Do you remember growing up and having Shepherd’s Pie for lunch in the school cafeteria? I sure do! This was one dish my school made that I loved! I loved it so much that I found myself craving a healthier version of this comforting dish the other day, so I got busy in the kitchen creating one! Thus, this Ground Turkey Shepherd’s Pie recipe was born! Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. In this blog post, I will guide you through the process of creating this meal and discuss the incredible nutritional benefits of the ingredients used.
How to Make Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
To start off, gather all the ingredients you will need:
- Ground Turkey
- Steamed Mixed Vegetables
- Mashed Potatoes (with one egg added)
- Bell Pepper
- Water
- Celery
- Tomato Paste
- Olive Oil
- Almond Flour
- Arrowroot Starch
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Liquid Aminos
- Salt
- Sage
- Cumin
Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s get cooking!
Start by browning the ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat until it is cooked through and no longer pink. I like to add in 1 tbsp of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Next, add the bell peppers and celery to the skillet and sauté them until they are tender.
Once your bell peppers and celery are tender, add in the steamed mixed vegetables, tomato paste, almond flour, arrowroot starch, balsamic vinegar, liquid aminos, salt, sage, and cumin. Mix everything together until well combined.
Now it’s time to assemble the pie. Spread the mashed potatoes with the added egg in an even layer over the top of the skillet.
Place the skillet in the oven and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, or you can broil it on low for 10 minutes, depending on the type of pan you are using.
And voila! Your delicious and nutritious Turkey Shepherd’s Pie is ready to be devoured. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish is simply irresistible.
Why Turkey Shepherd’s Pie is a Healthy Meal Idea
Now, let’s delve into the incredible nutritional benefits of the ingredients used in this fantastic dish. By incorporating a variety of wholesome foods, you create a meal that tastes amazing and provides numerous health benefits.
First and foremost, the mixed vegetables in this recipe, including green beans, corn, green peas, and carrots, offer a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. These vegetables contribute to a well-rounded and nutritious meal.
The red potatoes used as a topping are a great source of potassium and vitamin C. They add a creamy and comforting element to the dish while providing essential nutrients.
Using ground turkey as the protein source in this Shepherds Pie is a fantastic choice. Turkey is leaner than other meats and is packed with essential amino acids. It is a great option for those looking to reduce their saturated fat intake without compromising on taste.
Tomatoes, in the form of tomato paste, are included in this recipe to add depth and richness to the flavor profile. Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant known for its potential health benefits.
When creating meals, my goal is always to maximize the nutritional content while ensuring the dish tastes amazing. This Turkey Shepherds Pie is a prime example of achieving that goal. By incorporating a wide range of ingredients, this meal is packed with phytonutrients that promote optimal health.
Exploring Low-Carb Options
If you’re looking to reduce your carbohydrate intake or simply want to try something different, you can easily modify this recipe. Instead of using mashed potatoes, you can replace them with turnips, rutabaga, carrots, or any other root vegetable of your choice. You can even experiment with a mixture of these vegetables to add a unique twist to the dish.
By making this simple substitution, you can create a lower-carb version of the Shepherd’s Pie without compromising on taste or nutritional value. It’s a great option for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
Freezing Shepherd’s Pie
Some of you might be wondering if you can freeze Shepherd’s Pie for later consumption. The answer is a resounding yes! If you have leftovers or want to prepare a batch in advance, simply transfer the pie to a freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen Shepherd’s Pie, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the oven until heated through. This makes it a convenient and time-saving option for busy individuals or families.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather the ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a masterpiece in your kitchen. This Turkey Shepherd’s Pie is not only a healthy and nutritious meal idea but also a delightful culinary experience that will leave you craving for more. Enjoy!
For more easy recipe ideas, browse all of The Mediocre Cook Recipes! Print
Ground Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Indulge in a guilt-free meal with our healthy turkey shepherd’s pie recipe! Packed with lean ground turkey, colorful veggies, and topped with creamy mashed sweet potatoes, this dish is a nutritious twist on a classic comfort food favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Turkey
- 16 oz Steamed Mixed Vegetables
- 2 cups Mashed Potatoes (with one egg added)
- 1 Bell Pepper
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1 Celery Stalk (diced)
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/2 tbsp Almond Flour
- 1/2 tbsp Arrowroot Starch
- 1 tsp Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 tsp Liquid Aminos
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Sage
- 1/2 tsp Cumin.
Instructions
- Prepare your mashed potatoes.
- Add Olive Oil to a 12″ skillet and heat over medium heat.
- Add ground turkey to preheated skillet and brown until it is cooked through and no longer pink.
- Add the bell peppers and celery to the skillet and sauté them until they are tender.
- Add the steamed mixed vegetables, tomato paste, almond flour, arrowroot starch, balsamic vinegar, liquid aminos, salt, sage, and cumin to the skillet.
- Mix everything together until well combined.
- Mashed potatoes with the added egg in an even layer over the top of the skillet.
- Place the skillet in the oven and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, or you can broil it on low for 10 minutes, depending on the type of pan you are using.
- Serve and enjoy.
Notes
I usually use a 12 inch pan for this recipe.
The arrowroot and almond flour are optional. They will help thicken the dish, however it’s not necessary. If you don’t have these ingredients on hand, it’s okay to leave them out.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 445
