If you’ve ever found yourself staring at leftover turkey wondering how to transform it into something both comforting and exciting, this Shepherd’s Pie with Leftover Turkey Recipe is the answer you’ve been waiting for. It’s a heartfelt twist on a classic British staple, turning your Thanksgiving or roast turkey remnants into a warm, hearty meal bursting with flavor, texture, and the kind of cozy satisfaction that feels like a hug on a plate. With tender turkey, savory vegetables, rich gravy, and a fluffy mashed potato topping, this dish brings every ounce of leftover goodness back to life in a way that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building the familiar, comforting layers of the perfect shepherd’s pie. From the earthy sweetness of carrots and celery to the rich, savory gravy and fresh parsley, every component adds depth and character to the finished dish.
- Olive oil (2 teaspoons): Essential for sautéing vegetables to tender perfection without overpowering flavors.
- Diced carrots and celery (1 cup): Adds subtle sweetness and a beautiful crunch that balances the meat.
- Diced onions (1 cup): Provides aromatic depth and a touch of natural sweetness.
- Leftover turkey gravy (1 cup): The luscious binder that brings everything together with its savory richness.
- Diced leftover turkey meat (2 cups): The star of the dish offering tender protein and a satisfying chew.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds a tangy, umami punch that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- Chopped fresh parsley (¼ cup): Brightens the dish with fresh, herbaceous notes.
- Mashed potatoes (2½ cups): The crowning glory, fluffy and creamy, to top off the pie with golden goodness.
- Optional – leftover stuffing (1 cup): Mixed with mashed potatoes for extra texture and flavor depth.
- Optional – frozen peas (½ cup): Adds pops of sweetness and vibrant color.
- Optional – grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons): Sprinkled on top for a deliciously golden, savory crust.
- Seasonings to taste: Poultry seasoning, thyme, salt, and pepper to perfectly complement the turkey.
How to Make Shepherd’s Pie with Leftover Turkey Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spraying an 8 x 8 inch oven-proof casserole dish lightly with oil. This simple step ensures your pie won’t stick and will be easy to serve after baking.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, warm your olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften just right. If you love garlic, now’s the time to add a minced clove to deepen the flavor. This vegetable base provides a tender, slightly sweet backdrop for the turkey filling that’s simply irresistible.
Step 3: Create the Filling
Now comes the heart of the Shepherd’s Pie with Leftover Turkey Recipe. Stir in the turkey meat, leftover gravy, fresh parsley, and Worcestershire sauce—add frozen peas here too if you’re using them. Heat everything through for about 2 minutes while stirring gently to combine the flavors. Taste your mixture and tweak the seasonings with poultry seasoning, thyme, salt, and pepper as needed. This savory filling is what dreams are made of.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Transfer your delicious filling into the prepared casserole dish. For the topping, you can use plain mashed potatoes or mix leftover stuffing with mashed potatoes in a 2:1 ratio—both options are fabulous. Spread a generous, fluffy layer over the turkey and vegetable mixture, then fluff it up a bit with a fork to encourage a gorgeous golden crust as it bakes. Finish the top with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese if you want that extra touch of richness.
Step 5: Bake and Broil to Perfection
Bake your shepherd’s pie for 15 minutes if the filling is still warm or 25 minutes if it was made earlier and cooled. Then, move the dish closer to the top heating element of your oven and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the top is beautifully browned and irresistibly crisp. Let the pie rest for 10 minutes before serving—this helps everything set up for perfect slices.
How to Serve Shepherd’s Pie with Leftover Turkey Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing, a sprinkle of fresh parsley immediately lifts the dish’s presentation and adds a refreshing note. A light dusting of cracked black pepper or a few grates of Parmesan cheese right before serving can also enhance the flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This Shepherd’s Pie with Leftover Turkey Recipe stands strongly on its own but pairs beautifully with crisp, green salads or simple steamed vegetables to add some freshness and crunch to your plate. Consider roasted Brussels sprouts or a tangy coleslaw to balance the savory richness of the pie.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try making individual servings in ramekins. These personal pies bake quickly and offer a charming presentation for dinner parties. Alternatively, overlay the top with decorative swirls or patterns using the back of a spoon or a fork before baking to make your pie look truly special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers—and chances are, you’ll want to save some—store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. This way, you can enjoy all those rich turkey flavors again without any fuss.
Freezing
You can freeze this Shepherd’s Pie with Leftover Turkey Recipe either before or after baking. For freezing before baking, prepare the full recipe, wrap securely, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen at 350°F (176°C) for about an hour, then broil briefly for that lovely golden finish. If you freeze after baking, it will keep just as well, needing reheating from frozen or after thawing in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover pie in the oven at 350°F (176°C) until heated through—usually 25 to 30 minutes if refrigerated. Cover it with foil to keep it moist, then uncover towards the end to revive that crispy topping. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve the delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use other leftover meats instead of turkey?
Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible—you can substitute leftover chicken, beef, or even pork. Just adjust seasonings as needed to complement the meat you’re using.
What can I use if I don’t have leftover gravy?
No problem! You can whip up a quick pan gravy or use store-bought gravy to save time. A good turkey or chicken gravy will bring that necessary moistness and depth to the filling.
Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Yes, feel free to toss in vegetables like mushrooms, green beans, or red peppers. Frozen mixed vegetables also work great and add color and additional nutrients to the pie.
How do I make the mashed potato topping extra creamy?
Add a little butter and cream or milk when reheating or mashing your potatoes. A handful of grated Parmesan or a swipe of cream cheese can also make the topping irresistibly luscious.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble it and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. This makes it a stress-free meal ready to warm and enjoy whenever you want.
Final Thoughts
Try this Shepherd’s Pie with Leftover Turkey Recipe the next time you have turkey to use up—you’ll be amazed at how this humble combination of leftovers transforms into a delicious, comforting meal everyone will adore. It’s a perfect way to stretch your turkey in a cozy, satisfying dish that feels like a celebration all on its own. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
PrintShepherd’s Pie with Leftover Turkey Recipe
A delicious and comforting American Shepherd’s Pie made with leftover turkey and gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for using up leftovers while creating a hearty main course.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Filling
- 2 teaspoons olive oil (or 1 tsp each butter and oil)
- 1 cup diced carrots and celery
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup leftover turkey gravy (turkey or chicken)
- 2 cups diced leftover turkey meat
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Topping
- 2 ½ cups mashed potatoes (or 3 cups)
Optional
- 1 cup leftover stuffing (mix in with 2 cups mashed potatoes)
- ½ cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Seasonings to taste: poultry seasoning, thyme, salt, pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray or grease an 8 x 8 inch (20 x 20 cm) oven-proof casserole dish. Adjust the size of the dish if using a different pan, such as 9 x 9 inch or 9 x 5 inch loaf pan.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a medium skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until tender. Optionally, add a minced clove of garlic for extra flavor.
- Finish Filling: Stir in diced leftover turkey, turkey gravy, chopped fresh parsley, Worcestershire sauce, and frozen peas if using. Cook for 2 minutes until heated through. Taste the filling and adjust seasonings with poultry seasoning, thyme, salt, and pepper as desired. Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish. If your skillet is oven-safe, you can leave the filling in it and skip transferring.
- Add Topping: Combine the mashed potatoes with leftover stuffing if desired (approximately 2/3 mashed potatoes to 1/3 stuffing). Spread a thick layer of this mixture evenly over the turkey filling. Fluff the top slightly with a fork to help with browning. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top if using.
- Bake and Broil: If the filling is hot, bake the shepherd’s pie for 15 minutes. If the filling was prepared earlier and cooled, bake for 25 minutes. After baking, move the dish closer to the broiler (about 6 inches from the heat source) and broil for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning and to achieve a nicely browned top.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the shepherd’s pie to rest for 10 minutes before serving to let it set and cool slightly for easier slicing and better flavor.
Notes
- Vegetable substitutes include mushrooms, green beans, red peppers, or any leftover vegetables. You can also use 2 cups (178 grams) of frozen mixed vegetables as a shortcut.
- If you don’t have leftover gravy, prepare a quick 5-minute gravy to use and drizzle extra on top if desired.
- For mashed potatoes, homemade, pre-packaged real mashed potatoes, or instant mashed potatoes with a bit of butter and Parmesan are all good options.
- Instead of 3 cups of mashed potatoes, try mixing 2 cups mashed potatoes with 1 cup leftover stuffing for a tasty topping variation.
- Season fillings carefully since leftovers may already contain seasoning. Adjust with poultry seasoning, thyme, fresh black pepper, and salt as needed.
- Alternative casserole dish sizes include 9 x 9 inch (23 x 23 cm), 9 x 5 inch (23 x 13 cm) loaf pan, or 11 x 7 inch (28 x 18 cm). Individual ramekins work well for single servings but may require less baking time.
- To make ahead, prepare and refrigerate up to 2 days; bake for 30 minutes and broil as usual when ready.
- For freezing before baking, assemble the unbaked pie and freeze (well wrapped) up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F (176°C) for about an hour, then broil.
- For freezing after baking, wrap well and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in oven at 350°F (176°C) for about an hour covered, or thaw in fridge and bake 30-40 minutes before broiling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
