Turkey Shepherd's Pie: Easy Leftover Recipe

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, making turkey shepherd’s pie takes only a few simple steps:

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F.2.

2. Prepare the Potatoes

In a large pot, boil the peeled and quartered potatoes in salted water over high heat until tender. Once done, drain the water and mash the potatoes. Add the milk, butter, salt, and pepper, and continue mashing until they're smooth and creamy. Note: You can skip this step if you already have leftover mashed potatoes from Thanksgiving, too!

3. Sauté the Veggies

In a large skillet, sauté the finely chopped onion, diced carrots, and minced garlic on medium-high heat until the onion is translucent. Then add the green peas and cook for another 2 minutes. Note: Frozen mixed veggies also work if you don’t have fresh ones on hand.

4. Add the Turkey and Seasonings

Next, stir in the chopped leftover turkey, tomato paste, turkey or chicken stock, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer until it thickens slightly, about 10 minutes.

5. Assemble the Pie

Layer the turkey mixture first in a casserole dish. Then, spread an even layer of the mashed potatoes on top.

6. Bake the Pie

Bake your shepherd's pie in the preheated oven until the mashed potatoes are golden and slightly crispy on top, about 25-30 minutes.

7. Let It Cool

Allow your turkey shepherd's pie to cool for about 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This will make it easier to slice and serve.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Slice your leftover turkey shepherd's pie into generous portions and serve warm. Add a big salad or sauteed greens for an extra fiber and nutrient bonus and keep you full even longer.

This dish is best served during winter months and can also deliver a sea of protein fullness- thanks to Thanksgiving’s leftover food. It combines the protein rich turkey and plenty of assorted green vegetables and two delicious and healthy ingredients, creamy mashed potatoes as the top layer.

People love turkey because it is a very good source of low-calorie protein which aids in weight loss and blood sugar regulation. Vegetables such as carrots, peas and onions are great for fiber, vitamins and minerals which makes the meal more nutritionally balanced. The mashed potato topping also provides essential nutrients like potassium and vitamin C, making it more than just a comfort food.

There are several easy substitutions that you can make which will improve the health benefits:

• Instead of processed white potatoes, try using sweet potatoes which are more nutritious as they have more fiber and vitamin A.
• Use more leafy vegetables like spinach, kale or even bell peppers that are going to provide more vitamins and antioxidants.
• In the mashed potatoes, switch butter with olive oil that will offer healthy fats instead.

All the facts considered, turkey shepherd's pie can be nutritious but it comes down to the nutritional composition of the ingredients used to prepare it. It is simply the best way to eat hardened leftovers without the fear of eating healthy comfort food.

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