We all love comfort food and this casserole screams comfort! It’s a lightened-up version of a classic Shepherd’s pie. It really has it all with lean protein from ground turkey, lots of veggies and topped with low calorie hash browns. Each serving has 248 calories and 7 grams of fat. I like to pack any leftovers in individual serving containers and freeze them.
Why You’ll Love My Simple Shepherd’s Pie: A Lighter Take on a Classic
Craving a comforting, hearty meal without the heavy weight? Our Simple Shepherd’s Pie is the perfect solution. This lighter take on a classic combines tender ground turkey with a flavorful vegetable mixture, all topped with a golden, buttery hash brown potato crust. It’s a dish that’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and sure to satisfy any craving. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is accessible and delicious.
Ingredients For My Simple Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients for Pie:
- Ground Turkey: A lean, versatile protein that adds flavor and substance to the Shepherd’s Pie. It’s a healthier alternative to ground beef, making this dish a lighter option.
- Olive Oil: A healthy fat that helps to sauté the vegetables, enhancing their flavor and texture.
- Onions, Carrots, and Celery: This classic trio forms the aromatic base of the filling. Onions add sweetness, carrots provide natural sugars and a touch of earthiness, while celery offers a crisp, refreshing bite.
- Garlic and Thyme: These aromatic powerhouses elevate the dish with their powerful flavors. Garlic, a natural immune booster, infuses the filling with warmth and depth, while thyme adds a subtle, woodsy note.
- All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient in the roux, which thickens the sauce and creates a smooth, creamy texture.
- Tomato Paste and Diced Tomatoes: These provide a rich, tangy flavor and a vibrant color to the filling. Tomato paste, in particular, offers a concentrated umami flavor that balances the other ingredients.
- Chicken Broth and Red Wine: These liquids enhance the flavor of the sauce and help to tenderize the meat. Chicken broth adds a savory, comforting note, while red wine imparts a complex, slightly tannic flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Worcestershire Sauce and Dijon Mustard: These condiments add complexity to the flavor profile, balancing the sweetness of the vegetables with a savory, tangy note. Worcestershire sauce, a mysterious blend of spices and fermented ingredients, adds a unique umami flavor, while Dijon mustard provides a bright, acidic kick.
- Green Peas: A nutritious and colorful addition to the filling, providing essential vitamins and minerals. They add a touch of sweetness and a pop of green to the dish.
Ingredients for Topping:
- Hash Brown Potatoes: A convenient and delicious way to create a crispy, golden-brown topping. They add a comforting, carb-loaded element to the dish and provide a satisfying crunch.
- Butter or Smart Balance Light: These fats help to create a flaky, buttery crust. They also add richness and moisture to the potatoes.
- Olive Oil or Canola Oil Cooking Spray: Used to grease the baking dish, ensuring that the potatoes cook evenly and don’t stick.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the flavor of the potatoes and the entire dish. Salt brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients, while pepper adds a subtle heat and complexity.
Crafting a Classic: A Deep Dive into Simple Shepherd’s Pie
Ready to elevate your weeknight dinner or impress your guests? This Simple Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty, comforting dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. Let’s break down the process step-by-step.Preparing the Flavorful Filling:
- Fire Up the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready to bake your pie to perfection.
- Prep Your Pan: Grease a 12×9 or 13×9 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Brown the Meat: Cook your ground turkey in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat until it’s browned. Drain off any excess grease to keep your dish lean and healthy.
- Sauté the Veggies: In the same pan, heat olive oil and sauté onions, carrots, and celery until they soften and become fragrant. Add garlic and thyme for a burst of flavor.
- Create a Rich Sauce: Stir in flour and tomato paste, then add tomatoes, broth, wine, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat, and stir in the cooked turkey and peas.
Assembling the Golden Crust:
- Layer the Filling: Pour the flavorful filling into the prepared baking dish, creating the base of your pie.
- Top with Crispy Potatoes: Arrange frozen hash brown potatoes over the filling, pressing them down slightly to create a uniform layer.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Drizzle melted butter over the potatoes for a rich, buttery flavor. Spray with cooking oil to ensure a crispy crust. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Baking to Perfection:
- Bake to Golden Brown: Place the baking dish on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy.
- Let it Rest: Allow the pie to cool for 15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the filling to set.
Serving Suggestions:Serve your Simple Shepherd’s Pie hot with a side of steamed green beans, a fresh green salad, or a dollop of sour cream. This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a special occasion.Tips for the Perfect Shepherd’s Pie:
- Customize Your Filling: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, herbs, and spices to create your own unique flavor profile.
- Upgrade Your Protein: Use ground lamb or beef for a more traditional Shepherd’s Pie, or try ground pork for a different twist.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and bake the pie.
- Freeze for Later: Freeze leftover Shepherd’s Pie for a quick and easy meal. Reheat it in the oven or microwave.
By following these steps and incorporating these tips, you can create a delicious and satisfying Simple Shepherd’s Pie that will impress your family and friends.
Helpful Tips About this Recipe
Food Facts
Shepherd’s Pie was originally created as an economical way to use leftovers from the Sunday roast. It’s usually made with some kind of ground or diced meat such as beef, lamb or mutton mixed with a gravy and vegetables and topped with mashed potatoes.
Healthy Tips
Frozen hash browns are terrific. They’re just potatoes with no fat added. One cup has 70 calories, 0 fat and 0 trans fat.
Taking the time to drain the browned ground turkey before adding it back to the pan cuts the calories and fat way down.
Prep Tips
The best way to melt the reduced-fat butter or Smart Balance light is in the microwave. Be sure to cover it with a dish so it doesn’t get all over your microwave. Heat for about 20 seconds.
Storage Tip
Wrap in individual portions and freeze any leftovers.
WW Freestyle SmartPoints 5-Blue
WW SmartPoints 6-Green
| SKINNY FACTS: for 1 serving (each serving ⅛ of recipe) 248 calories, 7g fat, 2g sat. fat, 40mg chol, 14g protein, 23g carbs, 3g fiber, 346mg sodium, 4g sugar |
| FACTS: for Freestyle SmartPoints 197 calories, 2g sat. fat, 1g sugar, 12g protein |
