This Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie is a cozy dish packed with tender meat, veggies, and creamy mashed potatoes. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
I love how easy it is to just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work. Perfect for when you want a hearty meal without too much fuss! 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: While ground beef is commonly used, you can swap it for ground lamb to make a traditional shepherd’s pie. For a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken work well too!
Onions & Garlic: Fresh onions and garlic enhance flavor. If you’re short on fresh ingredients, onion powder and garlic powder can be used instead, though the flavor won’t be quite as strong.
Carrots: Diced carrots add sweetness. If you want a change, parsnips or peas can be great alternatives for a different twist in flavors and textures.
Beef Broth: For a lighter option, feel free to use chicken broth or vegetable broth. If you’re looking for low sodium, go for low-sodium versions to keep the dish healthier.
Potatoes: I like using russet potatoes for creaminess when mashed. Yukon gold potatoes are a great alternative, yielding a buttery flavor. Sweet potatoes can be used for a twist!
How Can I Make Sure My Mashed Potatoes Are Perfectly Creamy?
Making smooth and creamy mashed potatoes requires a little care. Here’s how to nail it:
- Boil potatoes until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Ensure they’re cut into even chunks for uniform cooking.
- Drain well to remove excess water, which can make them soupy.
- Add melted butter first, then milk to achieve your desired creaminess. You can adjust the amount to make them as smooth as you like.
- Use a potato masher or ricer – avoid a food processor which can make them gluey. Season with salt and pepper to taste for extra flavor!
With these tips, your mashed potatoes will be a delightful topping for your shepherd’s pie! Enjoy the comforting flavors! 🥔🌿
How to Make Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (or use lamb for traditional shepherd’s pie)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious shepherd’s pie takes about 30 minutes of active prep time. Then, let your crockpot work its magic for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Just a little prep for a lot of comfort food!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned, making sure to break it up as it cooks. Once brown, drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Next, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and carrots to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the veggies start to soften up.
3. Mix in the Flavor:
Now, stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well so the flavors meld together.
4. Fill the Crockpot:
Transfer this delicious meat and vegetable mixture to your crockpot. Pour in the beef broth and give it a gentle stir to combine everything.
5. Let It Cook:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. About 30 minutes before it’s done, add the frozen peas into the mixture.
6. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
When you’re about 30 minutes away from serving time, bring a pot of water to boil. Add the potato chunks and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Once done, drain the potatoes.
7. Mash Them Up:
In a bowl, mash the drained potatoes with the butter and milk until they are smooth and creamy. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to your liking!
8. Top and Finish:
Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat mixture in the crockpot. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
9. Melt the Cheese:
Cover the crockpot again and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Serve It Up:
Before you serve, garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and flavor. Warm up your plates and enjoy this comforting meal!
This simple yet delightful Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Happy cooking! 🍽️
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use a bag of frozen mixed vegetables instead of fresh carrots and peas. Just add them in with the meat mixture at the start, and they’ll cook perfectly in the crockpot!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this shepherd’s pie gluten-free, simply substitute Worcestershire sauce with a gluten-free version or omit it altogether. Also, ensure that your beef broth is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free!
What Can I Do With Leftover Shepherd’s Pie?
Leftover shepherd’s pie can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Just add a splash of milk to the mashed potatoes if they seem a bit dry!
Can I Use Sweet Potatoes Instead of Regular Potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes can be a great alternative! They add a lovely sweetness and a unique flavor. Just peel and cut them into chunks like regular potatoes, boil until tender, and then mash as usual!
