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Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

4.5 from 136 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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