The Best Turkey Cottage Pie Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Get ready to gobble up a scrumptious turkey cottage pie that’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any time of year! Developed by Food.com, this flavorful recipe uses ground turkey as a lean protein source that will leave you feeling satisfied without weighing you down. With its perfect blend of savory spices, Worcestershire sauce, and comforting mashed potatoes, this dish will quickly become a family favorite that they’ll happily gobble up.
What’s more, this recipe can be made ahead and stored for later, so it’s great for busy weeknights or those times when you just don’t feel like cooking. As a bonus, the substitution of ground turkey instead of beef makes it lower in fat and calories while still being loaded with flavor.
Not only is this turkey cottage pie delicious and easy to make, but it’s also an excellent way to use up leftover turkey after Thanksgiving. So whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a chilly evening or want to impress your guests with something different at your next potluck dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Get ready to put your taste buds into overdrive with this amazing gobble-up turkey cottage pie!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a new and delicious way to cook up some ground turkey or use up your leftover Thanksgiving turkey? Do you have picky eaters at home who turn their noses up at veggies? Look no further than this “Gobble-Up” Turkey Cottage Pie Recipe.
Firstly, it’s a much healthier option than traditional beef shepherd’s pie or cottage pie. The ground turkey is leaner than beef, yet still packed with flavor. And don’t worry, replacing the beef with turkey won’t sacrifice any of the deliciousness you’ll expect from a hearty cottage pie.
Secondly, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily substitute in different vegetables to accommodate picky eaters or whatever you have on hand in your fridge. The combination of carrots, celery, onion, and peas is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what you can add to this recipe.
Thirdly, it’s a great way to get some potassium-rich russet potatoes into your diet without settling for boring mashed potatoes. Our recipe includes a fun twist on mashed potatoes by adding in cream cheese and butter for an extra creamy texture.
Fourthly, it’s an easy way to satisfy your cravings for a comforting pot pie without resorting to unhealthy casserole recipes. By using low-carb ingredients and healthy foods like vegetables and lean meats, this recipe will leave you feeling satisfied yet energized.
Finally, this recipe is perfect for meal prepping ahead of time or serving as a family-style dish at buffets and gatherings. Everyone will happily gobble up this delicious and nutritious pie!
In conclusion, the Gobble-Up Turkey Cottage Pie Recipe is the perfect addition to your healthy recipes book. It’s versatile, delicious, healthy and affordable all at once. So what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and give it a try!
Ingredient List
Here is a comprehensive list of all the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Gobble-Up Turkey Cottage Pie. Don’t worry; it’s not too complicated and most of these ingredients are probably sitting in your pantry right now. If not, head to the grocery store and stock up on the following:
For the Pie Filling:
- 1 lb. of ground turkey
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1/2 celery stalk, chopped
- 1/2 carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup of peas
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of ground sage
- 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of chicken bouillon granules or cubes
- 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup of boiling water
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into small chunks
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of cream cheese
- 3 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to get quality turkey mince for that perfect texture in your pie!
The Recipe How-To
Now, the moment of truth has arrived. Let’s prepare the Gobble-Up Turkey Cottage Pie! This comfort food classic with a gobble twist will surely warm your soul and satisfy your holiday cravings. Without further ado, let’s dive into this step-by-step recipe.
Ingredients
First things first, let’s gather up our essential ingredients to make the dish:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground sage
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed (about two large russets)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons cream cheese
- ¼ cup milk
For the gravy:
- 2 cups boiling water
- 4 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the potatoes
Begin by boiling the potatoes for the topping. Add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance their natural flavors. Cook them until they’re soft enough to be mashed.
Step 2: Sauté Veggies
Next up we’ll start by sautéing our veggies in a pan. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a skillet. Add chopped onions, celery and carrots, then sauté until they’re tender and golden brown.
Step 3: Cook ground turkey
Moving on to the turkey, add another tablespoon of olive oil to a separate skillet over medium heat. When it’s hot add in your ground turkey. Season with salt, black pepper and sage. Cook until browned entirely.
Step 4: Make Gravy
Start preparing your gravy using a saucepan. Combine boiling water and chicken bouillon granules; stir well until dissolved. In another bowl, mix flour with Worcestershire sauce until it forms a paste, then gradually pour this mixture into the saucepan while whisking continuously to avoid lumps from forming. Once fully absorbed into the broth, remove from heat.
Step 5: Mix & Layer It Up!
In a bowl mix together your gravy mixture with veggies and diced cooked turkey . Add frozen peas into your meat mixture for vibrancy in both colour and flavour. Preheat your oven to around $350^\circ F$, then spread your turkey mixture evenly on an oven-safe baking dish or pie plate.
When potatoes are done boiling and have been drained, begin mashing them with some room temperature butter and cream cheese mixture. Slowly mix in some milk until you’ve achieved desired texture.. You can use piping bags or just spread them using spatulas if you wish – this is entirely subjective! Make sure to top
Substitutions and Variations
Looking for a way to jazz up this turkey cottage pie recipe? There are plenty of tasty substitutions and variations that you can make to tailor this recipe to your taste buds.
Firstly, if you don’t have ground turkey on hand, no need to worry. Ground beef or even wild turkey would work well in this recipe. The key is to find a protein source that is hearty and filling. You could also use turkey mince for a leaner option.
Don’t have peas on hand? No problem. You can substitute with other veggies like green beans or corn. Adding different vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or kale can add more nutrients and color to the dish.
If you’re looking to make this recipe low-carb or keto-friendly, try substituting the potatoes with mashed cauliflower or mashed turnips. This will not only reduce the carb count but will also add more flavor to your meal.
For those who are lactose intolerant, try using lactose-free milk, butter or cream cheese when making the mashed potato topping. You could even use mashed sweet potato instead of traditional russet potatoes for a creamier texture.
Finally, it’s worth noting that you can switch up the name of this dish depending on what meat you choose – shepherd’s pie (lamb), cottage pie (beef), Cumberland pie (beef and sausage), or even swap the classic mashed potato topping with puff pastry for a fun twist.
Overall, these substitutions and variations offer endless possibilities to create your own unique version of this delicious gobble-up turkey cottage pie recipe!
Serving and Pairing
This delightful gobble-up turkey cottage pie recipe is a hearty dish that can be served as a main course for lunch or dinner. It pairs nicely with a variety of sides, such as green beans, roasted carrots, or even a simple side salad. In addition to being delicious and filling, this dish is also a great way to use up any leftover turkey from Thanksgiving.
For those looking to stick to healthy meals, this recipe can be modified with minimal effort. To make it low-carb, you can substitute the mashed potatoes for mashed cauliflower. This substitution also works well for those following Whole30 or keto diets.
If you’re serving this dish at a buffet or large gathering, consider making it in advance and reheating it just before guests arrive. It’s always a hit with kids and adults alike, and the creamy texture makes it easy to pair with other dishes. For instance, you might serve it alongside a casserole or pot pie for the ultimate comfort food spread.
As an alternative to the traditional shepherd’s pie or cottage pie made with beef, this gobble-up turkey cottage pie recipe is a refreshing change of pace. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some puff pastry on top for an even richer experience.
Whether you’re looking for healthy eating options or simply want to gobble up some delicious comfort food, this turkey cottage pie is sure to become a family favorite.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this Gobble-Up Turkey Cottage Pie recipe is that it lends itself perfectly to make-ahead and reheating. This means that you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer until needed.
To make-ahead, simply follow the recipe as directed, but instead of baking the cottage pie, cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. You can also freeze unbaked pies for up to 3 months, making this a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep.
When it comes time to reheat your cottage pie, there are a few things to keep in mind. If you stored your pie in the fridge, allow it to sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before placing it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 30-40 minutes until heated through and bubbling.
If you stored your pie in the freezer, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating using the same instructions as above.
For individual servings, you can also reheat portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes until fully warmed through.
Whether served fresh from the oven or reheated after being frozen, this Gobble-Up Turkey Cottage Pie remains a delightful and savory dish that’s perfect for enjoying any day of the week.
Tips for Perfect Results
When preparing the Gobble-Up Turkey Cottage Pie recipe, there are a few tips that can ensure perfect results every time. As a seasoned baker, here are some tips that will make all the difference in the world when it comes to this pie.
First and foremost, do not overcook the vegetables. It is best to slightly undercook them so that they retain some crunch even after boiling in the liquid for baking. To achieve this result, I like to sauté the onion, carrot, and celery over medium heat with some olive oil until they are translucent but still firm.
Another critical aspect of getting excellent results is properly seasoning your dish. Sure enough, the ground black pepper, salt, and ground sage will enhance the flavor profile of your turkey cottage pie. Still, you should also avoid using too much Worcestershire sauce since it can quickly overpower the other flavors in the dish.
When making the creamy mashed potatoes topping of a cottage pie, it can be tempting to use just butter or milk. However, I have found that adding a bit of cream cheese to the potatoes gives them extra richness and creaminess while also preventing them from becoming too dense or dry.
Lastly, before serving your Gobble-Up Turkey Cottage Pie recipe, let it cool for at least 10 minutes at room temperature. This step allows the filling to set and ensures more comfortable cutting and serving of the pie slices since it won’t fall apart. Also, don’t hesitate to garnish your serving platter with freshly cooked peas. Not only do they provide additional nutrition to your dish, but they look fantastic together with your turkey cottage pie!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this “gobble-Up” Turkey Cottage Pie Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves healthy and delicious comfort food. The combination of ground turkey, carrots, celery, onions, and peas mixed with the perfect blend of spices and sauces creates a warm and satisfying dish that will keep your family gobbled up!
Furthermore, the recipe’s versatility means you can explore various substitutions and variations to create your unique flavor profile. Whether you want it keto-friendly or more traditional, this recipe can accommodate any dietary need.
Lastly, the make-ahead, storing and reheating tips provided in this article ensure that you have all you need to make this recipe a perfect addition to your thanksgiving buffet recipes or any casserole recipes.
So what are you waiting for? Head over to food.com for the complete “gobble-Up” Turkey Cottage Pie Recipe today and delight your taste buds with this fantastic dish!
“gobble-Up” Turkey Cottage Pie Recipe
Ingredients
potato topping
- 2 1/2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled & quartered
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
meat filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/2 cup finely chopped carrot
- 2 lbs ground turkey
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons turkey base (Penzey's) or 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground sage
- 1 cup peas
Instructions
- In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook potatoes until fork tender. Drain & pour back into hot pot. Add cream cheese, butter, milk & salt & mash well until potatoes are fluffy. Cover pot & keep potatoes warm.
- Meanwhile, while potatoes are cooking, in a large skillet heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, celery & carrot & cook, stirring, until vegetables begin to soften. Crumble ground turkey over vegetables & cook until meat loses it's pink color.
- Sprinkle flour over cooked turkey & stir to combine. Dissolve turkey base in the boiling water & stir into meat. Simmer, stirring, about five minutes, until mixture thickens slightly.
- Pour meat filling into a 2-3 quart casserole & sprinkle peas over. Carefully spread warm mashed potatoes over filling, sealing potatoes to edge of dish.
- Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes, until heated through & bubbly at edge of dish. Remove from oven & sprinkle cheese on top. Bake an additional 5 minutes, just until cheese melts.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.