tbsp, 1/4 cup, and 1 cup.

How to make turkey shepherd’s pie

This turkey shepherd’s pie recipe takes less than an hour to come together, including the prep, sautéing, and baking. We’ll start by softening the cauliflower, and then we’ll move to the sautéing.

Finally, we’ll brown the turkey and assemble and bake the dish, cooking it to golden brown deliciousness.

To begin, preheat the oven to 400F.

Cut the cauliflower into small florets and add them to a large saucepan.

Next, add 2 cups of water the pan and set the heat to medium-high. Cover with a lid.

Let the cauliflower cook until it’s fork tender, which should take about 10-15 minutes. Once cooked, dump the remaining water.

Add the cauliflower to a food processor with ghee, salt, and pepper and blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Set aside.

Add avocado oil to a large sauce pan. Once hot, add the onions, carrots, and mushrooms.

Then, let the veggies sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until they begin to soften.

Add the garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper and stir until well combined.

Next, add the ground turkey and cook it until it’s no longer pink.

Pour in the broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until well combined, and let simmer for 5 minutes.

Add the peas and corn and stir. Turn off the heat.

Pour the filling into the bottom of the 9×13 dish.

Add the cauliflower mash evenly on top of the filling and bake it in the oven for 20 minutes.

Optionally, broil for an additional 5 minutes to brown the top.

making turkey shepherd's pie

A healthier option… yes!

If you’ve ever had shepherd’s pie, you know it’s a potato fest. It’s loaded up with rich and creamy mashed potatoes, and it’s to die for! Well, this recipe is just as mouth watering, but it actually doesn’t use any potatoes. Instead, we achieve that mashed goodness by using cauliflower. Yep, it’s true! And it’s so good.

In addition to swapping the cauliflower, we’re using ground turkey rather than ground beef. This is a great lean protein option that’s just as yummy but contains less fat!

What’s more, this dish is seriously loaded up with vegetables. Think carrots, onion, peas, corn… we’re talking a nutrient powerhouse!

Finally, I included the option of using chicken broth in place of beef broth. This gives you the option to once again include a lower-fat ingredient.

Storing leftovers

Wondering what to do with leftover turkey shepherd’s pie? Easy! Stick it in a container and keep it refrigerated. I recommend enjoying the yummy leftovers within 2-3 days for the best flavor.

If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!

Cozy recipes are the best! From casserole to muffins and salad to burgers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Dig in!

  • Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole
  • Healthy Sweet Potato Muffins
  • Fall Harvest Salad
  • Cheesy Sweet Potato Gratin
  • Fall Apple Turkey Burgers
turkey shepherd's pie

Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by Quarter Soul Crisis

turkey shepherd's pie
★★★★★ 5 from 26 reviews

Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Turkey Shepherd’s Pie is a veggie-filled casserole of rich, creamy cauliflower, seasonings, and ground turkey. It’s the perfect meal for this time of year – warm, satisfying, and extra cozy!

Prep: 20Cook: 30Total: 50 minutes
Yield 10 cups 1x
Print Pin it Rate

Ingredients

Cauliflower Mash Topping:

  • 2 medium heads cauliflower
  • 2 tbsp ghee or butter
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper

Pie Filling:

  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 large carrots, chopped small
  • 8 oz mushrooms, roughly chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 cup broth (beef or chicken)
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup frozen corn

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400F.
  2. Cut cauliflower into small florets and add to large saucepan.
  3. Add 2 cups of water, turn on heat to medium-high, and add a lid.
  4. Let cauliflower cook until fork tender, 10-15 minutes. Dump remaining water.
  5. Add cauliflower to food processor with ghee, salt, and pepper and blend until smooth, scraping down sides as needed. Set aside.
  6. Add avocado oil to a large saucepan. Once hot, add onions, carrots, and mushrooms.
  7. Let veggies saute for 5-7 minutes or until beginning to soften.
  8. Add in garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper, and stir until all combined.
  9. Add in ground turkey and cook until no longer pink.
  10. Pour in broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until well combined and let simmer for 5 minutes.
  11. Add in peas and corn, and stir. Turn off heat.
  12. Pour filling into bottom of 9×13 dish.
  13. Add cauliflower mash evenly on top of filling and bake in oven for 20 minutes. Optional: broil for an additional 5 minutes to brown the top.
Author: Erin MorrisseyCategory: dinner, lunch, meal-prep, gluten-freeMethod: ovenCuisine: AmericanDiet: Gluten Free
turkey shepherd's pie

Did you make this?

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chocolate chip cookies
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Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Kari says

    Posted on 2/18 at 2:45 pm

    This recipe is amazing!! My husband was a little hesitant of me making a healthy shepherds pie because I’ve made one before that was awful. After trying this one, he was raving about how good it was! He didn’t even know I put mushrooms in it and he hates mushrooms. I did 2 russet potatoes and 1 head of cauliflower instead of just cauliflower alone. I also added some Cajun seasoning to the meat mixture.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/19 at 10:37 am

      Hi Kari, I am thrilled he enjoyed this recipe and you made it your own! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Erika Golden says

    Posted on 2/11 at 6:36 pm

    WOWOWOWOW!! Discovered this recipe 2 weeks ago and have made it for different company 3x since. Of which, everyone LOVED! Soo good!

    Added about 1/4C plain Greek yogurt to the cauli mash … unsure what difference it made but Twas very yummy nonetheless

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/12 at 12:20 pm

      Hi Erika, thanks for sharing and so happy this has become a regular in your kitchen!

      Reply
  3. Erin says

    Posted on 2/6 at 3:03 pm

    This recipe is gold. Extra veggies instead of mushrooms and used lean beef instead of turkey👌🏼. Pretty sure I had 1/4 of the pan in one sitting. 0 regrets. Thanks Erin!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/7 at 7:52 pm

      Hi Erin, I am thrilled you enjoyed it so much!!

      Reply
  4. Caroline says

    Posted on 2/4 at 8:47 pm

    This recipe was easy to put together, DELICIOUS, and healthy!! Enjoyed leftovers for lunch all week. Definitely will be making this again.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/4 at 11:31 pm

      Hi Caroline, I am so glad you loved it!

      Reply
  5. Beckie maddox says

    Posted on 2/3 at 10:25 am

    What a great, hearty recipe! My husband tried the meat/veggie combo before I put it in the pan and was shocked at how tasty it was! The tomato paste + worcestshire is the key for great flavor!
    And yes- you need 2 cauliflowers. It may seem like a lot but it was the exact amt to cover the entire pan.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/3 at 8:47 pm

      Hi Beckie, I am so happy you both liked it!

      Reply
  6. Sarah T. says

    Posted on 2/2 at 10:09 pm

    This might be my new favorite dinner. So dang delicious. I made extra of the cauliflower topping because it’s so so good. Make this now.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/3 at 6:49 am

      Hi Sarah, so happy you enjoyed it so much! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Lilli N says

    Posted on 2/2 at 7:08 pm

    Made this for dinner for me and my roommates and everyone loved it!! I added 1 potato to the cauliflower topping and used a frozen medley that had green beans too 🙂 It also heated up really well the next day for leftovers!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/3 at 6:47 am

      Hi Lili, I am so glad you enjoyed it!!

      Reply
  8. Robyn says

    Posted on 2/2 at 2:52 pm

    This is a winner! Only swaps were green beans for the peas (picky eaters to please). My two teens loved it and the whole family was shocked when I announced halfway through dinner that the top was califlower and not mashed potatoes. They all agreed they like it better! And I loved that it was lighter and loaded with vegetables!! Great recipe that will be on repeat throughout the winter!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/2 at 3:32 pm

      Hi Robyn, I am so glad you liked it and made it your own!!

      Reply
  9. Christine says

    Posted on 2/1 at 9:55 am

    Delicious! It was the perfect dinner for a cold, snowy night and will make wonderful leftovers. I loved how packed full of veggies this recipe was and will definitely be making again.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/1 at 1:47 pm

      Hi Christine, I am so happy you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  10. Natalie says

    Posted on 1/29 at 7:00 pm

    Absolutely delicious, the whole family enjoyed it! Awesome Erin💕

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/29 at 11:15 pm

      Hi Natalie, I am so glad everyone liked it!

      Reply
  11. kayley says

    Posted on 1/28 at 1:39 pm

    my mom made this but with your mashed potato/cauli on top (to please some picky eaters)- delicious!!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/28 at 8:09 pm

      Hi Kayley, so glad you enjoyed it!!

      Reply
  12. Burcu says

    Posted on 1/27 at 8:22 pm

    This was our dinner tonight. My partner with Irish roots was kind of disappointed that I used ground turkey instead of ground beef. then real disappointment came when he saw I was making mashed cauliflower instead of potato. He was very funny about it so we were laughing a lot. However, when I served his plate and he took a bite, his face lit up and he said it was really very good. He helped himself with second and was excited to see there was more for tomorrow. Very good recipe. Well done, Erin!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/28 at 8:02 pm

      Hi Burcu, I am so happy you both enjoyed it!! 🙂

      Reply
  13. Corina says

    Posted on 1/26 at 4:10 pm

    Sooo I’ve never had actual shepherd’s pie, but this recipe gives me no desire to (in the best way, ofc)! This is my new go-to comfort food for a cold night in. It’s a lot of ingredients, but so easy to make once they’re all gathered. And the leftovers taste just as great! I’ve eaten it for dinner, breakfast, and lunch at this point 🙂 And a great way to sneak in the vegetables and fiber! Thanks for the awesome recipe, Erin!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/27 at 5:49 pm

      Hi Corina, I am so happy you’ve enjoyed it so many times!!

      Reply
  14. Rachel S says

    Posted on 1/25 at 8:23 pm

    Wow this recipe is SO GOOD! We ended up using ground beef because that’s what we had on hand and it was delicious! Only additional step was draining the fat after cooking the beef. Such a hearty, filling, comforting meal and relatively easy to put together. A+ from this fam. Thank you for sharing!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/25 at 11:44 pm

      Hi Rachel, so happy you loved it!!

      Reply
  15. Reyna Munves says

    Posted on 1/25 at 8:08 pm

    Look no further for your guiltless winter comfort food! Erin nailed this one. The flavor is perfect, it’s packed with veggies, and you don’t even miss regular mashed potatoes. Highly recommend!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/25 at 11:43 pm

      Hi Reyna, thanks for the kind words and glad you loved it!!

      Reply
  16. Georgeann Moore says

    Posted on 1/25 at 5:51 pm

    I was waiting for this recipe as soon as I saw you making and it did not disappoint!! All the delicious flavor of a comfort meal, but not nearly the amount of calories. Another win for ELW!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/25 at 11:41 pm

      Hi Georgeann, so happy you loved it!!

      Reply
  17. Devin says

    Posted on 1/25 at 9:27 am

    Shocked by how delicious and easy shepherds pie could be!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/25 at 11:32 pm

      Hi Devin, so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  18. Emily says

    Posted on 1/24 at 8:18 pm

    Ok WOW. This was a huge win. Used turkey for it and maybe tripled the garlic (we gave a garlic addiction in this house haha). Skipped the corn (allergy) and doubled the peas. Once I put the meat/veggie mix in the pan, I sprinkled with pepper jack cheese and then mixed about 2 cups with the cauliflower mash before I put on top. All I gotta say is THAT WAS A MOVE. Highly recommend that as well if cheese is your thing. Overall, this was just what we needed this cold Sunday night. Thanks Erin!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/25 at 11:23 pm

      Hi Emily, so happy you loved them and made it your own!!

      Reply
  19. julia says

    Posted on 1/24 at 7:20 pm

    Delicious recipe, whole family loved it!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/25 at 11:22 pm

      Hi Julia, so glad you enjoyed it!!

      Reply
  20. Jenna says

    Posted on 1/21 at 9:41 am

    Hi! Just curious is ghee considered dairy-free? Looking forward to trying this recipe! Thanks!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/21 at 11:23 am

      Hi Jenna, ghee is not dairy-free because it’s butterfat but it is lactose-free. Hope that helps!

      Reply
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