Turkey Sweet Potato Shepherds Pie Recipe

This Turkey and Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie recipe is a hearty, comforting, and truly delicious dish that combines the rich flavors of ground turkey with the sweetness of sweet potatoes. This version of the classic shepherd's pie is a healthier alternative but doesn't sacrifice any of the taste. It's perfect for a family dinner or as a dish to impress your guests.

Photos of Turkey Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

All ingredients in this recipe are usually found in the average household. However, sweet potatoes, ground turkey, and parsnips may not be readily available at home and might need to be purchased from the supermarket. While sweet potatoes and ground turkey are key components of this dish, parsnips are included for their unique sweet and earthy flavor which adds depth to the dish.

Ingredients for Turkey and Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie

Sweet potatoes: A healthier alternative to regular potatoes, sweet potatoes give this shepherd's pie a unique flavor while providing a creamy, smooth texture.

Ground turkey: A leaner alternative to red meat, ground turkey is used as the base protein in this recipe. It's flavorful and hearty, making it perfect for this comforting dish.

Parsnip: This root vegetable is often overlooked, but it adds a sweet, earthy flavor to the dish that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Mixed vegetables: These add color, texture, and an array of flavors to the dish. You can use your favorite mix of frozen vegetables.

Rosemary: This herb brings a wonderful aroma and flavor that pairs wonderfully with the ground turkey.

Paprika: A spice made from ground peppers, paprika adds a sweet or smoky flavor to the dish and a beautiful color to the sweet potato topping.

One reader, Herrick Camarena says:

This turkey and sweet potato shepherd's pie recipe is a game-changer! The sweet potatoes add a delightful twist to the classic dish. The flavors are rich and comforting, and the dish is easy to prepare. It's a definite crowd-pleaser and perfect for cozy family dinners. Highly recommended!

Herrick Camarena

Key Techniques for Making Turkey and Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie

How to boil sweet potatoes and garlic: Boil the sweet potatoes and garlic in a pot of salted water until they are cooked and soft. Then, drain and mash them with chicken broth, milk, sour cream, salt, and pepper.

How to sauté vegetables: In a large skillet, add olive oil and sauté the onion for 1 minute. Then, add the celery, parsnip, salt, and pepper to taste, and cook for about 12 minutes until the celery is soft. Add the garlic and mushrooms, then sauté for another 3 to 4 minutes.

How to make ridges on mashed sweet potatoes: After topping each dish with ½ cup mashed sweet potatoes, use a fork to scrape the top of the potatoes to create ridges.

How to bake the shepherd's pie: Bake the shepherd's pie for 20 to 30 minutes at 400 degrees F, or until the potatoes turn golden and the filling is heated through. If baking in a large casserole dish, add more time as needed to heat through.

How to let the shepherd's pie cool before serving: After removing it from the oven, let the shepherd's pie cool for 10 minutes before serving.

How To Make Turkey Sweet Potato Shepherds Pie

This healthier shepherds pie makes a delectable, low-fat meal, packed with tender turkey, celery, and mushrooms, then topped with a garlicky sweet potato!

Preparation: 25 minutes

Cooking: 1 hour 5 minutes

Cool Time: 10 minutes

Total: 1 hour 40 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For Potatoes:

1½lbssweet potatoes,peeled, diced
3garlic cloves
½cupmilk,(1%)
¼cupchicken broth
2tbspsour cream,reduced-fat
kosher salt and pepper,to taste

For Filling:

1lbground turkey,(93% lean)
1tspolive oil
1medium onion,diced
1celery stalk,chopped
1parsnip,diced
2garlic cloves,diced
8ozmushrooms,diced
10ozmixed vegetables,frozen
2tbspflour
1cupchicken broth,fat-free, low-sodium
2tsptomato paste
1tspworcestershire sauce
1tsprosemary,freshly chopped
salt and pepper
paprika

Instructions

Sweet Potatoes:

Boil the sweet potatoes and garlic in a pot of salted water until cooked and soft. Drain and mash with chicken broth, milk, sour cream, salt and pepper.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Filling:

In a large skillet, brown the ground turkey for about 5 minutes, and season with salt and pepper. When cooked, set aside on a plate.
Add olive oil to the pan, then add the onion and sauté for 1 minute. Add the celery, parsnip, salt and pepper to taste, then cook for about 12 minutes, until the celery is soft.
Add the garlic and mushrooms, then sauté for another 3 to 4 minutes. Add flour, salt and pepper, and mix well.
Add the frozen vegetables, chicken broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, cooked turkey, and mix well. Simmer on low for about 5 to 10 minutes.
In 6 individual oven safe dishes or a 9×12-inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of the meat mixture on the bottom of each dish.
Top each with ½ cup mashed sweet potatoes. Use a fork to scrape the top of the potatoes to make ridges, then sprinkle with paprika.
Bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until the potatoes turn golden and the filling is heated through. If baking in a large casserole dish, add more time as needed to heat through.
Remove from oven and let it cool 10 minutes before serving.
Serve warm, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 332.34kcal
Fat: 9.12g
Saturated Fat: 2.76g
Trans Fat: 0.08g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3.26g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.12g
Carbohydrates: 42.10g
Fiber: 7.53g
Sugar: 10.85g
Protein: 22.29g
Cholesterol: 57.78mg
Sodium: 945.81mg
Calcium: 124.11mg
Potassium: 1103.28mg
Iron: 2.93mg
Vitamin A: 1115.19µg
Vitamin C: 12.67mg

Expert Tip for Perfecting Your Shepherd's Pie

When mashing the sweet potatoes, it's best to use a potato masher or ricer to achieve a smooth, lump-free consistency. Avoid using a food processor or blender as they can overwork the potatoes, resulting in a gluey texture. Also, remember to mash the potatoes while they're still hot, as they'll absorb the milk and butter more easily, leading to a creamier mash. For an extra layer of flavor, you can roast the garlic before adding it to the potatoes. This will give your shepherd's pie a subtle, sweet undertone that pairs beautifully with the savory turkey filling.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Prep ahead: Prepare the mashed sweet potatoes and the filling in advance, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.

Use pre-chopped vegetables: Save time by using pre-chopped vegetables or a frozen vegetable mix for the filling.

Multi-task: While the sweet potatoes are boiling, work on preparing the filling to maximize efficiency.

Leftovers: Make a larger batch and enjoy the leftovers for a quick and delicious meal later in the week.

Kitchen tools: Utilize kitchen tools such as a food processor for quick and efficient chopping and mashing.

Substitute Ingredients For Turkey Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

sweet potatoes - Substitute with butternut squash: Butternut squash has a similar sweet and nutty flavor to sweet potatoes, and it has a comparable texture when cooked, making it a suitable substitute in the shepherd's pie filling.
ground turkey - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken can be used as a lean alternative to ground turkey, providing a similar texture and flavor in the shepherd's pie filling.

Presenting Your Turkey and Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie

Elevate the mashed sweet potatoes: Create a smooth and creamy texture by using a piping bag to carefully pipe the mashed sweet potatoes onto the shepherd's pie. This will allow for precise and elegant presentation.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top of the shepherd's pie to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce a touch of sophistication by delicately placing edible flowers, such as nasturtiums or pansies, on the plate for a visually stunning and refined presentation.
Utilize elegant serving dishes: Opt for individual ramekins or cocottes to serve the shepherd's pie, adding a touch of elegance and allowing each portion to stand out.
Create a drizzle design: Use a squeeze bottle to drizzle a small amount of balsamic reduction or truffle oil in an artistic pattern on the plate, adding a gourmet touch to the presentation.
Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika: Dust a small amount of smoked paprika around the edge of the plate to enhance the visual appeal and impart a subtle smoky flavor to the dish.
Consider the use of microgreens: Place a small cluster of vibrant microgreens on top of the shepherd's pie to introduce a delicate and refined element to the presentation.
Enhance with a parmesan crisp: Accompany the shepherd's pie with a delicate parmesan crisp placed elegantly on top, adding a sophisticated and textural element to the dish.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Shepherd's Pie

Potato masher: A tool used to mash boiled sweet potatoes and garlic to make the mashed sweet potato topping for the shepherd's pie.
Skillet: A large, flat-bottomed pan used for browning the ground turkey and sautéing the vegetables for the filling of the shepherd's pie.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used to combine the mashed sweet potatoes with milk, chicken broth, sour cream, salt, and pepper to make the topping for the shepherd's pie.
Oven-safe dishes or baking dish: Used to assemble and bake the individual shepherd's pies or the larger casserole dish.
Pot: Used for boiling the sweet potatoes and garlic until they are soft and cooked through.
Colander: Used to drain the boiled sweet potatoes and garlic after they have been cooked.
Fork: Used to create ridges on the mashed sweet potato topping before baking the shepherd's pie.
Large skillet: Used for browning the ground turkey and sautéing the vegetables for the filling of the shepherd's pie.
Baking dish: Used to bake the shepherd's pie in the oven.

Storing and Freezing Turkey and Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie

Let the shepherd's pie cool completely before storing or freezing.
To store in the refrigerator, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze, wrap the dish securely with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Label the dish with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to eat, thaw the frozen shepherd's pie in the refrigerator overnight.
To reheat, remove the plastic wrap and cover the dish with foil. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until heated through. If the top starts to brown too quickly, keep it covered with foil.
For individual portions, you can freeze the shepherd's pie in smaller, oven-safe containers or even in muffin tins for single servings. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
If you have any leftover mashed sweet potatoes, you can store them separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze them for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Leftover Shepherd's Pie

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover shepherd's pie in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. This will help to retain moisture and prevent the top from burning. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until heated through.
If you prefer a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking. You can also turn on the broiler for a couple of minutes to achieve a golden-brown crust on the mashed sweet potatoes.
For individual portions, you can use a microwave. Place a single serving of the shepherd's pie on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Stir the filling halfway through to ensure even heating.
If you have a lot of leftovers, you can reheat them in a slow cooker. Transfer the shepherd's pie to the slow cooker and heat on low for 2-3 hours, or until heated through. This method is particularly useful if you need to keep the dish warm for an extended period.
For a quick and easy reheating method, use a skillet on the stovetop. Place a portion of the shepherd's pie in a skillet over medium heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to check the internal temperature of the shepherd's pie with a food thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure that it's safe to eat.
To add some extra flavor and moisture to your reheated shepherd's pie, consider drizzling some chicken broth or gravy over the top before reheating.

Interesting Trivia About Shepherd's Pie

The sweet potato in this recipe is a great source of vitamin A, which is essential for good vision, a healthy immune system, and cell growth. It also provides a good amount of fiber, making it a nutritious addition to the shepherd's pie.

Budget-Friendly: Making Shepherd's Pie at Home

This turkey and sweet potato shepherd's pie recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as ground turkey and sweet potatoes, are affordable and readily available. The addition of mixed vegetables and pantry staples keeps the overall cost low. With an approximate cost of $15, this hearty and nutritious dish can feed a family of four, making it a budget-friendly option. As a culinary chef, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and wholesome ingredients.

Is This Shepherd's Pie Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

This turkey and sweet potato shepherd's pie recipe is a healthier twist on the classic comfort food. Here's an analysis of its nutritional value:

The recipe incorporates nutrient-dense ingredients like sweet potatoes, which are rich in vitamin A, fiber, and potassium. The use of ground turkey instead of traditional lamb or beef reduces the overall fat content, particularly saturated fat. The inclusion of various vegetables such as onions, celery, parsnips, garlic, and mushrooms adds fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the dish. The mixed vegetables further contribute to the nutrient profile.

However, the recipe does contain some less healthy components. The use of flour as a thickener adds refined carbohydrates, and the sour cream and milk in the mashed sweet potatoes increase the saturated fat content slightly. Additionally, the recipe calls for chicken broth, which can be high in sodium.

To further enhance the healthiness of this shepherd's pie, consider the following suggestions:

Opt for low-sodium or no-salt-added chicken broth to reduce the overall sodium content
Replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lower-fat, protein-rich alternative
Experiment with alternative flours, such as whole wheat or almond flour, to increase fiber and nutrient density
Increase the proportion of vegetables in the filling to boost the fiber and micronutrient content
Use skim or low-fat milk in the mashed sweet potatoes to reduce the saturated fat content

By making these minor adjustments, you can elevate the nutritional value of this already healthier version of shepherd's pie, creating a satisfying and nourishing meal for the whole family to enjoy.

Editor's Opinion on This Unique Shepherd's Pie Recipe

This turkey and sweet potato shepherd's pie recipe is a delightful twist on the classic dish. The combination of savory ground turkey and a medley of vegetables, topped with creamy mashed sweet potatoes, creates a comforting and satisfying meal. The flavors are well-balanced, and the use of sweet potatoes adds a unique touch. The recipe's clear instructions make it accessible for home cooks, and the individual serving option adds a charming presentation. Overall, this recipe is a winner for anyone looking for a wholesome and delicious dinner option.

Enhance Your Turkey Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until crispy and caramelized for a delicious and healthy side dish.

Garlic Parmesan Green Beans: Sauté green beans with garlic and sprinkle with parmesan cheese for a flavorful and savory side dish that pairs perfectly with the turkey and sweet potato shepherd's pie.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Roast carrots with a honey glaze for a sweet and tender side dish that adds a pop of color and sweetness to your meal.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Shepherd's Pie

Crispy Parmesan Garlic Roasted Potatoes: These crispy parmesan garlic roasted potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal. The combination of parmesan cheese and garlic adds a delicious flavor to the crispy potatoes.

Savory Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry: This savory beef and vegetable stir fry is a quick and easy meal that is packed with flavor. The tender beef and fresh vegetables are stir fried to perfection and then tossed in a savory sauce.

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bake: This apple cinnamon oatmeal bake is a delicious and healthy breakfast option. The combination of sweet apples and warm cinnamon makes for a comforting and satisfying dish.

Perfect Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Shepherd's Pie

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory stuffed mushrooms are the perfect appetizer to kick off any meal. Filled with a delicious mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs, they are sure to impress your guests with their rich and flavorful taste.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: This creamy and indulgent spinach and artichoke dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that will have your guests coming back for more. With a perfect blend of cheeses, spinach, and artichokes, it's the ultimate comfort food to start off any gathering.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth and creamy texture of the mousse paired with the light and airy whipped cream creates a perfect balance of flavors and decadence.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of a homemade apple crisp, with tender baked apples and a crispy oat topping. The combination of sweet and tart apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar creates a deliciously nostalgic dessert that is perfect for any occasion.

Why trust this Turkey Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic shepherd's pie, incorporating wholesome and nutritious ingredients such as sweet potatoes and ground turkey. The use of garlic and rosemary infuses the dish with aromatic flavors, while the addition of mushrooms and mixed vegetables provides a hearty and satisfying texture. The careful layering of creamy mashed sweet potatoes on top creates a visually appealing and mouthwatering finish. With a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and comforting flavors, this recipe is a trustworthy choice for a wholesome and delicious meal.

Have you tried this Turkey Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie Recipe? Share your experience or any tweaks you made in the Recipe Sharing forum section.

FAQ:

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can substitute regular potatoes for sweet potatoes if you prefer. The taste and texture will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it later?

Absolutely! You can prepare the shepherd's pie ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply reheat it in the oven until it's heated through.

Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?

Of course! Ground beef can be used as a tasty alternative to ground turkey in this recipe. It will add a rich and savory flavor to the dish.

Can I freeze the shepherd's pie?

Yes, you can freeze the shepherd's pie. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When you're ready to eat it, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the oven.

Can I add other vegetables to the filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite vegetables. You can add carrots, peas, or any other vegetables you enjoy to make the dish your own.