Healthier Shepard’s Pie

This is a hearty family recipe that you can make in advance.  I usually make 2 pans worth and freeze one of them for later.  If you have leftover mashed potatoes, it’s a very fast recipe.  If making from scratch, I included a simple healthy alternative for mashed potatoes.

Ingredients (makes approximately 10 servings):

• 2 pounds of ground turkey
• 1 onion, chopped finely
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bag/box (10-12 oz) of frozen mixed veggies (peas, corn, carrots, and lima beans)
• 1 packet of taco seasoning (or use homemade taco seasoning recipe)
• 4-6 cups of mashed potatoes or cauliflower/potato mixture
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional – for topping)

Directions:

In a large saucepan, cook turkey, onion, and garlic over medium heat until turkey is cooked completely. Stir in defrosted veggies and taco seasoning, mixing completely.  Use extra water if needed.

If you don’t have leftover mashed potatoes or need an easy healthy mashed potato recipe, here are 2 options.

1.  Healthy Mashed Potato/Cauliflower Mix:  This recipe makes a large portion (about double the amount needed).  I bet you can’t tell that it is made with cauliflower.

2.  Simple Mashed Red Potatoes:  I used 5 medium red potatoes.

• Bake the potatoes: Rinse and dry potatoes.  Pierce them with a fork.  Cook at 425 for 45-60 minutes (depending on size).
• Mash the potatoes: I like to mash the potatoes with their skin on for extra nutrients and it eliminates lots of time. Chop the hot potatoes in 1 inch pieces.  Add approximately 2-3 cups warm milk (I use unsweetened coconut milk) and mash to desired texture with a potato masher.

In a glass pyrex or casserole dish, layer the ingredients.  On the bottom, evenly distribute the turkey/veggie mixture.  On top, smooth out a layer of mashed potatoes (to your desired thickness).  Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.   If everything was just cooked and warm, put uncovered glass container in over for 10 min at 350 to melt cheese and ensure a hot dish.  If desired, use smaller pyrex containers and make extra and freeze for later.

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