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There’s something undeniably comforting about homestyle meals that evoke memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings. Among these cherished dishes, Shepherd's Pie stands out as a beloved favorite across many households. Traditionally made with ground meat and vegetables, this dish has adapted over the years to incorporate healthier ingredients without sacrificing flavor. In this recipe, we’ll utilize ground turkey and a medley of fresh vegetables, creating a lighter yet equally satisfying version of this classic. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, this Shepherd's Pie is sure to become a staple at your dinner table.

Homestyle Turkey and Vegetable Shepherd's Pie

Embrace the warmth of family meals with this comforting homestyle turkey and vegetable Shepherd's Pie. This lighter version of the classic dish features ground turkey and a colorful medley of veggies like carrots, peas, and corn, all enveloped in creamy mashed potatoes. It's easy to make and perfect for gatherings, providing a satisfying and nutritious meal. Bake it until golden brown for the ultimate cozy experience at your dinner table.

Ingredients
  

1 lb ground turkey

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, diced

1 cup frozen peas

1 cup corn (canned or frozen)

1 cup vegetable broth

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp dried rosemary

Salt and pepper, to taste

4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared from about 2 lbs potatoes)

2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for cooking)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it's ready for baking.

    Cook the Turkey Base: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes or until the onion becomes soft and translucent, releasing a fragrant aroma.

      Incorporate Carrots: Add the diced carrots to the skillet and continue to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots have begun to soften slightly.

        Brown the Turkey: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground turkey to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart into smaller pieces. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the turkey is fully browned and cooked through. If any excess fat accumulates, be sure to drain it off.

          Combine All Ingredients: Stir in the frozen peas and corn, then pour in the vegetable broth. Add the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, followed by the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly and reduce the heat to low, allowing it to simmer for about 10 minutes. This simmering helps meld all the delicious flavors together.

            Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie: Transfer the turkey and vegetable mixture into a lightly greased baking dish, approximately 9x13 inches in size. Evenly spread the creamy mashed potatoes over the top, smoothing it with a spatula or the back of a spoon. For a decorative touch, use a fork to create gentle swirls or peaks in the mashed potatoes.

              Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for around 25-30 minutes, or until the tops of the mashed potatoes are beautifully golden brown and slightly crisped.

                Cool and Garnish: Once baked, carefully remove the shepherd's pie from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes to allow the filling to settle. Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a touch of color and freshness.

                  Serve and Enjoy: Scoop out generous portions of your comforting homestyle turkey and vegetable shepherd's pie, making sure to get a bit of everything in each dish, and enjoy the heartwarming flavors!

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

                      - Plating Tip: Serve with a side salad for a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty pie.