Irresistible Thanksgiving Pumpkin Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

The aroma of roasted pumpkin mingling with savory herbs wafts through the air, beckoning you to experience a Thanksgiving Pumpkin Shepherd’s Pie like no other. savory stuffing balls Imagine a creamy, spiced pumpkin layer nestled beneath a fluffy topping, evoking memories of cozy family gatherings and laughter around the dinner table.

Picture this: It’s Thanksgiving, your uncle has just declared war on the last piece of turkey, and you’re about to serve up a dish that steals the show. This shepherd’s pie is not just a meal; it’s an experience that wraps you in warmth and comfort. For more inspiration, check out this oat flour pie crust recipe.

I still remember the first time I made this dish; my friends were asking for seconds before they even finished their first servings.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Turkey or Beef: Choose lean meat for a healthier option while ensuring it retains flavor and moisture during cooking.

• Pumpkin Puree: Opt for canned pumpkin for convenience or roast fresh pumpkin for an extra layer of flavor.

• Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; sauté until golden brown for maximum flavor.

• Carrots: Fresh carrots provide crunch; dice them small so they cook evenly within the pie.

• Garlic: Minced garlic brings aromatic depth; don’t skip this crucial ingredient.

• Poultry Seasoning: A blend of sage, thyme, and rosemary enhances the comforting fall flavors in this dish.

• Mashed Potatoes: creamy mashed potatoes create a fluffy top layer; use Yukon gold potatoes for the best texture.

• Cheese (optional): A sprinkle of shredded cheese on top can add a delightful gooeyness if you’re feeling indulgent.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and chop the onion and carrots into small pieces. This makes cooking more efficient and keeps things organized in the kitchen.

Sauté the Base Ingredients: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, toss in the onions and carrots, cooking until they soften and become fragrant.

Add Meat and Garlic: Stir in the ground turkey (or beef) along with minced garlic. Cook until the meat browns completely while breaking it apart with a spatula. Enjoy that rich aroma!

Mix In Pumpkin Puree and Seasoning : Lower the heat slightly before adding pumpkin puree and poultry seasoning. Stir well to combine everything into a harmonious mixture that looks as good as it smells.

Prepare Mashed Potatoes : While your meat mixture simmers, boil potatoes until tender. Drain them, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Assemble Your Shepherd’s Pie : In an oven-safe dish, spread the meat mixture evenly at the bottom before topping generously with fluffy mashed potatoes. You can even create swirls or peaks on top for extra flair!

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the top turns golden brown—this is when you want to sneak a taste!

This Thanksgiving Pumpkin Shepherd’s Pie is bound to become one of your favorite go-to recipes, perfect for both family dinners and festive gatherings! perfect side dish for Thanksgiving.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the filling while the pumpkin tops cook in the oven. Layer efficiently to ensure even cooking and flavor integration.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground turkey for beef, or add your favorite veggies like spinach or mushrooms to enhance nutrition and flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Thanksgiving always brings back memories of my Aunt Marge’s kitchen filled with laughter and smells of spices. This pie became our family tradition after one holiday when she accidentally spilled pumpkin puree everywhere—it turned into a delicious masterpiece that we still cherish today.

FAQ

Can I make Thanksgiving Pumpkin Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time?

pumpkin dessert option.

Yes, prepare it a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake before serving.

What can I substitute for pumpkin puree?

Mashed sweet potatoes work well if you need an alternative to pumpkin puree. For more inspiration, check out this crispy sweet potato patties recipe.

Is this pie suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! Just ensure it’s tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn before freezing.

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Thanksgiving Pumpkin Shepherd’s Pie

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• Author: Anastasia Chen
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Thanksgiving Pumpkin Shepherd’s Pie is a delightful twist on a classic dish that combines creamy pumpkin and savory ground meat, topped with fluffy mashed potatoes. This comforting recipe is perfect for family gatherings, evoking warmth and nostalgia. Easy to prepare, this pie presents beautifully at any holiday feast, making it a must-try for your Thanksgiving table.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb ground turkey or beef
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp poultry seasoning
• 3 cups mashed potatoes (about 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup shredded cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and carrots until soft.
2. Add ground turkey (or beef) and minced garlic; cook until browned.
3. Stir in pumpkin puree and poultry seasoning; mix well.
4. Boil potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until creamy.
5. In an oven-safe dish, layer the meat mixture and top with mashed potatoes.
6. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 200g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 60mg