Thanksgiving Pot Pie

What’s Up, Hungry People!

Today I have a special recipe for you that combines all the delicious flavors of Thanksgiving in one scrumptious dish: Thanksgiving Pot Pie! As I’ve been preparing for the upcoming holiday, I’ve had a blast experimenting with different recipes.

It’s no surprise that my favorite holidays always revolve around food. There are just so many exciting and mouthwatering recipes to try! I sometimes wish I could enjoy Thanksgiving-esque meals year-round, but alas, I must contain myself to avoid weighing a million pounds.

For tonight’s dinner, I stumbled upon an extra pie crust that was just begging to be used. Originally, I planned to make a classic chicken pot pie, but then I noticed I had some ground turkey and stuffing on hand. And that’s when the magic happened!

What started as a simple idea for an all-inclusive Thanksgiving pot pie turned into a creative endeavor to clear out some old ingredients and make space in my cabinets for more delicious food.

Here’s What You Need

• Ground turkey: Provides a flavorful protein base for the pot pie filling.
• Stove Top stuffing mix: Adds a savory and textured element to the pie, forming a delicious crust.
• Cream of potato soup: Serves as a creamy and flavorful base for the filling, adding richness.
• Onion: Contributes aromatic flavor and adds depth to the overall taste of the dish.
• Leek: Provides a mild onion-like flavor, enhancing the savory profile of the filling.
• Frozen peas, carrots & corn medley: Adds a colorful and vibrant mix of vegetables, creating texture and nutrients.
• Celery: Offers a subtle crunch and earthy flavor, enhancing the overall taste and texture.
• Butter: Provides richness and enhances the flavors throughout the recipe.
• Pie crust: Forms the base of the pot pie, providing a buttery and flaky pastry component.
• Salt and pepper: Seasonings that bring out the flavors of the other ingredients and enhance the overall taste.
• Craisins: Can be used as a garnish, adding a touch of sweetness and contrasting flavor.

Let’s Cook!

To create the filling for my pot pie, I decided to use a cream of potato soup base. You can substitute it with any cream of [insert your favorite vegetable here] soup that you have available. I also discovered some frozen veggies and celery hiding in the depths of my freezer, which I thought would make a hearty addition to the pie.

Now, here’s a tip: Although I used ground turkey this time, feel free to use leftover turkey meat from any occasion. The result will still be incredibly flavorful.

In fact, using ground turkey gave my pot pie a delightful shepherd’s pie twist!

First, let’s get the filling ready. In a skillet, sauté the leeks, onions, and frozen veggies with a knob of butter until they begin to brown. Then, add the cooked ground turkey back into the pan. This step will infuse the filling with even more savory goodness!

While the filling is cooking, let’s prepare the stuffing. If you’re using a boxed variety, follow the instructions on the side of the box, but stop before actually heating the stuffing. Instead, soak the cornbread mix in some chicken broth.

Trust me, this little trick takes the stuffing to a whole new level of deliciousness!

Now, it’s time to assemble our Thanksgiving Pot Pie. Pour the turkey and vegetable mix into a pie pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Next, open a can of creamed potatoes—I had a chunky kind on hand, which worked wonderfully—and spread it all the way to the edges of the pie crust, creating a luscious potato layer.

Last but not least, gently press the moistened stuffing onto the turkey and potatoes, forming a crust-like covering on top of the pie. To add a final touch of indulgence, I dotted the stuffing with butter before popping the pie into the oven.

Bake the Thanksgiving Pot Pie for 25 minutes, or until the top of the stuffing turns beautifully crispy. Now, if you can resist the temptation, allow the pie to cool for a little while.

This will make it easier to slice into perfect portions. But let’s be honest—I was way too impatient to wait, so I dug right in!

Tips for Making Thanksgiving Leftovers Pot Pie

• Brown the ground turkey: Browning the ground turkey adds depth of flavor to the filling.
• Sauté the onions and leeks: Sautéing the onions and leeks before adding other vegetables enhances their sweetness and aroma.
• Soak the stuffing mix: Soaking the stuffing mix in water or chicken broth helps it become moist and flavorful.
• Spread the cream of potato soup evenly: Evenly spreading the cream of potato soup over the filling ensures a creamy and consistent flavor throughout the pie.
• Gently press the stuffing onto the crust: Pressing the soaked stuffing onto the crust helps it adhere and form a delightful crust-like covering.
• Preheat the oven to 375°F: Preheating the oven ensures proper and even baking of the pot pie.
• Keep an eye on the stuffing: Watch the stuffing closely to avoid burning. Adjust baking time if needed.
• Experiment with additional seasonings: Feel free to add herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, or poultry seasoning to enhance the flavor.
• Customize the vegetables: Use your favorite vegetables or leftovers in the pot pie to personalize the dish to your taste.
• Serve with cranberry sauce: Accompany the pot pie with tangy cranberry sauce for a classic Thanksgiving flavor combination.

As the aroma of the Thanksgiving Pot Pie fills the air and the savory flavors dance on your taste buds, I hope this recipe becomes a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire. Gather around the table, share the warmth, and savor every bite of this delightful dish, creating lasting memories with your loved ones.

So, next time you’re looking for a comforting and delicious way to use leftover turkey or simply craving a taste of Thanksgiving, let this pot pie be your go-to choice.

Happy cooking, Hungry People! Enjoy!

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