Let’s be honest—sometimes dinner needs a little drama, and these Turkey Bacon Shepherd’s Pie Calzones deliver a full-on flavor takedown. Imagine all the cozy comforts of shepherd’s pie—beef, veggies, cheesy mashed potatoes—wrapped inside a golden, flaky crust. Add turkey bacon to the mix, and you’ve got a hand-held hero worthy of a dinner spotlight.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is a brilliant hybrid of two classics: the rich, homey goodness of shepherd’s pie and the satisfying bite of a calzone. I love how it transforms comfort food into something totally portable, perfect for weeknights, game days, or feeding a hungry crowd.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 4 slices cooked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup beef broth
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (fresh or leftover)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dough:
- 1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: chopped parsley or extra cheese for garnish
Ingredient Swaps & Notes
- Meat Options: Ground turkey or plant-based meat works too.
- Veggie Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for an extra layer.
- Dough Alternative: Use crescent roll dough for a flakier crust.
Directions
1. Make the Filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in peas and carrots, turkey bacon, garlic powder, thyme, pepper, and salt. Mix in tomato paste and beef broth. Simmer for 5 minutes, then let cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes with cheddar cheese, butter, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
3. Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Assemble the Calzones:
Divide pizza dough into 4 equal balls. Roll each into a 6–7 inch circle. On one half, layer filling, then mashed potatoes. Fold the other half over to form a half-moon. Seal edges with a fork.
5. Bake to Golden Goodness:
Place calzones on the baking sheet. Brush tops with egg wash. Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden brown.
6. Serve:
Let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with parsley or more cheese if desired.
Tips for Success
- Seal It Tight: Crimp those edges well to avoid leaks.
- Cool the Filling: Let your meat mixture cool slightly before assembling to prevent soggy dough.
- Make Ahead: The filling and potatoes can be made a day ahead to save time.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Pair these hearty calzones with a refreshing side salad or something fun like Walking Taco Bar. For dessert, try a bite of Edible Cookie Dough or warm Copycat Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap calzones individually in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Oven or air fryer keeps the crust crisp—microwave works in a pinch.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Instant Pot Lasagna for a hands-off dinner
- Caramel Apple Nachos for a snackable sweet treat
- Walking Taco Bar for your next party spread
Final Thoughts
These Turkey Bacon Shepherd’s Pie Calzones bring serious flavor wrapped in convenience. They’re hearty, nostalgic, and perfect for any day you want dinner to be both fun and fulfilling. Let me know how yours turn out—and tag us with your calzone creations!
Craving more creative comfort food? Follow along for recipes that remix the classics with a twist.
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