Description
Hearty Pumpkin Shepherd’s Pie blends rustic comfort with seasonal charm, offering a delightful twist on classic Irish fare. Savory ground lamb, sweet pumpkin puree, and rich spices create a soul-warming dish you’ll crave all autumn long.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb 99% fat-free ground turkey
- 2 cups fresh Brussels sprouts, stems removed and sliced
- 4 cups russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 cup baby Swiss cheese, shredded
- 6 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 3 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
- 1/3 cup jellied cranberry sauce
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Elevate russet potatoes in boiling water until fork-tender, then drain completely and transform into a velvety mixture with pumpkin puree, incorporating Swiss cheese, milk, butter, salt, thyme, and a whisper of nutmeg. Allow the pumpkin mashed potatoes to rest.
- Render bacon in a skillet until crisp and golden, then extract the meat while preserving the rendered fat. Sauté diced onions and shredded Brussels sprouts in the aromatic bacon drippings until they soften and caramelize.
- Introduce ground turkey to the vegetable medley, browning the meat thoroughly and seasoning with salt. Enhance the filling with broth, cranberry sauce, and a light dusting of flour to create a rich, cohesive sauce.
- Reintroduce the crispy bacon fragments into the turkey mixture, stirring to distribute evenly and create depth of flavor.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing a baking dish as your culinary canvas. Spread the turkey filling as the foundational layer, creating an even landscape.
- Gently cascade the pumpkin mashed potatoes over the turkey filling, using a spatula to create an aesthetically pleasing texture. Dot the surface with remaining butter for added richness.
- Bake the pie for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling edges. Allow the dish to rest briefly before serving, enabling the flavors to settle and intensify.
Notes
- Swap potatoes with sweet potatoes or cauliflower for a low-carb version that still delivers amazing flavor and creamy texture.
- Use ground chicken or plant-based meat alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences without compromising the hearty comfort feel of the dish.
- Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like diced carrots or spinach to the turkey filling for increased vitamins and fiber content.
- Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making meal prep super convenient and perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunches.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg