Turkey Take II: Shepherd’s Pie
Ah, Turkey Day. It’s been about 12 hours since we enjoyed our scrumptious Thanksgiving feast at my inlaws abode – and, great news, I can officially get up now. #toomuchturkey
Of course, one of the many benefits of having a mother-in-law who is a 5-star cook is 5-star leftovers, and lots of them. A couple of years ago after a similar turkey dinner, I called up a girlfriend to find out what to do with the abundance of extra goodies.
“It’s simple,” she said. “Just take a little of everything and throw it in a baking dish with some of this and some of that. And don’t forget the cheese.”
Translation: the BEST Turkey Shepherd’s Pie I’d ever had. It’s super easy to assemble, makes the most delicious, moist pie, and freezes exceptionally well. LOVE it for sticking in my husband’s lunch box on a random winter day – it’s comfort food to the extreme.
INGREDIENTS
2 cups cooked, cubed turkey, warmed
1 cup bread stuffing, warmed
1 cup turkey gravy, warmed
1 can whole kernel corn, drained
2 cups mashed potatoes, warmed through
2 tbsp milk
3/4 cup grated medium or sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, sauteed in a bit of butter (optional)
*You may have noticed that the bulk of the ingredients should be warmed. This is to cut down on the baking time, and so you’re not dealing with a cold gelatinous mass when trying to assemble the pie. I recommend nuking the turkey, stuffing, gravy and potatoes in the microwave (separately, of course) for about a minute to take the chill out and make them easier to work with.
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, or 8 large ramekins.
(If you plan on freezing the pie, I recommend the baking dish. You can scoop the portions into a freezer container and you’re good to go. The ramekins are fabulous, though, if you’re having family or friends over for Turkey Take II and want to make an impression.)
Layer the cubed turkey meat on the bottom of the baking dish, followed by the stuffing. Drizzle the warmed gravy evenly over this mixture. Divide the whole kernel corn on top.
In a separate bowl, mix together the warmed potatoes, milk, cheddar cheese and sauteed red onion. Even spread the potato mixture over the contents in the baking dish.
Bake in a preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown. Serves 8.
Oh yum! Just pinned it. I’m going to make this soon! Thanks for sharing :)
You’re welcome! We just enjoyed it for dinner… yum!
Great recipe and it’s so easy to make. Thank you!
My pleasure! Chances are, if you had a big turkey dinner, you already have all the ingredients!
Genius!!! All of my favourite things in one dish – I can’t believe it has never occurred to me to make something along these lines! <3
Make it!!! You’ll LOVE it, I promise!!!
YUM! Made this for supper last night. Thought it was great. I used cream of mushroom soup instead of gravy (I’m not a gravy fan) and it was awesome. Used leftover carrots instead of corn, but the corn would have been good too. Almost like a turkey pot pie. Thanks for the idea!
SO awesome! I will have to substitute cream of mushroom next time – sounds like a winner!
Cheddar cheese with turkey? I must try! Thanks for the great recipe.
YES! They’re delicious together, enjoy!
That looks pretty cool. I’ve never heard of shepherd’s pie with turkey.
Well, then you simply must try it Jennifer!
this looks like a great idea! will definitely try
My next supper for the entire family. I am very sure it will be a huge hit.
I’m sure it will be too! Try it Joanna and Monica!
OMG! I think this would be a hit for my family! I am going to try making it for dinner on sunday. It seems like such an easy recipe and it can be modified to each persons likings too for those picky little eaters. Thanks so much for this.
You’re welcome! Please let me know how much you love it!
This sounds so yummy! I’ll definitely have to try it out, I know I would love it and my kids would enjoy it, too! Thanks for the great recipe!
You’re welcome Nena – enjoy!
That looks so good, and it’s such a great use of leftovers.
It is! You literally can use up every leftover you have.
I just love a good deep dish pie and this looks and sounds delish!
What a great use for leftover turkey! Yum!
- Dawn
It’s so delicious, you will LOVE it!