Heart Healthy Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie

(5.0)
By Judy Capodanno
Updated 1/1/2026
Dietitian Reviewed: Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT
Approved for These Diets:
Heart Healthy | Diabetic
Heart Healthy Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer

This Heart Healthy Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie is the ultimate healthy comfort food. By swapping traditional beef for lean ground turkey and using nutrient-dense sweet potatoes, we’ve created a dish that is high in protein but low in saturated fat.

The rich flavor comes from a savory blend of poultry seasoning and tomato paste, making it a satisfying meal that fits perfectly into a heart-healthy or diabetic-friendly diet. Whether you are looking for a Whole30-friendly option or just an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers deep flavor with every bite.

Total Time
90 minutes
Servings
8
Calories
434

What Makes This Heart Healthy Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie Healthy

This recipe prioritizes nutrient-dense swaps to transform a heavy classic into a balanced, heart-healthy meal. By using lean turkey and fiber-rich vegetables, you get all the traditional savory flavor with significantly less sodium and fat.

Key Health Highlights

  • Lean Protein: 93% lean ground turkey provides 35g of protein per serving to support muscle health without excess saturated fat.
  • Rich in Beta-Carotene: Sweet potatoes offer a high dose of vitamin A and more fiber than traditional white potatoes.
  • Lower Sodium: Uses reduced-sodium chicken broth and minimal added salt to stay under 300mg of sodium per serving.
  • Fiber-Focused: Packed with onions, carrots, and celery to improve digestion and heart health.
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FAQs About Heart Healthy Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie

Yes! To make this Whole30 friendly, omit the peas and use a compliant thickener like arrowroot starch instead of all-purpose flour.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to keep the sweet potato topping from getting too soft.

For a heart-healthy version, a small sprinkle of sharp white cheddar or parmesan can add big flavor without significantly increasing the fat content.

More Healthy Ground Turkey Casseroles

These easy comfort food dinners are perfect for busy weeknights and meal prepping.

Heart Healthy Turkey Broccoli Casserole
Heart Healthy Turkey Pot Pie

Easy Turkey Entrees

These classic favorite dishes have all the savory taste you remember, with the health benefits of lean turkey protein.

Heart Healthy Turkey Meatloaf
Heart Healthy Turkey Chili

Ingredients

Recipe yields 8 servings

Directions

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 425°.

  2. Step 2

    Place sweet potatoes in a pot, cover with water, cover pot, bring to a boil and cook for 15 minutes or until tender.

  3. Step 3

    Meanwhile, lightly coat a deep skillet with nonstick cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat until hot. Add the turkey and season with salt, pepper and poultry seasoning. Cook until turkey is no longer pink, about 8 minutes.

  4. Step 4

    Reduce heat to medium-low. Add oil, onion, carrots and celery and cook for 5 minutes. In a bowl, whisk together tomato paste, chicken stock, Worcestershire sauce and flour. Add chicken stock mixture to skillet and cook for 10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Stir in peas and remove from heat. Pour the turkey mixture into a deep 9-inch baking dish.

  5. Step 5

    Drain potatoes and return pot to heat. Add milk and sour cream. Mash potatoes. Season the potatoes with nutmeg and black pepper to taste and stir to combine. Top the turkey mixture with the potatoes. Bake for 20 minutes. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:
3/4 cup

434
Calories
16
g
Fat
115
mg
Cholesterol
270
mg
Sodium
32
g
Carbs
3
g
Sat. Fat
5
g
Fiber
35
g
Protein

Alternative Cooking Methods

You can easily adapt this for a slow cooker by browning the turkey and veggies first, then layering everything in the crockpot on low for 4-6 hours. For a faster topping, try using an air fryer to crisp up the sweet potato mash for 5-8 minutes at 400°F.

Serving & Storage Tips

  • Serve this dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives for an extra pop of flavor. 
  • Leftovers can be frozen in individual portions for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
  • Pairing Suggestions: This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with our simple beet, blood orange and arugula salad or some garlic roasted broccoli to add crunch and extra nutrients to your plate.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute ground chicken or lean ground beef (95% lean) for a similar nutrient profile.

Use plain Greek yogurt in the mashed potatoes to add extra protein and reduce fat.

If you prefer a lower-carb option, swap frozen peas for chopped green beans or extra celery.

Use cooked lentils or a plant-based meat crumble in place of the turkey for a fiber-rich meatless meal.

Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the turkey mixture for extra heat.

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