Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

The best part of a roasted whole turkey is, without a doubt, the mountain of leftover turkey you get to enjoy after the main meal. One of our greatest leftover turkey recipes is this easy turkey shepherd’s pie. It’s quite versatile, and you can use leftover side dishes from the rest of your dinner (after you make Ross Geller’s moist maker sandwich from “Friends,” of course).

With layers of juicy turkey, corn, turkey gravy, stuffing and peaks of creamy mashed potatoes, this simple and flavorful meal will become your new favorite way to enjoy Thanksgiving or Christmas leftovers.

Ingredients for Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

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• Turkey: This shepherd’s pie recipe uses 2 cup cubed cooked turkey. Use light or dark meat, or a combination of both.
• Stuffing: Stuffing is an unconventional shepherd’s pie ingredient that packs in tons of flavor with great body and texture. Try any one of our best-ever stuffing recipes.
• Turkey gravy: Gravy adds essential moisture, fat and flavor to this leftover turkey shepherd’s pie recipe. If you’ve never made gravy before, try this fool-proof gravy recipe.
• Corn: For color and a touch of natural sweetness, we look to corn. If you don’t have canned corn, you could use an equal amount of fresh or frozen corn instead (no need to thaw).
• Mashed potatoes: Leftover mashed potatoes have never looked so good! If you don’t have leftovers, you can also make a fresh batch from any one of these favorite mashed potato recipes.

Directions

Step 1: Layer and assemble

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Preheat the oven to 325°F. In a greased 2-quart baking dish, layer in the turkey, gravy, carrots, stuffing and corn.

Editor’s Tip: While the layers make a nice presentation when serving, you can also mix the ingredients together into one filling if desired.

Step 2: Top with potatoes

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Spread potatoes evenly over everything in the dish.

Editor’s Tip: For a touch of indulgence and richness, drizzle the top of the shepherd’s pie with 1 to 2 tablespoons melted butter before baking. It adds flavor and helps create a golden crust.

Step 3: Bake and serve

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Bake the casserole, uncovered, until the edges of potatoes are browned, 45 to 50 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley, if desired, and serve.

Turkey Shepherd’s Pie Variations

• Use ground turkey: Similar to a traditional shepherd’s pie or cottage pie, you can use ground meat in this recipe—just cook it before using it! Swap in cooked ground turkey for the cubed turkey, then prepare the recipe as directed. You can also try this winter vegetable shepherd’s pie with ground turkey.
• Add some fresh herbs: Fresh thyme and sage work so harmoniously with turkey. Sprinkle up to 1 teaspoon of each herb into the pie as you layer it together for a little extra flavor.
• Pack in additional vegetables: For an extra dose of nutrition, add sliced mushrooms or fresh or frozen peas to the filling. This easy shepherd’s pie recipe is also a great way to use up leftover roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or butternut squash. Don’t be shy, toss them in.

How to Store Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Leftover turkey shepherd’s pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days (this includes the amount of time since the turkey was cooked originally!). Reheat individual servings in the microwave or a 350° oven until heated through.

Can you make turkey shepherd’s pie ahead of time?

Yes! Turkey shepherd’s pie is one of our favorite make-ahead meals. Assemble the pie as directed through Step 2. Then cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to serve, bake as directed until heated through.

Can you freeze turkey shepherd’s pie?

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To freeze turkey shepherd’s pie, assemble it through Step 2, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to one month. To serve, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed until heated through. Freezer fanatic? Don’t miss these other top-rated make-ahead freezer meals.

Turkey Shepherd’s Pie Tips

Is light meat or dark meat better for turkey shepherd’s pie?

You can use either light meat or dark meat in this quick shepherd’s pie. We personally like to use a combination of both. The light meat is leaner in fat and calories, while the dark meat is extra tender and flavorful, so you get the best of both worlds.

Why is my turkey shepherd’s pie dry?

Turkey is a leaner protein than beef or lamb, so it can often taste dry. Additionally, since this recipe contains turkey stuffing, which will absorb moisture, it’s possible more liquid may need to be added to the filling. If your filling looks a little dry, consider adding additional gravy or a splash of homemade chicken broth to the mixture until it reaches the desired consistency.