
If you’re looking for that perfect cozy dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Turkey Mashed Sweet Potato Pot Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love this dish because it combines the creamy softness of mashed sweet potatoes with tender turkey and vibrant veggies in a luscious, savory filling. It’s a fantastic way to transform leftover turkey (or fresh) into something new and reassuringly delicious.
What makes this Turkey Mashed Sweet Potato Pot Pie Recipe stand out for me is how easy it is to customize while still feeling utterly special. Whether you’re making it as a comforting weeknight dinner or a festive family meal, this pot pie hits all the right notes. I remember the first time I whipped it up after Thanksgiving – my family went crazy for it and actually begged me to make it again soon. You’re going to enjoy just how satisfying and approachable this recipe is!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Hearty: The combination of creamy mashed sweet potatoes and savory turkey filling is pure comfort food bliss.
- Great Use for Leftovers: This recipe is a smart and tasty way to breathe new life into leftover turkey or chicken.
- Simple Yet Elegant: Easy to make but impressive enough to serve for family dinners or special occasions.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can easily swap herbs or vegetables based on what you have on hand and your flavor preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Turkey Mashed Sweet Potato Pot Pie Recipe plays a key role — from the sweetness of the potatoes balancing the savory herbs and turkey, to the broth creating a rich, comforting filling. When shopping, I like to pick fresh herbs and quality turkey breast to elevate the flavors.
- Sweet potatoes: Peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces for perfect mashing consistency.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the potatoes and the filling evenly.
- Sour cream or full-fat plain yogurt: Adds creaminess to the mash; you can swap for dairy-free yogurt if needed.
- Cooked turkey breast: Skin removed and chopped; leftover turkey works beautifully here.
- Olive oil: For sautéing aromatics and veggies gently without overpowering flavors.
- Shallots: Milder and sweeter than onions, they add subtle depth to the filling.
- Fresh parsley, thyme, and sage: The trio brings a fresh, herbaceous burst to the dish.
- Celery stalks: Adds crunch and a slight bitterness that balances the richness.
- Frozen peas and carrots: Convenient and colorful vegetables for texture and sweetness.
- Turkey or chicken broth: Forms the flavorful base of the filling sauce.
- Black pepper: Just a pinch adds warmth and seasoning.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling into that perfect, scoopable consistency.
Variations
I love playing around with this Turkey Mashed Sweet Potato Pot Pie Recipe, especially depending on seasons or what’s in my fridge. Don’t hesitate to swap veggies or use different herbs to make it your own. That’s the fun part!
- Vegetarian Version: Swap turkey for sautéed mushrooms and extra veggies for a comforting meatless option—I’ve tried this and it’s surprisingly satisfying.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut yogurt or omit the sour cream in the sweet potato mash; it still turns out creamy and delicious.
- Herb Swaps: Sometimes I use rosemary or tarragon instead of sage, giving a lovely twist to the flavor profile.
- Individual Portions: Making single-serving ramekins is a hit with my family, perfect for controlling portions and presentation.
How to Make Turkey Mashed Sweet Potato Pot Pie Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Sweet Potatoes to Perfection
Start by placing your peeled and diced sweet potatoes into a saucepan, cover them with water and add a tablespoon of kosher salt as you would when cooking pasta. Bring them to a boil and cook for 16 to 18 minutes until they’re fork-tender. This step is key because properly cooked potatoes mash up smooth and creamy, which makes the topping so comforting.
Step 2: Mash Sweet Potatoes for Creamy Topping
Drain the potatoes well, then return them to the pan. Add a pinch of salt and the sour cream or yogurt, then mash everything together until nice and creamy. I like to keep the mash covered to hold the heat while I prep the filling — it really helps keep it smooth and luscious.
Step 3: Build the Flavorful Turkey Filling
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté chopped shallots with fresh parsley, thyme, and sage until soft, around 2 to 3 minutes. Adding veggies like celery next gives the filling a nice texture—you’ll cook those for about 4 to 5 minutes until they soften. Then stir in frozen peas and carrots, chopped turkey, turkey broth, salt, and pepper, bringing it all to a gentle boil before simmering for 8 to 10 minutes. This slow melding of flavors is what makes the filling so rich and comforting.
Step 4: Thicken the Filling to Just Right
Mix cornstarch with the remaining turkey broth until dissolved, then add it to your skillet, cooking over medium-low heat and stirring for about 3 to 4 minutes until thickened. This step is crucial because you want the filling to be thick enough to hold its shape under the sweet potato topping without being dry or gloopy.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake Your Pot Pie
Transfer the turkey filling into a 9×9-inch oven-safe baking dish (or divide into individual ramekins), then spread the mashed sweet potatoes evenly on top. Place everything on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until heated through. For a golden, slightly crisp finish, pop the pot pie under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes—keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
Pro Tips for Making Turkey Mashed Sweet Potato Pot Pie Recipe
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley, thyme, and sage brighten the filling in a way dried herbs just can’t replicate.
- Don’t Overcook Potatoes: Boil your potatoes until just tender to prevent a watery mash.
- Broil Last Minute: The quick broil adds a beautiful color and slight crispness to the sweet potato topping.
- Avoid Soggy Pot Pie: Make sure your filling is thickened properly before assembling to keep the crust and topping from getting soggy.
How to Serve Turkey Mashed Sweet Potato Pot Pie Recipe
Garnishes
When I serve this pot pie, I like to keep garnishes simple but fresh—just a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley or thyme on top adds a pop of color and a lovely herb aroma. Sometimes a drizzle of olive oil or a dash of smoked paprika on the sweet potatoes lifts the presentation and flavor subtly.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with a bright green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts for a well-rounded meal. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside a crisp apple slaw—something tangy and fresh really balances the richness of the pot pie perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For family gatherings, I like to make the pot pie in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets—it feels a bit fancy and makes serving a breeze. I’ve also layered the mashed sweet potatoes with a sprinkle of cheese, broiled for extra bubbling, which turns it into an irresistible crowd-pleaser for holiday dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers covered tightly in the fridge for up to 3 days. I’ve found that keeping the pot pie in an airtight container helps preserve moisture without making the sweet potato topping soggy. Just be sure to reheat gently.
Freezing
This Turkey Mashed Sweet Potato Pot Pie Recipe freezes surprisingly well. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or foil pans and freeze for up to 3 months. When it’s time, I thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found to reheat leftovers is in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for about 20 to 25 minutes until warmed through. This method helps keep the sweet potato topping from drying out. If you’re in a rush, microwaving works, but it can make the topping a bit less creamy.
FAQs
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Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes for this pot pie?
Absolutely! Regular Yukon gold or russet potatoes work well too. Just keep in mind that sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the herbs and turkey, but if you prefer a classic mashed potato topping, that substitution is totally fine and delicious.
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Can I prepare this Turkey Mashed Sweet Potato Pot Pie Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and mashed sweet potatoes separately up to one day before baking. When ready to serve, assemble and bake as directed. This can be a great time-saver for busy nights or holiday meals.
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What if I don’t have fresh herbs on hand?
If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried herbs can be used as a substitute, but use about one-third of the amount as they’re more concentrated. For this recipe, dried thyme and sage are your best bet, added during the sauteing stage.
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Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth and cornstarch, both of which are typically safe. This makes it a great option for gluten-conscious friends and family.
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Is it possible to make individual servings?
Definitely! Using individual ramekins or small oven-safe dishes is not only adorable but makes portion control easier. I’ve done this many times for dinner parties, and everyone loves the personalized touch.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Mashed Sweet Potato Pot Pie Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s the kind of food that brings people together. Whether you’re using up leftovers or making it fresh, it’s cozy, nourishing, and full of comforting flavors that never disappoint. I can’t recommend giving this recipe a try enough—you’ll enjoy the process, and your family will thank you for the deliciousness that inevitably follows.
PrintTurkey Mashed Sweet Potato Pot Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Turkey Mashed Potato Pot Pie is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers or any cooked turkey. It features tender turkey and vegetables in a flavorful broth-thickened filling, topped with creamy mashed sweet potatoes and baked until bubbly and golden. A delicious blend of savory herbs and wholesome ingredients makes this pot pie a satisfying meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
Mashed Sweet Potato Topping
- 1 pound sweet potatoes (peeled and diced 1-inch)
- kosher salt
- 1/4 cup sour cream or full-fat plain yogurt (see notes for dairy-free substitute)
Turkey Filling
- 2 1/2 cups chopped cooked turkey breast (skin removed, about 1 pound)
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large shallot (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
- 2 celery stalks (chopped)
- 4 ounces frozen peas and carrots
- 2 2/3 cups turkey or chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Cook the sweet potatoes: Place the peeled and diced sweet potatoes in a medium saucepan, cover with water and add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt. Bring to a boil and cook for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Mash the sweet potatoes: Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the saucepan. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt and the sour cream or yogurt. Mash with a potato masher until smooth and creamy. Cover to keep warm.
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and position a rack in the center.
- Sauté aromatics and herbs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots, parsley, thyme, and sage. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring until the shallots are almost soft.
- Add vegetables and turkey: Stir in the chopped celery and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Add frozen peas and carrots, chopped turkey, 2 cups of turkey broth, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes while stirring occasionally so the flavors combine.
- Thicken the filling: In a small bowl, mix 2/3 cup turkey broth with cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet and cook over medium-low heat, stirring continuously, until the filling thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Assemble the pot pie: Remove the filling from heat and transfer to a deep, oven-safe 9 x 9-inch baking dish or a deep round pie dish. Alternatively, divide into four 8-ounce broiler-safe ramekins.
- Top with mashed sweet potatoes: Spread the mashed sweet potatoes evenly over the turkey filling.
- Bake the pot pie: Place the assembled pot pie on a sheet pan and bake for 20 minutes until heated through. Then, broil for 2 to 3 minutes to brown the top for added color and texture. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Notes
- This dish is a comforting way to use leftover turkey and sweet potatoes after holidays like Thanksgiving.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute sour cream with full-fat coconut yogurt or a dairy-free sour cream alternative.
- Ensure the baking dish or ramekins are broiler-safe before finishing under the broiler.
- Black pepper quantity can be adjusted to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 337 kcal
- Sugar: 6.5 g
- Sodium: 399 mg
- Fat: 6.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 5.25 g
- Protein: 37.5 g
- Cholesterol: 86.5 mg