Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a comforting and easy-to-make Turkey Shepherd’s Pie! This delicious recipe combines tender diced turkey, colorful vegetables like carrots, celery, and green beans, creamy mashed potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s a quick dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights or a family-friendly meal that everyone will love. Packed with flavor and customizable to include your favorite ingredients, this hearty dish is the ultimate way to repurpose leftovers into a mouthwatering casserole. Try this crowd-pleasing comfort food today for a warm, satisfying dinner!

Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¾ cup onions, diced
- 1/3 cup celery, diced
- 1/3 cup carrots, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced (or about 1-1.5 teaspoons jarred minced garlic)
- 2½ cups diced turkey meat, leftover from Thanksgiving or a rotisserie chicken
- ¼ cup green beans (or substitute with peas)
- 1/3 cup corn
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup gravy (try a 10-minute homemade brown or chicken gravy!)
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes needed if making fresh)
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onions, celery, and carrots. Cook uncovered for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the diced turkey, green beans (or peas), and corn. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Stir gently to combine.
- Prepare Gravy: If using packaged gravy, prepare it according to the instructions. Once thickened, add the gravy to the skillet, stirring to coat the turkey and vegetables evenly. Heat through.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the turkey mixture to a one-quart casserole dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
- Add Mashed Potatoes: If using leftover mashed potatoes, warm them slightly for easier spreading. Mix half of the grated cheddar cheese into the potatoes. Spread the cheesy mashed potatoes evenly over the turkey mixture.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the mashed potatoes. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this comforting and hearty dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Turkey Shepherd’s Pie is a delicious way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers or rotisserie chicken. It’s hearty, packed with vegetables, and topped with cheesy mashed potatoes for a meal that’s as comforting as it is satisfying. Plus, it’s simple to customize with your favorite ingredients.

Tips
- Prep Ahead: Dice vegetables and turkey ahead of time to save on prep work.
- Mashed Potatoes: Warm leftover mashed potatoes slightly for easier spreading. For extra creamy potatoes, mix in a splash of milk or butter.
- Cheese: Swap cheddar for a different cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack if you prefer.
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein: Substitute turkey with shredded chicken or ground beef.
- Vegetables: Add your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Gravy: Use a store-bought gravy or make a quick homemade version with chicken or turkey stock.
- Potatoes: Replace mashed potatoes with sweet potatoes for a unique twist.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
Can I freeze Turkey Shepherd’s Pie?
Absolutely. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What other cheeses work well?
Try Gruyere, Parmesan, or Colby Jack for different flavor profiles.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. A side of crusty bread is also a great addition to soak up any extra gravy.
Suggestions
- Double the recipe and use a larger casserole dish to feed a crowd.
- Add a pinch of paprika or smoked paprika on top of the mashed potatoes for a touch of color and flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure your gravy is made with gluten-free ingredients.
Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
4
servings15
minutes30
minutesIngredients
2 tablespoons butter
¾ cup onions, diced
1/3 cup celery, diced
1/3 cup carrots, diced
1 clove garlic, minced (or about 1-1.5 teaspoons jarred minced garlic)
2½ cups diced turkey meat, leftover from Thanksgiving or a rotisserie chicken
¼ cup green beans (or substitute with peas)
1/3 cup corn
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup gravy (try a 10-minute homemade brown or chicken gravy!)
2 cups mashed potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes needed if making fresh)
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onions, celery, and carrots. Cook uncovered for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the diced turkey, green beans (or peas), and corn. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Stir gently to combine.
- Prepare Gravy: If using packaged gravy, prepare it according to the instructions. Once thickened, add the gravy to the skillet, stirring to coat the turkey and vegetables evenly. Heat through.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the turkey mixture to a one-quart casserole dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
- Add Mashed Potatoes: If using leftover mashed potatoes, warm them slightly for easier spreading. Mix half of the grated cheddar cheese into the potatoes. Spread the cheesy mashed potatoes evenly over the turkey mixture.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the mashed potatoes. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this comforting and hearty dish!

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