this southwestern turkey shepherd’s pie was a client favorite for years in my personal chef days. It’s a nutrient-dense, protein-full dish with complex carbohydrates and lean protein. plus, it’s delicious and a great way to liven up your weeknight meal routine. I’ve edited the classic notion of shepherd’s pie with a turkey chili-type filling then topped it with a bright and citrusy sweet potato mash topping.
ingredients:
here is the ingredient line up…
- ground turkey: I love ground turkey because it’s a lean protein and cooks very quickly. I always opt for lean instead of extra lean.
- vegetables: I use mild and sweet peppers as well as red onion and fresh garlic to begin the base of my turkey chili filling.
- bone broth: this adds protein to the dish as well as nutrients. this is my favorite brand.
- crushed tomatoes: adds richness and depth to the turkey chili filling.
- southwestern spices: ground cumin and Chile powder also add depth of flavor to the filling.
- sweet potatoes: the base of our topping. you could also sub Japanese or white sweet potatoes.
- coconut cream: you can also use the white portion of canned full-fat coconut milk. this keeps the dish dairy free but adds creaminess to the mashed sweet potatoes.
- fresh orange: a bright and citrusy addition to the mashed sweet potatoes.
- fresh cilantro: flavors the mashed sweet potato and adds a final garnish and freshness to the cozy dish.
how to make:
this dish has two main components but eventually bakes together in one dish. You begin by making your turkey chili filling and simmering your sweet potatoes in another pot until nice and tender. While turkey chili continues to simmer, you will mash your sweet potato topping then add it atop. the final step: a final broil in the oven finishes the dish. dinner is served!
menu ideas:
this southwestern turkey shepherd’s pie can be versatile for different meal times.
- weeknight family dinner: serve southwestern shepherd’s pie with sliced avocado.
- couples dinners party: serve southwestern shepherd’s pie with an avocado grapefruit salad and warm cornbread with honey butter.
- sunday supper: serve southwestern turkey shepherd’s pie with tortilla chips and my orange peel guacamole.
Southwestern Turkey Shepherd's Pie
This Southwestern Turkey Shepherd's Pie was a favorite of my personal chef clients-it's a play on shepherd's pie and is so nutrient-dense.
Ingredients
Turkey Chili filling:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ½ cup red bell pepper diced small (about 1/2 pepper)
- 1 cup red onion diced small (about 1/2 onion)
- 1/2 cup poblano or green bell pepper diced small (about 1/2 pepper)
- 1 pound lean ground turkey not extra lean
- 1 T chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 15 turns fresh-cracked black pepper
- ¾ cup bone broth chicken or beef
- one 10 oz can crushed tomatoes with green chiles
Mashed Sweet Potato topping:
- 4 cups sweet potatoes peeled and diced large, (about 3 small sweet potatoes)
- 3/4 cup canned coconut cream (or the white portion of canned full-fat coconut milk)
- 1/4 cup freshly-squeezed orange juice
- 1 T orange zest
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon honey omit if whole30
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro minced, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Begin with cooking your sweet potatoes. In a 5-6qt pot, add diced sweet potatoes and cover with at least 1 inch water. Bring pot to a boil, over medium-high heat until boiling.
- When potatoes are boiling, reduce heat and let sweet potatoes simmer until very fork tender, about 18-20 minutes. Drain very well in a colander then return to warm pot off the heat.
- Stir in remaining sweet potato mash ingredients and mash with a potato masher until smooth and all combined. Set aside covered to keep warm.
- Meanwhile, make your turkey chili filling, once you get your sweet potatoes on to cook. Arrange a 10-12 inch medium-large cast iron or high-lipped saute pan over medium-high heat.
- Add your olive oil and vegetables, sautéing 2-3 minutes until vegetables begin to soften. Push the vegetables to the outer circle of the pan and add ground turkey in the middle.
- Break turkey up a bit with a spatula then leave undisturbed, 2-3 minutes to brown. Continue to break up turkey and add spices: chile powder, cumin, salt and pepper. Continue to stir and saute until vegetables are very tender and all turkey is cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Stir in bone broth and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and let turkey chili simmer 20-25 minutes while sweet potatoes are cooking and you make your mashed topping.
- When turkey chili is finished simmering and most of the liquid has been absorbed, turn off heat and evenly transfer your sweet potato mash atop. Smooth the top with a spatula then transfer to the top oven rack with the broiler on HIGH for 6-8 minutes until bubbling.
- Let shepherd's pie cool 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve with more fresh cilantro and sliced avocado.
This is so filling and perfect for a cold day. The mix of the southwestern flavors paired with orange zest makes for an adventurous meal. This would be perfect meal to take to make for larger group as well!
Hi Carrie. Thank you so much! Taking to share with a larger group is such a great idea for a cozy evening in.