Homestyle Turkey and Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie

Indulging in a warm, hearty meal is often the highlight of any day, especially as the seasons change and the air turns crisp. As the leaves begin to fall and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing quite like a comforting dish to warm your soul. Shepherd's pie, a classic comfort food, has been cherished for generations, thanks to its versatility and rich, satisfying flavors. Traditionally made with minced lamb or beef and topped with creamy mashed potatoes, this dish has seen countless adaptations over the years.

Homestyle Turkey and Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie

Discover the warmth of comfort food with a twist in this Turkey & Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie recipe. This modern take on the classic dish features lean ground turkey and nutrient-rich sweet potatoes, making it a deliciously healthy choice for the whole family. Packed with savory flavors and essential nutrients, this dish is perfect for cozy evenings as the weather cools. Get ready to enjoy a hearty meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your nutritional needs!

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Ingredients

For the Filling:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 carrot, diced

1 celery stalk, diced

1 pound ground turkey

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)

1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary)

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 cup frozen peas

1 cup chicken broth

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sweet Potato Topping:

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

1/4 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil for dairy-free)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Salt to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Sweet Potato Topping:

- Fill a large pot with water, add the sweet potato chunks, and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. Drain them and return to the pot.

- Using a potato masher, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Stir in the milk, butter, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt, mixing well until creamy. Set aside.

Cook the Turkey Filling:

- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until the onion is translucent.

- Incorporate the diced carrot and celery, continuing to cook for an additional 5 minutes until they soften.

- Increase the heat slightly and add the ground turkey. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned, approximately 5-7 minutes.

- Mix in the thyme, rosemary, Worcestershire sauce, frozen peas, and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors blend and the broth reduce slightly.

Assemble the Pie:

- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the turkey filling evenly across the bottom of the dish.

- Spoon the creamy mashed sweet potatoes over the turkey filling, using a spatula to smooth it out. For added texture, create peaks on the surface with a fork.

Bake:

- Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potato topping is slightly golden and the edges of the filling are bubbling.

Serve:

- Allow the shepherd's pie to cool for a few minutes before serving. Dish out generous portions and enjoy this homestyle delight with a fresh side salad to complement your meal!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 25 mins | 1 hour | 6 servings