- Seasoned rice mix or uncooked white rice (1 cup, optional for a thicker filling)
- **Pie Crust:**
- All-purpose flour (3/4 cup)
- Salt (1/2 tsp)
- Vegetable shortening (3 tbsp)
- Cold water (as needed)
- **Top Topping:**
- Whipped cream cheese (8 oz, softened)
- Chopped fresh parsley or thyme (optional for garnish)
- **Cooking Tips and SEO Keywords:**
- "Deep dish turkey pot pie casserole recipe"
- "ground turkey pot pie ingredients"
- "pot pie filling for casseroles"
- "easy turkey pot pie casserole"
Steps
### Deep Dish Turkey Pot Pie Casserole Recipe
**Introduction:**
Looking to spice up your comfort food game? A hearty deep dish turkey pot pie casserole is perfect for a cozy evening in or a festive gathering. This recipe combines tender turkey, vegetables, and a flaky crust for an irresistible meal that's both comforting and impressive.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and grated
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces refrigerated pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
#### Instructions:
**Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Mixture**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
5. Add carrots, celery, and thyme to the skillet. Cook for an additional 10 minutes.
**Step 2: Prepare the Pot Pie Filling**
1. Pour chicken broth into the skillet with the turkey mixture; bring to a simmer.
2. Reduce heat to low and let the flavors meld together for about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add frozen peas and cook until heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
**Step 3: Assemble the Casserole**
1. Roll out one pie crust on a floured surface into a circle large enough to cover your baking dish.
2. Transfer the rolled-out crust to a deep baking dish, pressing it into the corners.
3. Spoon the turkey mixture evenly over the bottom of the crust.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top layer.
**Step 4: Top with Additional Crust**
1. Roll out the second pie crust and cut it into strips for a lattice top or crimp edges around the perimeter to seal.
2. Place the lattice top over the casserole, trimming excess dough if necessary.
3. Seal any openings by pinching the edges together.
**Step 5: Baking**
1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
2. Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and serve warm.
#### Tips & Variations:
- **Vegetarian Option:** Substitute ground turkey with a veggie crumble or use extra vegetables to boost flavor.
- **Spice It Up:** Add some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick!
- **Cheesy Variations:** Use different cheeses like mozzarella, Swiss, or feta for varying textures and tastes.
#### SEO Keywords:
Deep Dish Turkey Pot Pie Casserole, Comfort Food Recipes, Holiday Meals, Flaky Crust, Ground Turkey, Chicken Broth, Vegetable Mixture, Shredded Cheese
Enjoy your homemade deep dish turkey pot pie casserole! Perfect for any time of the year, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.