Okay, so picture this: it’s a chilly evening, you’re craving comfort food, but you’re also kinda tired from a long day. That’s exactly when this **Easy Turkey Pot Pie** comes to the rescue. Forget complicated casseroles; this is total cozy deliciousness simplified. Think of it as a hug in a bowl, but way easier than making from-scratch pie crust! It’s like chicken pot pie’s cool cousin, repurposing leftover Thanksgiving turkey in the most delightful way possible. Trust me; everyone will love it!
What is turkey pot pie?
It’s essentially the deconstructed, simplified version of classic chicken pot pie, but using turkey! We’re talking about a creamy, savory filling packed with tender turkey, veggies like peas and carrots, all nestled under a flaky, golden puff pastry crust. Think of it as a warm blanket for your tummy. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly adaptable. It’s not about spending hours slaving away in the kitchen, it’s about throwing together something delicious and satisfying with ingredients you probably already have on hand, especially after a big holiday feast. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be making this long after Thanksgiving is over!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? This **Easy Turkey Pot Pie** is a total winner in my book, and I think it will be in yours too!
* **Flavor Bomb:** The creamy, savory filling is seriously addictive. The combination of turkey, herbs, and veggies creates a symphony of flavors that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds!).
* **So Easy, It’s Almost Criminal:** Seriously, this recipe is ridiculously easy to make. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but don’t have a ton of time. Using pre-made puff pastry is my secret weapon!
* **Budget-Friendly and Smart:** What I love most is that it uses leftover turkey! You are basically turning one meal into two.
* **Versatility Galore:** You can customize this recipe to your heart’s content. Add different veggies, use different herbs, or even swap out the puff pastry for biscuits. The possibilities are endless! It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. This recipe is so much easier than homemade chicken and dumplings but still delivers that home-cooked comforting flavor. I’ve even added a pinch of nutmeg once and it gave it such a unique warmth.
* **Kid-Approved:** My kids actually ask for this! It’s a great way to get them to eat their veggies without any complaints. They especially love the flaky puff pastry crust. It’s a battle I don’t have to fight, which is a huge win in my book.
How do I make a turkey pot pie?
Quick Overview
What are some easy ways to make Turkey Pot Pie? I’ll start by sautéing some veggies, then add in the turkey and a creamy sauce. What is the best way to bake puff pastry in a baking dish? Is it really that simple? What’s the best part about cooking in the oven? Relax or tackle other things.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 4 cups chicken broth (or turkey broth if you have it!)
* 1 cup milk (I’ve even used unsweetened almond milk and it works great)
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 cups cooked turkey, cubed
* 1 cup frozen peas
* 1/2 cup frozen corn
For the Crust:
* 1 sheet (14.1 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). I use a 9-inch pie dish. I always use glass. I just find that it bakes everything evenly. If you bake a pot pie, make sure your oven is fully preheated before you put it in.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Don’t rush this step! Letting the veggies soften properly really brings out their flavor, which is key to a delicious pot pie.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. How do I get rid of raw flour taste in sauce? Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk until smooth. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Add the thyme, sage, and pepper to the sauce. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. What is the importance of simmering to make all the flavors meld together. When the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, you’ll notice it’s covering the edges.
Step 5: Add Turkey and Veggies
Stir in the cooked turkey, peas, and corn. Heat through. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. This is your chance to get creative! If you want a little extra spice, add some red pepper flakes. Sometimes, I’ll throw in some chopped mushrooms for an earthier flavor.
Step 6: Assemble the Pot Pie
How do you prepare the turkey mixture in a baking dish? Unfold puff pastry sheet and place it over the filling. Trim any excess pastry and crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top of the pastry to allow steam to escape. How do I get a perfectly puffed crust?
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it! Ovens can vary, and you want to make sure the crust is cooked through but not burnt. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
Step 8: Cool Slightly
Let the pot pie cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and prevents you from burning your mouth on that super hot day.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve warm and enjoy! I love serving this with a simple side salad for an easy and satisfying meal. Is it good for lunch? What are some good ways to serve extra gravy on top?
What to Serve It With
What are some good recipes for Turkey Pot Pie? What is the best way to take IT to the next level? * **For a light lunch:** Serve with roasted greens and lemonade. The acidity of the dressing will cut through the richness of pot pie perfectly. For a Cozy Dinner: Pair it with some roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans. The slight bitterness of the veggies complements the savory filling beautifully. * **For a Holiday Feast:** Serve alongside your other Thanksgiving or Christmas leftovers. What is a good way to use up your energy and time? * **For a simple weeknight meal:** A side of crusty bread is all you need! What are some good ways to soak up all that delicious gravy? * My family loves it with a dollop of cranberry sauce on the side. What is the best cranberry sauce to serve with pot pie? It’s become a tradition in our house!
How do I make a turkey pot pie?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that can take your **Easy Turkey Pot Pie** from good to amazing:
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** When sautéing the vegetables, make sure you don’t overcrowd the pan. If the pan is too crowded, the vegetables will steam instead of brown, which will affect the flavor. Cook them in batches if necessary.
* **Toast the Flour:** Don’t skip toasting the flour with the butter and vegetables. Toasting the flour for a minute or two helps to remove the raw flour taste and creates a richer, more flavorful sauce.
* **Use Good Quality Broth:** The broth is the base of the sauce, so make sure you use a good quality broth. I prefer to use homemade broth whenever possible, but store-bought broth works just fine. Just be sure to choose a brand that you trust and that doesn’t have too much sodium.
* **Don’t Overcook the Puff Pastry:** Keep a close eye on the pot pie while it’s baking. Puff pastry can go from golden brown to burnt very quickly, so be sure to check it frequently. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
* **Let it Rest:** Let the pot pie rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and prevents you from burning your mouth. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!
* **Spice it Up:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices. A pinch of rosemary or a dash of hot sauce can add a whole new dimension to the flavor. My husband likes a little bit of smoked paprika sprinkled on top for that extra something-something.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
If you happen to have any leftover **Easy Turkey Pot Pie** (which is rare in my house!), here are some tips for storing and reheating it:
* **Refrigerating:** Store leftover pot pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezing:** For longer storage, you can freeze the pot pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
* **Reheating in the Oven:** The best way to reheat the pot pie is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the pot pie for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Cover the crust with foil if it starts to brown too quickly.
* **Reheating in the Microwave:** You can also reheat the pot pie in the microwave, but the crust may not be as crispy. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Reheating from Frozen:** If reheating from frozen, you can either thaw the pot pie in the refrigerator overnight or bake it directly from frozen. If baking from frozen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until heated through. Cover the crust with foil if it starts to brown too quickly.
* I usually make a batch of these to freeze right after thanksgiving and we have them for quick meals until Christmas.
What are some frequently asked questions?
Final Thoughts
How do I make turkey pot pie? What is a simple, delicious, and comforting meal that’s perfect for using up leftover turkey? The creamy filling, tender veggies, and flaky puff pastry crust come together to create a truly delicious meal. What are some of the What are some easy recipes to make with your favorite ingredients? What are some of my family’s favorite ways to use up leftovers for the holidays? I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! What are some of the best ways to leave a comment on this post?
Easy Turkey Pot Pie
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey
- 1.5 cups mixed vegetables
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked turkey, mixed vegetables, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the mixture into a pie dish. Top with the pie crust and crimp the edges to seal.
- Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
