Savory Turkey Cottage Pie Delight
This Savory Turkey Cottage Pie Delight is a comforting and hearty dish designed to please the whole family. Utilizing ground turkey, this recipe is perfect for those seeking a healthier alternative to traditional cottage pie. The creamy mashed potatoes, enriched with cream cheese and cheddar, beautifully top a flavorful blend of turkey and vegetables. This dish is perfect for batch cooking and storing in your freezer, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights, potlucks, or to provide a warm meal to friends in need, whether they're recovering from an illness or welcoming a new baby. Delightfully kid-friendly and easy to make, this turkey cottage pie is sure to become a staple in your home.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
russet potatoes
2 1/2 lbs (peeled & quartered)
cream cheese
4 ounces (softened)
butter
4 tablespoons (softened)
milk
1/2 cup (room temperature)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups (for topping)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for cooking)
onion
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
celery
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
carrot
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
ground turkey
2 lbs (uncooked)
all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons (for thickening)
turkey base or chicken bouillon granules
2 teaspoons (for flavor)
boiling water
1 1/2 cups (for dissolving turkey base)
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon (for flavor)
ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
ground sage
1/4 teaspoon
peas
1 cup (frozen or fresh)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the mashed potatoes. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the peeled and quartered russet potatoes. Cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and return them to the hot pot.
2
Add the cream cheese, butter, milk, and salt to the potatoes. Mash everything together until the potatoes are fluffy and smooth. Cover the pot to keep the potatoes warm while you prepare the filling.
3
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, celery, and carrot. Sauté the vegetables, stirring frequently, until they begin to soften, around 5 minutes.
4
Next, crumble the ground turkey into the skillet with the softened vegetables. Cook the turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes.
5
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked turkey and stir until fully combined. Dissolve the turkey base in the boiling water and add to the skillet, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cooking for approximately 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
6
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Worcestershire sauce, ground black pepper, and ground sage. Fold in the peas gently.
7
Pour the turkey mixture into a 2-3 quart casserole dish, evenly distributing it. Carefully spread the warm mashed potatoes over the turkey mixture, sealing the edges to create a crust.
8
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, or until the pie is heated through and bubbly around the edges. Afterward, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Turkey Cottage Pie Delight?
It is a comforting casserole featuring ground turkey and vegetables in a savory gravy, topped with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes.
Is turkey cottage pie healthier than traditional cottage pie?
Yes, using ground turkey is a leaner alternative to the traditional ground beef used in cottage pie or ground lamb used in shepherd's pie.
Which type of potatoes should I use for the topping?
Russet potatoes are recommended for this recipe because they become very fluffy when mashed.
How do I make the mashed potato topping extra creamy?
This recipe uses a combination of cream cheese, butter, and milk to achieve a rich and smooth consistency.
How long do the potatoes need to boil?
The peeled and quartered potatoes should be cooked in boiling salted water for 15-20 minutes or until fork-tender.
What vegetables are included in the turkey filling?
The filling includes finely chopped onion, celery, carrots, and peas.
Can I use frozen peas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen peas; simply fold them into the mixture at the end of the filling preparation.
How is the savory gravy thickened?
The sauce is thickened by sprinkling all-purpose flour over the cooked turkey and vegetables before adding the liquid.
What can I use if I don't have turkey base?
You can substitute turkey base with chicken bouillon granules or pre-made chicken broth.
What spices provide the flavor in this dish?
The recipe is seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, ground black pepper, and ground sage for a savory, earthy flavor.
How long does the turkey need to cook in the skillet?
Cook the ground turkey for about 7-10 minutes until it is fully browned and no longer pink.
What size casserole dish is required?
A 2-3 quart casserole dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
At what temperature should I bake the cottage pie?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long is the total baking time?
The pie bakes for 30 minutes, followed by an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese topping.
When do I add the shredded cheddar cheese?
Add the cheddar cheese after the pie has baked for 30 minutes, then return it to the oven for 5 more minutes.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep or freezing?
Yes, it is excellent for batch cooking and can be stored in the freezer for a quick meal later.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The mild flavors, creamy potatoes, and familiar ingredients make it a hit with children.
Can I substitute the ground turkey with another protein?
Yes, you can use ground beef, chicken, or pork, though it will alter the nutritional profile and flavor slightly.
Should the milk and cream cheese be at room temperature?
Yes, using softened cream cheese and room temperature milk helps them incorporate into the potatoes without cooling them down too much.
How do I ensure the potato topping doesn't sink into the meat?
Carefully spread the warm potatoes over the meat and seal the edges against the side of the dish to create a crust.
What is the purpose of the olive oil?
Olive oil is used to sauté the onion, celery, and carrots to bring out their sweetness and soften their texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can attempt a dairy-free version by using vegan butter, plant-based milk, and dairy-free cream cheese and cheddar alternatives.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I add more herbs to the filling?
Yes, herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley would complement the turkey and sage very well.
How do I know the pie is done?
The pie is ready when the filling is bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top is melted and golden.
What is 'OAMC'?
OAMC stands for 'Once A Month Cooking,' indicating this recipe is perfect for preparing in large batches and freezing.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While cheddar is recommended, you could use Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a Parmesan blend.
Do I need to cook the carrots before adding the turkey?
Yes, sautéing the carrots with the onion and celery for 5 minutes ensures they are tender in the finished dish.
What makes this dish a 'delight'?
The combination of savory turkey, tender vegetables, and the rich, cream-cheese enriched potato topping creates a superior comfort food experience.
Can I use pre-mashed potatoes?
While fresh is best, you can use pre-made mashed potatoes; just ensure you mix in the cream cheese and cheddar for the intended flavor.