Dinner

Turkey Shepherd’s Pie – Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Recipe

ByLila Prescott October 19, 2025October 19, 2025

Introduction

This Turkey Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting and hearty dish that’s both gluten free and dairy free, perfect for those with dietary restrictions. Made with ground turkey, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes topped with dairy-free cheese, it’s a delicious twist on a classic favorite.

A serving of shepherd’s pie is stacked in three visible layers on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. The top layer is a golden-brown, slightly crisp mashed potato with some browned edges and a textured, fluffy look. Below it, the middle layer consists of green peas mixed with small onion pieces, offering pops of bright green and white. The bottom layer is composed of minced meat cooked with a reddish-brown sauce, spread unevenly on the plate, giving the dish a hearty appeal. In the background, a fork rests on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 pounds ground turkey
2 teaspoons olive oil

1 onion, chopped
3 tablespoons ketchup

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup white button mushrooms, sliced

¾ cup non-dairy milk (divided)
1 cup frozen peas
⅛ teaspoon white pepper

6 Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
3 tablespoons vegan buttery spread
½ teaspoon salt

¾ cup Daiya non-dairy cheddar style shreds

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the broiler. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, mushrooms, garlic, and ground turkey. Cook until turkey is fully cooked through, then drain off any grease.
Step 2: Meanwhile, boil the potatoes in a separate pot until soft, about 20 minutes. Drain the water and mash the potatoes with ½ cup non-dairy milk, vegan buttery spread, and salt until smooth.

Step 3: Add ketchup, white pepper, and ¾ cup non-dairy milk to the cooked turkey mixture. Stir over low heat until the sauce thickens slightly. Mix in the frozen peas and heat through.
Step 4: Transfer the turkey mixture to a broiler-safe skillet or casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the mashed potatoes, spreading to cover the filling completely. Sprinkle the Daiya vegan cheese on top.
Step 5: Place the dish under the broiler uncovered for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and turns golden. Remove and let cool briefly before serving.

Tips & Variations

If you have a cast iron skillet, it’s ideal as it can go from stove to broiler safely.
Use any brand of dairy-free cheese that suits your preferences, or omit it entirely for a lighter dish.
Add other vegetables like carrots or celery to the turkey mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave on medium power, stirring halfway for even heating.

How to Serve

The image shows a single square slice of shepherd's pie placed on a white plate with a metal fork beside it tipped at an angle. The pie has three distinct layers: a bottom layer of cooked ground meat mixed with green peas and diced onions in a brown sauce, a middle fluffy layer of pale yellow mashed potatoes, and a top layer covered with melted orange cheddar cheese with a slightly rough texture. The pie appears moist with some sauce around it on the plate. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken, beef, or pork if you prefer. Cooking times may vary slightly.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze the prepared shepherd’s pie before broiling. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before broiling and serving.