Traditional Turkey Shepherd's Pie with Fluffy Mash and Crispy Parmesan Topping

Step 1

Before starting, preheat the broiler to high. Wash and dry all produce. Peel, then cut potatoes into 1/2-inch pieces. Add potatoes, 2 tsp salt and enough water to cover (by approx. 1 inch) to a large pot (use same for 4 ppl). Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium. Simmer uncovered until fork-tender, 10-12 min.

Step 2

While potatoes cook, peel, then mince or grate garlic. Strip 1 tbsp thyme leaves from stems (dbl for 4 ppl). Heat a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add 1/2 tbsp oil (dbl for 4 ppl), then mirepoix, thyme and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until veggies start to soften, 3-4 min. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3

Add turkey to the pan with veggies. Cook, breaking up turkey into smaller pieces, until no pink remains, 4-5 min.** Add peas, half the tomato sauce base (use all for 4 ppl), soy sauce and 1/2 cup water (dbl for 4 ppl) to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly, 5-6 min. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the pan from heat and transfer turkey mixture to an 8x8-inch baking dish (9x13-inch for 4 ppl).

Step 4

Drain and return potatoes to the same pot, off heat. Mash 2 tbsp butter (dbl for 4 ppl) into potatoes until creamy. Stir in sour cream. Season with salt and pepper. Top turkey mixture with mashed potatoes. Smooth mashed potatoes over top, covering turkey mixture.

Step 5

Sprinkle Parmesan over assembled shepherd's pie. Broil in the middle of the oven until topping is golden-brown, 2-3 min. (TIP: Keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn!)

Step 6

Let shepherd's pie cool slightly, 4-5 min. Divide shepherd's pie between plates.