turkey cottage pie recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
turkey cottage pie recipe
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The Best turkey cottage pie recipe

I’ve always been a big fan of traditional British dishes, and one of my favorites is turkey cottage pie. This comforting casserole is a staple in many UK households, and for good reason – it’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make.

The dish consists of a layer of sautéed vegetables and herbs topped with a mixture of ground turkey, mashed potatoes, and cheese, then baked until golden brown. It’s a perfect meal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion like Thanksgiving or Christmas.

My kids love it because it’s a fun twist on regular turkey day fare, and my husband appreciates the fact that it’s made with lean protein and plenty of nutritious veggies. I also appreciate the fact that it freezes beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

When I first made this recipe, I was impressed by how quickly it came together – just 30 minutes of prep time before popping it in the oven! And the best part?

It’s ridiculously easy to customize with your favorite ingredients or leftovers. For instance, you can swap out the turkey for beef or pork if you prefer, or add some diced bell peppers for extra flavor.

The possibilities are endless, which is part of what makes this recipe so beloved by my family and me.

Turkey Cottage Pie

Turkey Cottage Pie

4.5 from 1228 votes

A comforting and hearty dish featuring ground turkey in a rich gravy, topped with fluffy mashed potatoes. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Filling

500g ground turkey
1 large onion
2 medium carrots
2 cloves garlic
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp flour
2 cups beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
salt and pepper

For the Mash

600g potatoes
100ml milk
2 tbsp butter
salt and pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2Peel and chop the potatoes into evenly sized pieces.
3Place in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil.
4Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
5Drain and mash with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and lump-free.
Set aside.
6Dice the onion and carrots into small pieces.
7Mince the garlic cloves.
8Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
9Add the onion and carrots, cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
10Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
11Add the ground turkey to the pan.
12Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
13Sprinkle the flour over the turkey mixture and stir to combine.
14Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
15Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously.
16Add the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
17Stir well to combine.
18Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
19Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
20Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
21Transfer the turkey mixture to a baking dish and spread it evenly.
22Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top, creating a smooth layer.
23Use a fork to create a textured surface on the mashed potatoes.
24Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
25Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
26If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
27Remove the cottage pie from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
28Serve hot, with a side of steamed vegetables if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pan
Wooden spoon
Potato masher
Baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: You can make this recipe ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if the pie is cold when placed in the oven. For a crispier topping, broil the cottage pie for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Watch Video Of How Turkey Cottage Pie Works

This recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just need something comforting on a Tuesday night.

It’s also an excellent way to get your kids to eat their veggies – they’ll never even notice they’re there!

And don’t even get me started on how great this dish reheats – just pop it in the microwave or oven when you’re ready for leftovers.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Cottage Pie

Q: What is the difference between turkey cottage pie and shepherd’s pie?

Turkey cottage pie is essentially the same as shepherd’s pie, but made with ground turkey instead of beef. The key difference is that shepherd’s pie typically uses lamb or beef as the primary ingredient, while cottage pie uses poultry.

Q: Can I use leftover mashed potatoes from last night’s dinner?

While you can use leftover mashed potatoes in this recipe, I would recommend making fresh ones for the best results. Old potatoes can be dry and lackluster compared to freshly made ones.

Q: How long does it take to cook the turkey cottage pie?

The cooking time will depend on your oven temperature and size of your casserole dish. Generally speaking, you’re looking at around 25-35 minutes in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking!

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour used in the recipe with gluten-free flour blend of your choice.

Q: Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

While fresh veggies are always preferred, you can use frozen ones as a substitute if necessary.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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