Looking to switch up your go-to comfort food recipe? Look no further than this Turkey and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a healthier take on the classic dish. Made with ground turkey and sweet potatoes, it’s packed with protein and nutrients.
The unique combination of sweet and savory flavors makes this recipe truly stand out. After cooking the sweet potatoes until they’re tender, they’re combined with other filling ingredients like onions, garlic, peas, and corn. A simple sauce made from chicken broth and cornstarch is added to create a rich, creamy consistency.
The filling is then mashed and mixed with warm butter and milk before being topped with optional shredded cheddar cheese. The dish is baked in the oven until everything is melted and bubbly.
Whether you’re cooking for a family or just for yourself, this Turkey and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie is sure to please. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for a cozy weeknight meal. Give it a try and see for yourself how flavorful and satisfying this twist on the classic can be!
Turkey and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound (453.6 g) ground turkey
- 2 sweet potatoes peeled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (0.5 teaspoon) black pepper
- 1/2 cup (73.5 g) frozen peas
- 1/2 cup (83.7 g) frozen corn
- 1 cup (238.4 g) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup (60 g) water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup (61.9 g) milk
- 1/4 cup (28.7 g) shredded cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground turkey until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped sweet potatoes and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to skillet with sweet potatoes. Cook until onions are translucent.
- Add cooked turkey back into the skillet with sweet potatoes and onions. Stir to combine.
- Add dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add frozen peas and frozen corn. Stir to combine.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together chicken broth and cornstarch. Add to skillet and stir to combine.
- Cook mixture until sauce has thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a separate small saucepan, melt butter or margarine. Add milk and heat until warm.
- Mash sweet potato mixture with a potato masher or fork. Stir in butter and milk mixture until well combined.
- Transfer sweet potato mixture to a 9-inch baking dish.
- Optional: sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of sweet potato mixture.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cheese has melted and top is golden brown.
Notes
2. Slice the sweet potatoes into small, even pieces for uniform cooking.
3. Cook the sweet potatoes until they're tender, not mushy.
4. Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
5. Whisk the cornstarch and chicken broth to avoid lumps.
6. Cook the sauce until it has thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
7. Melt the butter and warm the milk before adding them to the sweet potato mixture.
8. Mash the sweet potato mixture thoroughly and mix well with the butter and milk.
9. Use a 9-inch baking dish to allow the cheese to melt and the top to become golden brown.
10. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
Data source: USDA
Storage Tips
The Turkey and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container. If you want to freeze it, allow it to cool completely, cover it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and place it in the freezer. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months.
To defrost it, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Once it’s thawed, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes or in the microwave for 5-7 minutes until it’s heated through.
When reheating, you can top it with shredded cheddar cheese for an extra layer of flavor. Make sure to stir it occasionally while reheating to prevent cold spots from forming. Enjoy!
Recipe Variations
1. Beef and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie – Substitute the ground turkey with ground beef for a classic version of this dish.
2. Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie – Omit the turkey and add in a variety of vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots, peas, and corn for a meat-free version.
3. Shepherd’s Pie with Mashed Cauliflower – Swap out the sweet potato mash for mashed cauliflower for a low-carb version of this dish.
4. Shepherd’s Pie with Cheese – Add shredded cheese to the top of the sweet potato layer for a cheesy twist on this classic dish.
5. Mexican Shepherd’s Pie – Use ground beef instead of turkey and add in flavors of cumin, chili powder, and jalapeno peppers for a spicy, Mexican-inspired version.
6. Shepherd’s Pie with Lentils – Swap out the ground turkey with lentils for a vegetarian and protein-packed version.
7. Shepherd’s Pie with Butternut Squash – Use butternut squash instead of sweet potato mash for a slightly sweeter and nuttier flavor.
What To Serve With
1. Side Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
2. Garlic Bread
3. Roasted Vegetables (such as carrots, brussels sprouts, and parsnips)
4. Steamed Green Beans
5. Cranberry Sauce
6. Mashed Potatoes
7. Cornbread
8. Apple Cider
9. Apple Pie for dessert.
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