Turkey pot pie is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for using up leftover turkey.
If you’re comfortable with basic cooking tasks like chopping vegetables, sautéing, and working with pie crust, you’ll find turkey pot pie easy to make. Plus, it’s a forgiving recipe, so even if you’re new to cooking, it’s hard to go wrong. If I can cook it – so can you!
Here’s a recipe that’s easy to follow and also delicious to enjoy:
Homemade Turkey Pot Pie Recipe (by Dad)
Turkey pot pie is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for using up leftover turkey.
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 2 cups cooked turkey – shredded or diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup diced carrots – you can also use frozen mixed vegetables if you prefer
- 1 cup diced potatoes – peeled
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Sea Salt – to give added crunch and pepper to taste
For the crust:
- 2 sheets of pie crust – store-bought or homemade if you prefer
- 1 egg – beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
Prepare the vegetables:
- In a medium saucepan, add diced potatoes and carrots. Cover with water and bring to a boil.
- Cook for about 10 minutes until tender but not mushy.
- Drain and set aside.
Cook the Filling
- In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken or turkey broth until smooth. Let it simmer and thicken for about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the milk or heavy cream, followed by the cooked turkey, peas, carrots, and potatoes. Add thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for a few more minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
Assemble the Pot Pie
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out one sheet of pie crust and place it into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides.
- Pour the turkey and vegetable filling into the pie crust.
- Roll out the second sheet of pie crust and place it over the top of the filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
Bake
- Brush the top crust with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Notes
Nutritional information per serving (based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 400-450 kcal
- Protein: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Fiber: 3-4g
- Sodium: 600-800mg
Health benefits of Turkey Pot Pie
Turkey pot pie offers several health benefits, depending on the ingredients and how it’s prepared. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. High Protein Content:
- Turkey is a lean source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance. Protein also helps you feel full longer, which can aid in weight management.
2. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals:
- Vegetables like carrots, peas, and potatoes provide a good dose of vitamins (like vitamin A, vitamin C, and B vitamins) and minerals (such as potassium and magnesium). These nutrients are important for maintaining healthy skin, vision, immune function, and cardiovascular health.
3. Balanced Macronutrients:
- The combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fats in the pot pie makes it a balanced meal, providing sustained energy and helping to keep blood sugar levels stable.
4. Fiber Content:
- The vegetables and potentially whole-grain crust (if used) add fiber to the meal. Fiber is important for digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and can lower cholesterol.
5. Potential for Healthier Ingredients:
- You can easily make substitutions to increase the health benefits. For example, using a whole-grain crust can increase fiber content, and using low-sodium broth can help reduce sodium intake.
6. Comfort Food with a Nutritious Twist:
- While turkey pot pie is a comforting dish, it’s not just empty calories. It’s a way to enjoy a hearty meal while still getting essential nutrients, especially when made with wholesome ingredients.
Top Tips:
- I always let the pot pie cool for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to firm up a bit.
- You can add other vegetables like corn or green beans depending on your preference.
- If you’re short on time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of turkey – the result will still be a delicious pot pie.
- For a healthier version why not use a small amount of cream or opt for milk to lighten the dish while maintaining creaminess.
- Use a whole-grain or reduced-fat pie crust to increase fiber and reduce fat.
- Have kids who don’t like to eat their vegetables? You can always add more vegetables into the pie to boost the nutrient content.
- Opt for low-sodium broth to reduce sodium levels.
More ideas
Would you like to learn some more facts about salt? Then why not check out our articles in the Salt Facts section? We also have a section for Substitute Ingredients. And when you are ready to explore a bit more pop on over to our Salt Products and Salt Recipe sections.