This Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie is a warm and cozy dish that brings comfort to any meal. It’s made with seasoned ground meat, veggies, and a creamy mashed potato topping!
I love tossing everything in the slow cooker and letting it do all the work. Plus, it makes the house smell amazing while it cooks. Who wouldn’t want to come home to that? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: You can use either ground beef or ground lamb for a traditional shepherd’s pie. If you want a lighter option, ground turkey works great too!
Vegetables: Carrots, peas, and corn are classic choices. Feel free to mix in some diced green beans or mushrooms. They add a nice texture!
Broth: Beef broth adds depth, but chicken or vegetable broth can be used. Just check your salt levels when you do this, as they may differ.
Mashed Potatoes: If you’re short on time, store-bought mashed potatoes are fine. Alternatively, mashed sweet potatoes can give a nice twist!
How Do I Make Sure My Mashed Potatoes Are Smooth and Creamy?
Preparing the mashed potatoes ahead of time can save time when cooking. Here’s how to get that perfect texture:
- Use starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russet. They mash beautifully!
- Boil potatoes until fork-tender, around 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
- Add butter and warm milk or cream. Mash until smooth; avoid over-mixing, which can lead to gluey potatoes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before spreading them on top of the filling in the crockpot.
Following these tips will give you a rich and delightful dish that the whole family will love!
Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef or ground lamb
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared ahead, creamy and smooth)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie takes about 20 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll let it cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. After that, it needs about 30 minutes for the cheese to melt and the mashed potatoes to heat through. So, overall, you can expect it to be ready in about 6-7 hours if cooked on low or 4-5 hours on high.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Meat:
Start by browning the ground beef or lamb in a large skillet over medium heat. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks until it’s no longer pink. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
2. Add the Aromatics:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant. This will make your filling even tastier!
3. Combine the Filling Ingredients:
Next, stir in the diced carrots along with the tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well, letting it simmer for about 2 minutes to blend those delicious flavors.
4. Transfer to the Crockpot:
Pour the meat and vegetable mixture into your crockpot. Spread it evenly across the bottom.
5. Let It Cook:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You want the carrots to become nice and tender!
6. Add Peas and Corn:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the frozen peas and corn. Put the lid back on and let it finish cooking.
7. Add the Mashed Potatoes:
Once the veggies are heated through, take your creamy mashed potatoes and spread them evenly over the top of the cooked filling in the crockpot.
8. Sprinkle with Cheese:
Top the mashed potatoes with the shredded cheddar cheese, making it nice and cheesy!
9. Finish Cooking:
Cover the crockpot again and set it to cook on high for another 15-30 minutes. This will melt the cheese and heat the potatoes through.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, garnish your shepherd’s pie with some fresh chopped parsley right before serving. Dig in and enjoy this warm, comforting meal!
This hearty Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie is perfect for those busy days when you want to come home to a delicious, homemade dinner waiting for you!
Can I Use Frozen Mashed Potatoes?
Absolutely! Frozen mashed potatoes can save you time. Just make sure to thaw them first, and you can spread them over the filling as usual.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, substitute the ground meat with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives. You can also add more veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
Can I Make This Shepherd’s Pie Gluten-Free?
Yes! Check the labels of your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to ensure they’re gluten-free. You can also use gluten-free flour to thicken the filling if needed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven until heated through.