Cheesy Creole Shepherds Pie

Meat and Potatoes, who can resist such glorious foods!  Today, I created my version of Shepherd's Pie.

Yes, I am quite aware that Shepherd's Pie is made with lamb, hence the name Shepherd.

I didn't want to use lamb, I wanted to use ground turkey because I love the taste of ground turkey.

Use whatever meat you like, you can use pork, chicken, beef, it's up to you!

I've even on occasion replaced the meat with all veggies, using mushrooms and zucchini for a meatless version.

This is a dish that is really simple to put together, after browning up the meat with celery, bell peppers, onions, and garlic, you top the meat with creamy, cheesy, potatoes and bake for about 15 minutes. 

 Baked, cheesy, goodness, you must make this to experience the food love people!


Cheesy Creole Shepherds Pie 

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground turkey
1 bell pepper, diced
1 onion, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, diced
1/4 cup beef broth, low sodium
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon creole seasoning
1 tablespoon black pepper
1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
1/2 tablespoon onion powder
1/2 tablespoon paprika

For the potatoes:

6 medium baking potatoes, peeled, diced
1/2 stick butter, melted
1/2 cup milk
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup jack cheese, grated
1 cup sharp cheese, grated
1 green onion stalk, sliced

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Mix seasoning blend together and set aside.

Peel potatoes and dice into about 1/4 inch chunks. Place in pot, cover with water and bring to boil. Cook for about 12 minutes, until potatoes are tender.

While potatoes boil start cooking meat.

Place about 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat, Add bell pepper, onion, and celery, season with 1 tablespoon of seasoning blend.

Saute 5 minutes, add garlic and cook 1 minute more.

Add ground turkey, season with 2 tablespoons of seasoning blend. Reserve the remaining seasoning blend for the potatoes.

Cook turkey for about 10 minutes, add broth and cook 5 minutes more.

Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water, add to ground turkey and cook a few minutes more to thicken sauce.

Drain potatoes, add remaining seasonings, melted butter, milk and mash until creamy. Add cream cheese and half of the cheese blend, mix well.

To assemble casserole, add meat to a 9 inch greased casserole dish. Top with potatoes, then top with remaining cheese. Bake at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes. Remove from oven and top with green onions.

Enjoy!