Autumn’s Cozy Pumpkin Shepherds Pie Recipe That Warms Hearts

Cozy autumn nights find their perfect match in this hearty pumpkin shepherds pie that blends comfort with seasonal charm.

Rustic flavors dance through every forkful, promising warmth and satisfaction.

Earthy pumpkin mingles beautifully with savory meat and rich gravy, creating a dish that feels like a culinary hug.

Fragrant herbs and spices weave magic into traditional shepherd’s pie, offering a fresh twist on a classic comfort food.

Layers of tender ground meat nestled beneath a creamy pumpkin mash promise deliciousness in every bite.

Crisp edges and soft interior make this recipe irresistible for anyone seeking a soul-satisfying meal.

What Makes Pumpkin Shepherds Pie So Comforting

• Elevate Comfort Food: Transform the classic shepherd's pie into a seasonal delight with pumpkin-infused mashed potatoes that bring warmth and rich flavor to your dinner table.
• Sneak in Veggies: Packed with nutritious Brussels sprouts and ground turkey, this recipe offers a clever way to incorporate healthy ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal that kids and adults will love.
• Quick and Hearty Weeknight Solution: Combine simple ingredients and minimal prep steps to create a satisfying one-dish meal that comes together easily, making dinner stress-free and delicious.
• Festive Twist on Traditional Recipe: Blend autumn-inspired ingredients like pumpkin, cranberry sauce, and nutmeg to give a festive makeover to the beloved shepherd's pie, perfect for family gatherings.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Shepherds Pie

• Potatoes: Hearty base for the creamy mashed topping.
• Pumpkin Puree: Adds smooth texture and seasonal flavor.
• Butter: Provides rich, creamy consistency.
• Milk or Cream: Helps create smooth mashed potato texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning.
• Thyme: Adds herbal undertones.
• Nutmeg: Introduces warm, subtle spice.
• Swiss Cheese: Brings a tangy, melty element to the topping.

• Ground Turkey: Lean protein that forms the main body of the pie.
• Bacon: Adds smoky, crispy flavor and texture.
• Onions: Provides foundational savory flavor.
• Brussels Sprouts: Adds nutritious green vegetable element.

• Broth: Creates moisture and depth of flavor.
• Cranberry Sauce: Introduces sweet and tangy notes.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall taste.

How to Prepare Pumpkin Shepherds Pie

Step 1: Boil and Mash Potatoes

Grab your potatoes and boil them until they’re super soft and ready to mash.

• Pumpkin puree
• Butter
• Milk or cream
• Salt
• Thyme
• Nutmeg

Stir in some shredded Swiss cheese until it melts beautifully throughout the mixture.

Step 2: Create Crispy Bacon Base

Heat up a skillet and cook bacon until it’s wonderfully crisp.

Toss in chopped onions and Brussels sprouts, cooking them until they become tender and fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Turkey

Add ground turkey to the skillet and cook until it’s nicely browned.

Pour in broth, cranberry sauce, flour, and a pinch of salt.

Let the mixture simmer and thicken into a rich, savory filling.

Step 4: Layer the Dish

Transfer the turkey mixture into a baking dish, creating an even, delicious base.

Carefully spread the creamy potato-pumpkin mixture on top, creating a beautiful golden topping.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Dot the top with extra butter and slide the dish into the oven.

Bake until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges are bubbling with flavor.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Shepherds Pie

• Warm milk or cream before mixing into mashed potatoes for smoother, silkier texture.
• Crisp bacon thoroughly to release maximum smoky flavor into the turkey mixture.
• Drain excess liquid from Brussels sprouts and turkey to maintain pie's structural integrity.
• Grate Swiss cheese while cold and let it come to room temperature before stirring into mashed potatoes for even melting.
• Broil the pie for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking to achieve a beautifully bronzed potato surface.

Variations to Customize Pumpkin Shepherds Pie

• Vegetarian Version: Replace ground turkey with lentils or plant-based ground meat, using vegetable broth for added flavor and maintaining protein content.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap potatoes with cauliflower mash, reducing carbohydrates while keeping the creamy texture and adding extra nutrients.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk instead of dairy, substitute butter with olive oil, and replace Swiss cheese with nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with sensitivities.

Serving Ideas for Pumpkin Shepherds Pie

• Harvest Table Centerpiece: Create a rustic fall display around the shepherds pie with mini pumpkins, fresh thyme sprigs, and autumn leaves for a stunning seasonal presentation.
• Cozy Family Dinner: Serve with a crisp green salad and warm crusty bread to transform this hearty dish into a complete, satisfying meal that brings everyone together.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the rich flavors with a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or a light Beaujolais that enhances the turkey and pumpkin notes without overpowering the dish.
• Leftover Love: Pack individual portions in mason jars for quick lunch meals or freeze in airtight containers for easy weeknight dinners that reheat beautifully.

How to Store Pumpkin Shepherds Pie

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled pie to a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning.
• Heat individual portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with ground beef, lamb, or chicken based on your preference.

• Is it okay to skip the bacon?

While bacon adds flavor, you can omit it or replace with pancetta for a similar smoky taste if needed.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour instead of regular flour and ensure your broth and cranberry sauce are gluten-free certified.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground turkey, reduce butter quantity, and add more vegetables like carrots or peas to increase nutritional value.

Pumpkin Shepherds Pie Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Pumpkin Shepherd’s Pie brings British comfort food to new seasonal heights with its creamy pumpkin twist. Savory ground meat nestles beneath a silky orange topping, promising warmth and satisfaction for winter dinner tables.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb 99% fat-free ground turkey
• 4 cups russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 2 cups fresh Brussels sprouts, stems removed and sliced
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

Protein and Dairy:

• 3 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 cup baby Swiss cheese, shredded
• 12 cup milk or cream

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
• 13 cup jellied cranberry sauce
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 12 yellow (or sweet) onion, chopped
• 6 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 14 teaspoon nutmeg
• 12 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Boil potatoes until fork-tender. Mash with pumpkin puree, integrating butter, milk, salt, thyme, and nutmeg into a creamy consistency. Fold in Swiss cheese until smoothly melted.
2. Render bacon in a skillet until crisp and golden. Incorporate onions and Brussels sprouts, sautéing until vegetables soften and caramelize.
3. Add ground turkey to the skillet, browning thoroughly. Pour in broth, cranberry sauce, and flour, seasoning with salt. Reduce heat and simmer until sauce thickens and coats ingredients.
4. Transfer turkey mixture into a baking dish, creating an even base layer. Carefully spread mashed potato mixture across the top, creating decorative peaks and valleys for crispy edges.
5. Strategically dot remaining butter over potato surface. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until top turns golden brown and filling bubbles around edges.

Notes

• Customize the mashed potato topping by swapping pumpkin puree with roasted butternut squash for a different seasonal twist.
• Use ground chicken or plant-based crumbles as a lean protein alternative for those wanting lower-fat options.
• Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or sage to enhance the autumnal flavor profile of the dish.
• Reduce sodium by choosing low-sodium broth and controlling salt quantities during cooking stages.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 307 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 530 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg