Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting, hearty meal perfect for busy days. Combining savory ground meat and vegetables with creamy mashed potatoes, it’s an easy, all-in-one dish that warms the soul.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 cups frozen peas
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 4 cups mashed potatoes (store-bought or homemade)
• Fresh herbs, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Brown the ground beef or lamb along with the chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat until the meat is fully cooked and the onion is softened. Transfer this mixture to the crockpot.
2. Step 2: Add the diced carrots, frozen peas, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce to the crockpot. Stir everything together to combine.
3. Step 3: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat and vegetable mixture in the crockpot. Cover with the lid.
4. Step 4: Cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the potatoes to warm through.
5. Step 5: Serve the Shepherd’s Pie garnished with fresh herbs for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, use lamb instead of beef. Alternatively, try ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Mix some shredded cheese into the mashed potatoes before topping for a creamy, cheesy crust.
• Add garlic or herbs like thyme and rosemary to the meat mixture for extra depth of flavor.
• If you prefer a thicker filling, reduce the beef broth by half or add a tablespoon of flour during browning to help thicken the sauce.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze in a suitable container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen peas?

Yes, fresh peas or other vegetables can be used, but adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure they become tender during the slow cooking process.

Is it necessary to brown the meat before adding it to the crockpot?

Browning the meat adds extra flavor and helps create a better texture, but if you’re short on time, you can add the raw meat directly to the crockpot, although the taste and texture may be less rich.

Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

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This Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for slow-cooked meals. Ground beef or lamb is browned with onions and then combined with carrots, peas, and a savory beef broth mixture, all cooked low and slow in a crockpot before being topped with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s an easy, hands-off recipe ideal for busy days or cozy dinners.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: British

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 cups frozen peas

Liquids and Seasoning

• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Potato Topping

• 4 cups mashed potatoes (store-bought or homemade)

Garnish

• Fresh herbs, for garnish (such as parsley or thyme)

Instructions

1. Brown the Meat and Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or lamb along with the chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat for a leaner base.
2. Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Transfer the browned meat and onions to the crockpot. Add the diced carrots, frozen peas, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together thoroughly to evenly distribute the ingredients.
3. Add Mashed Potato Topping: Evenly spread the 4 cups of mashed potatoes over the meat and vegetable mixture in the crockpot, ensuring the potatoes completely cover the filling to help seal in moisture during cooking.
4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and the filling to become tender and savory.
5. Serve and Garnish: Once cooked, garnish the shepherd’s pie with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Spoon portions onto plates and enjoy a warm, hearty meal.

Notes

• You can switch ground beef or lamb depending on your preference; lamb gives a more traditional taste.
• For extra flavor, consider adding garlic or tomato paste to the meat while browning.
• Using homemade mashed potatoes allows you to control seasoning and texture for the topping.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
• If you want a thicker filling, add 1-2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch to the meat mixture while browning.

Keywords: comfort food, shepherd’s pie, crockpot recipe, slow cooker dinner, mashed potatoes, ground beef, ground lamb, easy dinner, one-pot meal