As much as I love turkey dinner, I think I might love the leftovers even more!
A turkey pot pie is a great way to use up leftover roast turkey. A creamy filling of turkey and vegetables is tucked inside a flaky pie crust, and the pie is baked until golden and bubbly.
There are some great turkey recipes that you can make with leftovers, like this pot pie, turkey broccoli rice casserole, or turkey tedeschi.
There’s nothing quite like biting into a hearty slice of pot pie on a chilly evening. The buttery flaky crust gives way to a steamy, savory filling loaded with tender meat and veggies. But traditional chicken or turkey pot pie can be time consuming, requiring you to cook the meat and make the filling from scratch. That’s where ground turkey pot pie comes in! Using ground turkey instead of sliced or cubed turkey or chicken shortens the prep work. The result is the same delicious flavor in far less time.
Why Make Ground Turkey Pot Pie
Ground turkey pot pie offers several advantages
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It’s fast. No need to bake or poach turkey breast. Just brown the ground turkey right in the skillet.
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It’s budget-friendly. Ground turkey costs less per pound than turkey breast or thighs
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It’s flexible. Use light or dark ground turkey, or a blend of both.
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It’s flavorful. Browning adds richness, while herbs season the sauce.
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It’s comforting. The flavors and textures can’t be beat!
With minimal effort, you can enjoy this cozy and classic meal made with convenient ground turkey.
How to Make Ground Turkey Pot Pie
Making pot pie with ground turkey is simple. Follow these easy steps:
Cook the Ground Turkey
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Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes.
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Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in 2 tablespoons flour to coat the turkey.
Sauté the Vegetables
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In another skillet, cook aromatics like onion, carrots, celery and garlic in butter until softened, about 5 minutes.
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Add mushrooms, frozen peas or other veggies, and cook another 2-3 minutes.
Make the Sauce
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Whisk broth, milk, herbs and seasonings into the ground turkey.
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Let simmer until thickened to a gravy-like consistency.
Assemble and Bake
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Transfer turkey mixture and vegetables into a pie dish.
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Top with pie dough, crimp edges, and cut vents.
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Brush crust with egg wash and bake until golden brown, 35-40 minutes.
And that’s it! With a simple crust and easy homemade filling, you’ll have a comforting pot pie on the table in under an hour.
Tips for the Best Ground Turkey Pot Pie
Follow these tips for pot pie success:
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Pick your turkey. Use 85% lean ground turkey for the best texture. Avoid 99% lean ground turkey breast—it becomes dry.
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Season well. Herbs like thyme, sage, rosemary enhance the flavor. A dash of Worcestershire doesn’t hurt!
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Add cheese. Stir shredded cheddar, Gruyère or goat cheese into the filling for a creamier bite.
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Load up on veggies. Onion, carrots, celery, mushrooms, frozen peas, corn and potatoes are all fair game.
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Make mini pies. Spoon filling into ramekins and top with dough circles for individual portions.
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Play with the crust. Try cheddar biscuit dough, puff pastry, or a classic double crust.
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Freeze extras. Assemble unbaked pies and stock your freezer for busy weeknights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of ground turkey works best?
The best ground turkey for pot pie is 85% lean. This ensures moist, flavorful meat. Ground turkey breast (99% lean) tends to dry out.
Can I use leftover cooked ground turkey?
Yes! Leftover taco meat or sauce from another dish can be repurposed into pot pie filling. Skip browning fresh turkey.
What milk should I use?
Whole milk works best to make a creamy sauce. Non-dairy milks like unsweetened almond or oat milk can also be used.
How do I thicken the filling?
Browning the ground turkey in flour helps thicken the sauce. Letting the mixture simmer allows it to thicken to a gravy-like consistency.
What vegetables work best?
Onion, carrots, celery, mushrooms and peas are classic. Potato, sweet potato, corn, broccoli, squash and greens also taste delicious.
Make Weeknights Special with Ground Turkey Pot Pie
Skip the deli counter and grab ground turkey to make an easy, budget-friendly pot pie. With its thick, creamy filling and golden browned crust, this comforting classic is sure to become a new family favorite. The simple ingredients and preparation means you can enjoy homemade pot pie any night of the week. Dig your fork into tender ground turkey, potatoes, carrots and peas steaming under a crispy, buttery crust. Doesn’t get much better than that!
How to Make Turkey Pot Pie
For this recipe, the filling is similar to a chicken pot pie. I love to use leftover turkey, leftover veggies, and a pre-made pie crust. It takes almost all of the prep work out of this recipe!.
- Cook onions until tender. Follow the recipe below to make a roux: add flour and milk.
- Toss sauce with turkey and veggies. Fill a pie crust.
- Put on the top crust and pinch the edges to seal the pot pie. Use a fork to “crimp” the edges all the way around, and cut a few holes in the middle to let the steam escape. This keeps the pot pie from bubbling around the edges while it bakes.
Ingredients in Turkey Pot Pie
Let yourself off the hook and know that this pot pie can be made with almost anything! I always put turkey, vegetables, savory spices, a creamy sauce, and a flaky pie crust in it.
Got peas? Got carrots, leftover roast vegetables, or potatoes? It all goes perfectly in a pot pie!
