Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Leftover turkey shepherd’s pie is a cozy, one-pan meal that’s made with tender vegetables, Guinness gravy and mashed potatoes—comfort food at its finest.

You might also enjoy leftover turkey fried rice, turkey taco casserole, a Thanksgiving leftovers sandwich, or smoked honey-glazed ham.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s great for leftovers: This recipe gives new life to leftover turkey in a completely delicious way.
Hearty and satisfying: Between the rich filling and fluffy potato topping, it’s a full meal in one dish.
Full of seasonal flavor: Guinness, sage, and root veggies bring cozy, earthy flavor to every bite.
Customizable: Use whatever root vegetables or mashed potatoes you have on hand.
One-skillet convenience: Fewer dishes and easy cleanup make this even more appealing.
Perfect for meal prep: It reheats beautifully for lunch or dinner the next day.

Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Turkey: Shredded leftover turkey adds protein and hearty flavor to the filling.
Salted butter: Adds richness to both the vegetable filling and the mashed potatoes.
Guinness: Deepens the flavor of the gravy and gives the dish a rich, malty note.
Bone broth: Boosts the savory flavor and makes a rich sauce.
Carrots, parsnips and celery: Classic root veggies that bring sweetness, texture and heartiness.
Tomato paste: Adds umami and helps thicken the gravy.
Yellow onion: Gives a savory base and adds depth to the filling.
Garlic: Brings bold flavor to both the filling and mashed potatoes.
Thyme and sage: Traditional herbs that add warm, earthy notes.
Yukon gold potatoes: Creamy and ideal for mashing, but you can use any mashed potatoes you have.
Sour cream: Makes the mashed potatoes rich and tangy.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a little umami kick to the mash.

How to Make Cottage Pie with Turkey Leftovers

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Sauté the base: Cook onion in olive oil, then stir in tomato paste and pince.
Add Guinness and butter: Deglaze the pan and cook down for a richer flavor.
Boil and mash potatoes: Simmer until tender, then mash with butter, garlic, sour cream and seasonings.
Cook the vegetables: Add carrots, parsnips, celery, garlic and herbs to the pan.
Add the turkey and liquids: Stir in turkey, bone broth and more Guinness, then simmer.
Pipe the mashed potatoes: Spoon or pipe the mash over the filling in a cast iron skillet.
Bake and serve: Bake until golden, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Substitutions and Variations

Swap the vegetables: Use sweet potatoes, peas, turnips or whatever root veggies you have on hand. You could also add leftover veggies such as green beans.
Try another protein: Use shredded chicken, beef or even a vegetarian meat substitute.
Use pre-made mash: Leftover mashed potatoes work great if you want to skip that step.
Guinness: Substitute dark beer for the Guinness.
Bone broth: Use any kind of bone broth (maybe my homemade bone broth!) or even regular turkey, chicken or beef broth.

Serving Suggestions

With vegetable sides: Enjoy this dish with roasted Brussels sprouts, garlic green beans or one of these simple side dishes.
With a salad: Enjoy an iceberg wedge salad on the side, or perhaps asparagus and fennel salad.

How to Store Shepherd’s Pie with Turkey

Store: Keep leftovers of classic shepherd’s pie in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap or foil in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze: You can freeze it for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Defrost in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat: Warm it back up in the microwave or in the stove.