Leftover Turkey (or Chicken) Shepherd's Pie Casserole with Garlic-Parmesan
Try this Leftover Turkey (or chicken) Shepherds Pie Casserole with Garlic-Parmesan recipe.
Try this Leftover Turkey (or chicken) Shepherds Pie Casserole with Garlic-Parmesan recipe.
- 1 cup frozen peas
- salt and fresh-ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tsp. olive oil
- 1/3 cup finely grated parmesan
- 1 onion, chopped in pieces about 1/2 inch
- 2 tsp. poultry seasoning
- 1 cup raw carrots diced into 1/4 inch pieces
- 3 cups diced leftover turkey or chicken cut into pieces about 1 inch square
- 1 3/4 cups turkey gravy (for south beach diet use the gravy with the lowest amount of carbs you can find)
- 1/2 cup grated cheese blend (i used four cheese blend from
- 1 medium-sized head of cauliflower cut into small pieces
- 3-4 large cloves garlic
- 2 t low-fat or skim milk
- Carbohydrate 2.45051666666667 g
- Cholesterol 3.66666666666667 mg
- Fat 1.25908333333333 g
- Fiber 0.75375 g
- Protein 2.47685 g
- Saturated Fat 0.73193 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (21g)
- Sodium 81.7983333333333 mg
- Sugar 1.69676666666667 g
- Trans Fat 0.0944799999999999 g
- Calories 31 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 375F/190C.
- Bring a medium-sized pot of salted water to a boil.
- Chop cauliflower into small pieces and simmer with the garlic cloves until it’s soft enough to mash easily.
- Drain cauliflower very well; then use an immersion blender, food processor, or hand beater to combine the cauliflower with the milk and Parmesan.
- Season the mashed cauliflower with salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.
- While the cauliflower cooks, heat the olive oil in a large frying pan and saute the onion 3-4 minutes, then add the Poultry Seasoning and saute about 1 minute more.
- Put the chopped carrots in a glass measuring cup, cover with cling-wrap, and microwave about 3 minutes, or just until barely starting to soften.
- Add the partially cooked carrots, diced turkey, peas, and turkey gravy to the pan and simmer on low for 10 minutes, or until the gravy is slightly thickened.
- Spray an 8x8 casserole dish with non-stick spray. (You need a dish with fairly high sides.)
- Spread the turkey-vegetable mixture in the bottom of the dish.
- Top with the cauliflower, using a rubber scraper to spread it out so it covers the filling.
- Top with the grated cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is lightly browned.
- Serve hot.
A Busy Mom's Secret Weapon: Leftover Turkey Shepherd's Pie
Let's be honest, moms (and anyone juggling a million things!) don't always have time for elaborate cooking. Between work, school runs, and the general chaos of family life, the thought of spending hours in the kitchen can feel overwhelming. That’s where this recipe comes in: a delicious, comforting, and incredibly efficient way to use up leftover turkey (or chicken!). This Leftover Turkey Shepherd's Pie Casserole with Garlic-Parmesan is my go-to for a quick, satisfying, and surprisingly elegant meal. It’s the kind of dish that feels special, but requires minimal effort – perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to adjust it to your liking. Don't have fresh carrots? Frozen works just as well. Prefer a different type of cheese? Go for it! The core of the recipe is simple: a creamy cauliflower mash topping a flavorful turkey and vegetable base. The cauliflower mash is a lighter, healthier alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, providing a delightful creaminess without the heavy feeling. This is a win-win situation! You get a delicious and nutritious meal that's also incredibly versatile.
I often find myself making a double batch, knowing that the leftovers are just as delicious the next day. This means one less meal to worry about during the busy week ahead. Packing it for lunch is also convenient and enjoyable - the casserole holds up well in a lunch bag and reheats beautifully in the microwave. I've even surprised my kids with this on occasion, which is a great alternative to the usual sandwiches. It always leaves them happy, full, and wanting more. The garlic-parmesan topping adds a nice kick, and kids and adults alike seem to love the flavorful mixture beneath.
Beyond the Recipe: A Quick Guide to Efficient Cooking
This recipe isn’t just about the dish itself; it’s about embracing efficiency in the kitchen. Here are a few tips that have helped me streamline my cooking process:
- Prep ahead: Chop vegetables on the weekend and store them in airtight containers for easy weeknight cooking.
- Embrace leftovers: Plan meals around using leftovers creatively, reducing food waste and saving time.
- Double the batch: When a recipe is a winner, make a double batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Keep it simple: Don't be afraid to simplify recipes by omitting ingredients or substituting similar ones.
- Get the family involved: Assign age-appropriate tasks to your children to make cooking a fun family activity.
Adapting the Recipe for Different Diets:
This recipe is easily adaptable to various dietary needs. For those following a low-carb diet, you can use a low-carb gravy and perhaps increase the amount of vegetables. Vegetarians can easily substitute the turkey with lentils or mushrooms. For a vegan version, replace the milk and cheese with plant-based alternatives. The possibilities are endless. The core components of the recipe allow for creativity and adjustments tailored to your unique preferences.
More Than Just a Meal: A Moment of Peace
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, finding moments of peace and connection can be challenging. Cooking, for me, is often one of those moments. The rhythmic chopping of vegetables, the comforting aroma of spices filling the kitchen – these small acts create a sense of calm amidst the chaos. Sharing a meal with my family, savoring the flavors of this simple yet satisfying casserole, is a ritual I cherish. It’s more than just nourishment; it’s a chance to connect, to relax, and to appreciate the simple pleasures of life. This recipe isn’t just a quick and easy dinner; it's a small act of self-care amidst the whirlwind of motherhood.
So, the next time you’re staring at a container of leftover turkey, don’t despair. Instead, embrace the opportunity to create something delicious and effortless with this Leftover Turkey Shepherd's Pie Casserole with Garlic-Parmesan. It’s a testament to the magic of simple ingredients, a little bit of creativity, and a lot of love.
