Pioneer Woman Leftover Turkey Pie Recipe

Easy Pioneer Woman Leftover Turkey Pie Recipe: Quick Family Favorite

Leftover turkey pie transforms forgotten feast remnants into a culinary masterpiece that whispers warmth and nostalgia.

Cold refrigerator shelves hide forgotten protein waiting for delicious resurrection.

Smart cooks understand meal recycling as an art form of kitchen creativity.

Her signature approach turns potential waste into a crowd-pleasing comfort dish that makes everyone gather around the table.

Fragrant herbs and creamy sauce bind simple ingredients into something magical and unexpected.

Rich, flaky pastry creates a golden envelope embracing tender meat and vibrant vegetables.

Your dinner guests will never suspect this spectacular meal originated from yesterday’s holiday spread: prepare to become a leftovers legend.

Why Pioneer Woman’s Leftover Turkey Pie Works

Why Pioneer Woman’s Leftover Turkey Pie Works
  • Rescue Leftovers Deliciously: Transform yesterday's turkey into a comforting, hearty pie that breathes new life into remaining meat without any waste.
  • One-Pan Wonder Technique: Create a rich, creamy filling directly in the skillet, minimizing dishes and maximizing flavor development through layered cooking steps.
  • Cozy Comfort Food Magic: Enjoy a warm, satisfying meal with a flaky golden crust and creamy interior that wraps you in pure culinary comfort during chilly evenings or lazy weekends.
  • Super Simple Weeknight Triumph: Whip up this impressive dish in under an hour with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques that even beginner home cooks can master confidently.

What You’ll Need for Turkey Pie

Protein Base:
  • Ground Turkey: Hearty protein that gives the pie its main substance, lean and perfect for using up leftovers.
  • Leftover Turkey: Tender meat option for a resourceful and flavorful filling, great for reducing food waste.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic mirepoix blend that provides a rich, aromatic base with deep flavor and nutritional value.
  • Frozen Peas: Sweet and tender vegetable that adds color and gentle texture to the pie filling.
Liquid and Binding Ingredients:
  • Chicken or Turkey Broth: Savory liquid that helps create a smooth, rich sauce with deep poultry flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Luxurious ingredient that thickens and adds richness to the pie filling.
  • White Wine: Optional splash that enhances depth of flavor in the sauce.
  • Butter: Helps sauté vegetables and adds richness to the overall dish.
  • Flour: Crucial thickening agent that helps create a creamy, smooth pie filling.
Pie Crust and Seasoning:
  • Pie Crust: Flaky pastry that covers the filling, creating a golden, crisp top layer.
  • Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances all other flavors in the dish.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity to the pie's taste profile.
  • Dried Thyme: Earthy herb that complements poultry and provides subtle aromatic notes.

Easy Steps for Turkey Pie by Pioneer Woman

Easy Steps for Turkey Pie by Pioneer Woman

Step 1: Preheat The Oven

Set the oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetable Base

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter. Add and cook until soft:
  • Diced onions
  • Chopped carrots
  • Sliced celery

Cooking time: 2-3 minutes until vegetables become translucent.

Step 3: Brown The Turkey

Add ground turkey to the skillet. Cook and stir until meat is completely brown and no longer pink.

Step 4: Create Thickening Mixture

Sprinkle flour over the turkey and vegetable mixture. Stir thoroughly and cook on medium heat for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Step 5: Build Creamy Filling

Pour in liquid ingredients:
  • Chicken or turkey broth
  • Optional: Splash of white wine
  • Heavy cream
  • Frozen peas

Step 6: Season And Simmer

Bring mixture to a gentle boil. Let it thicken for 3-4 minutes. Season with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Dried thyme

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 7: Prepare Pie Crust

Roll out pie crust 1 inch larger than your baking dish’s diameter.

Step 8: Top And Vent The Pie

Carefully place crust over filling. Press edges into dish sides. Cut 3-4 small vents on top for steam release.

Step 9: Bake To Golden Perfection

Bake in preheated oven for 30-40 minutes until crust turns golden brown and filling bubbles.

Step 10: Rest And Serve

Allow pie to cool 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps filling set and makes cutting easier.

Tips for a Flaky, Savory Pie

  • Maximize Meat Variety: Blend light and dark turkey pieces for a rich, complex taste profile.
  • Layer Flavors Strategically: Sauté vegetables until translucent, releasing their natural sweetness and depth.
  • Control Sauce Consistency: Simmer the mixture gently, letting it thicken naturally without rushing the process.
  • Elevate with Herbs: Sprinkle fresh thyme generously, transforming the pie with bright, aromatic notes.
  • Perfect Crust Technique: Stretch the dough slightly beyond the dish edges, creating elegant, crisp borders that seal in deliciousness.

Store Leftover Turkey Pie the Right Way

  • Freeze Whole: Carefully wrap the entire turkey pie in heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer-safe plastic wrap, ensuring no air can seep inside. Double-layer the wrapping to prevent freezer burn and preserve maximum flavor for up to 3 months. Label the package with the date to track freshness.
  • Refrigerate Strategically: Store sliced pie in shallow airtight containers to maintain optimal moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods. Keep refrigerated for maximum 4 days, placing in the coldest section of your fridge to extend its delicious quality.
  • Portion and Preserve: Cut remaining pie into individual servings before storing. Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. This method allows quick reheating of single portions without thawing the entire pie, perfect for spontaneous comfort food cravings.

Delicious Variations of Turkey Pie

  • Rustic Ranch Remix: Swap ground turkey with shredded chicken and add southwestern spices like cumin and chili powder for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Medley: Replace turkey with lamb, incorporate oregano, rosemary, and add crumbled feta cheese to create a Mediterranean-inspired pot pie with rich, herbaceous notes.
  • Veggie Lover's Version: Substitute meat with hearty mushrooms, lentils, and roasted root vegetables like parsnips and sweet potatoes for a completely plant-based, nutrient-packed alternative that maintains the comforting texture of the original recipe.
  • Seafood Sensation: Use flaky white fish or crab meat instead of turkey, incorporate dill and lemon zest, and add a splash of white wine to transform the classic pot pie into an elegant seafood casserole with bright, coastal flavors.

Wrap-Up for Pioneer Woman’s Turkey Pie

Culinary magic emerges from humble leftovers with Pioneer Woman’s Turkey Pie.

Classic comfort weaves through each savory bite, transforming simple ingredients into a heartwarming masterpiece.

Kitchen creativity shines brightest when reimagining traditional recipes with unexpected twists.

Home cooks discover pure satisfaction in crafting this rustic pie that celebrates resourcefulness and flavor.

Hearty filling nestled beneath flaky crust promises a meal worth sharing with loved ones.

Passionate palates will celebrate this recipe’s delicious potential – so grab your skillet, invite friends around the table, and let deliciousness unfold before you.

Ready to inspire others?

Share this recipe, spread culinary joy, and connect through the universal language of delectable home cooking.

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Pioneer Woman Leftover Turkey Pie Recipe

Pioneer Woman Leftover Turkey Pie Recipe


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4.8 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 58 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Pioneer Woman Leftover Turkey Pie brings comforting flavors from kitchen to table. Creamy, herb-infused filling nestled in flaky pastry promises a delicious solution for post-holiday meal magic you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups leftover turkey, light and dark, diced or shredded (or both!)
  • 1 pie crust (½ of Perfect Pie Crust recipe)
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth, plus more if needed

Vegetables:

  • ½ cup finely diced onion
  • ½ cup finely diced carrot
  • ½ cup finely diced celery
  • 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

Other Ingredients:

  • ½ stick (4 tablespoons/56 grams) butter
  • ¼ cup flour
  • ¼ cup white wine (optional)
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center.
  2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat until it becomes slightly foamy and fragrant.
  3. Add the finely diced onion, carrots, and celery to the melted butter, sautéing until the vegetables become translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  4. Introduce the ground turkey into the vegetable mixture, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon and cooking until the meat is completely browned and no longer shows any pink coloration.
  5. Evenly sprinkle the flour over the turkey and vegetable mixture, stirring thoroughly to coat and create a roux, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
  6. Gradually pour in the chicken or turkey broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps and create a smooth consistency. If using, add a splash of white wine for depth of flavor.
  7. Incorporate the cream and frozen peas, stirring gently to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
  8. Allow the filling to simmer and thicken, stirring occasionally, for approximately 5-7 minutes until it reaches a rich, creamy consistency.
  9. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme, tasting and adjusting the seasoning as needed to achieve a balanced flavor profile.
  10. Transfer the hot filling into a 9-inch (23-centimeter) casserole dish or deep pie pan, spreading it evenly.
  11. Roll out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface, ensuring it extends about 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) larger than the diameter of your baking dish.
  12. Carefully drape the pie crust over the filling, gently pressing the edges down to seal and create a decorative crimped border.
  13. Using a sharp knife, cut 3-4 small vents in the top of the crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
  14. Place the pot pie in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and the filling begins to bubble around the edges.
  15. Remove from the oven and let the pot pie rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, which allows the filling to set and makes slicing easier.

Notes

  • Carefully brown vegetables until their edges become golden and flavors deepen, releasing natural sweetness into the dish.
  • Combine both light and dark turkey meat for a rich, complex texture that captures the essence of homemade comfort.
  • Gently fold cream and frozen peas into the mixture, creating a luxurious and vibrant filling that adds brightness and creaminess.
  • Simmer the filling slowly, watching it thicken and bubble, transforming into a velvety sauce that clings perfectly to the turkey and vegetables.
  • Stretch pie crust generously over the baking dish, crimping edges with gentle finger press to create a rustic, inviting presentation that promises deliciousness inside.
  • Prep Time: 18 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 290 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Food Photography and Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Blogging
  • Ingredient Sourcing and Sustainability Practices

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety protocols.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific

  • Program: Certificate in International Cuisine
  • Focus: Exploration of global culinary traditions, flavor profiles, and plating artistry.

Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.

He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.

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