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Turkey shepherd's pie

November 2, 2024
Recipe

Make this hearty dish when you have leftover turkey or chicken on hand.

Serves 6

Adding more vegetables to this meat dish boosts its volume and nutrients.


Heat the oven to 350 F.

Break the cauliflower into small pieces. In a large saucepan, steam the cauliflower, garlic and pieces of leek in water until completely tender — about 20 to 30 minutes.

Use a food processor to puree the vegetables until the texture is like that of mashed potatoes. Process only a small portion at a time.

If you prefer a smoother texture, use a blender. Be sure to hold the blender lid on firmly with a dish towel. Add a little hot water if the vegetables seem dry. Stir in margarine and pepper.

In a large saute pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the carrots, celery, onions, thyme and garlic. Saute until then vegetables soften, about 5-6 minutes. Add the turkey and cook until browned, about 2-3 minutes. Add the red wine and cook until the wine is reduced by half. Add the vinegar and tomato sauce. Season with pepper.

Transfer the mixture to a large casserole dish. Top with the mashed cauliflower. Bake for 20-30 minutes, until the top of the casserole is golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Top with minced chives and orange zest, if you wish, and serve.


  • 1 head cauliflower (1 to 1 1/4 pounds)
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 leek, white only, split in 4 pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 2 cups diced onion
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 3 teaspoons sliced garlic
  • 2 cups cooked chopped turkey breast (about 12 ounces)
  • 1 cup red wine, or salt-free chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
  • 8-ounce can tomato sauce with no added salt
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • Chives, if desired

DASH Eating Plan Servings

Dairy foods (low-fat or fat-free) 1/2 Fats and oils Fruits Grains and grain products 2 Meats, poultry and fish Nuts, seeds and dry beans 1/2 Sweets 3 Vegetables

Diabetes Meal Plan Choices

Fats Dairy foods (low-fat or fat-free) Fruits Meat and meat substitutes Milk and milk products Nonstarchy vegetables Starches Sweets, desserts and other carbohydrates

Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight Pyramid Servings

Carbohydrates 1/2 Fats Fruits 1 Protein and dairy 1/2 Sweets 3 Vegetables

Nutritional analysis per serving

Calcium 232 Calories 20 g Total carbohydrate 43 mg Cholesterol 5.5 g Dietary fiber 2 g Monounsaturated fat Potassium 20 g Protein 1 g Saturated fat 1 1/4 cups Serving size 635 mg Sodium 5.5 g Total fat