Name: Turkey Mushroom Shepherds Pie
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs. potatoes, peeled & cubed; 2 tbsp sour cream; 1 large egg yolk; 1/2 cup half and half; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 lb. ground turkey; 1/2 onion, diced; 8 oz. mushrooms, sliced; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 cup low-sodium beef broth; 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 cup frozen peas and carrots; 1 tsp sweet paprika; 1 tsp parsley, chopped

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This Turkey Mushroom Shepherds Pie is a lighter, modern take on the traditional dish, made with lean ground turkey and hearty mushrooms in a savory gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s a complete comfort meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This version of shepherd’s pie is quick, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying. By using turkey and mushrooms, it delivers rich flavor with a lighter nutritional profile. The buttery mashed potato topping is smooth and creamy, and the broiled finish adds a beautiful golden crust. It’s an easy one-dish meal the whole family will love.

Turkey Mushroom Shepherds Pie

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

potatoes
sour cream
egg yolk
half and half
salt and pepper
ground turkey
onion
mushrooms
butter
all-purpose flour
low-sodium beef broth
Worcestershire sauce
frozen peas and carrots
sweet paprika
parsley

Directions

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add peeled and cubed potatoes. Cook until fork tender, then drain.
Add sour cream, egg yolk, half and half, salt, and pepper to the drained potatoes. Mash to your desired consistency.
In a large skillet, brown the ground turkey with diced onion for about 3 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks.
Add sliced mushrooms and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, until the mushrooms are softened and turkey is fully cooked.
In a separate small skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth.
Gradually pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, whisking constantly until the gravy thickens slightly.
Pour the gravy into the turkey and mushroom mixture and stir to combine.
Add the frozen peas and carrots, stirring to combine. Cook until heated through.
Transfer the filling to a 2-quart casserole dish and spread into an even layer.
Top with the mashed potatoes, spreading evenly.
Sprinkle the top with sweet paprika and broil for 3 to 5 minutes until lightly golden.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use sweet potatoes: Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes in the mash for a slightly sweeter twist.
Add cheese: Stir shredded cheddar into the mashed potatoes or sprinkle on top before broiling.
Vegetarian version: Substitute lentils for the turkey and vegetable broth for the beef broth.
Different veggies: Add corn, green beans, or spinach to the filling for variety.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the whole dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 15–20 minutes).
This dish also freezes well. Cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Yes, ground beef works perfectly and adds a richer flavor if you prefer a more traditional shepherd’s pie.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pie ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate it. Broil just before serving.

What kind of mushrooms are best?

Button or cremini mushrooms work great, but you can use any variety you like, including portobello or shiitake.

Is the egg yolk necessary in the mashed potatoes?

The egg yolk adds richness and helps bind the mashed topping, but you can omit it if desired.

Can I use milk instead of half and half?

Yes, milk will work fine, though half and half adds a creamier texture.

Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?

Absolutely. Just reheat them slightly so they’re easier to spread over the filling.

Do I need to broil the top?

Broiling gives the mashed potatoes a golden, crisp finish, but you can skip it if preferred.

What size casserole dish should I use?

A 2-quart baking dish works perfectly for this recipe.

Is this freezer-friendly?

Yes, this shepherd’s pie freezes well. Let it cool completely before freezing, and cover tightly.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish to serve a bigger crowd.

Conclusion

This Turkey Mushroom Shepherd’s Pie is a lighter, faster version of a classic comfort food favorite. Packed with flavor and made with wholesome ingredients, it’s a complete meal in one dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, leftovers, or freezing ahead. Give it a try and make it a regular in your cozy dinner rotation.