Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie is a warm and cozy dish full of ground meat, veggies, and creamy mashed potatoes on top. It’s like a big hug in a bowl!
Who knew you could make such comfort food without a lot of fuss? Just dump everything in the crockpot and let it work its magic. Easy peasy!
I love serving this pie with a sprinkle of cheese on top. It makes it even more delicious and perfect for a chilly day. You won’t be disappointed!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: Traditional shepherd’s pie uses ground lamb, but I often go with ground beef for convenience. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken; they work well, too!
Vegetables: Carrots, peas, and corn are classic choices, but feel free to mix in whatever veggies you like. Chopped green beans or even bell peppers can add a nice touch. Got leftover vegetables? Toss those in!
Broth: Beef broth gives depth to the flavor, but you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth if you prefer. Just adjust the seasonings a bit to compensate if they differ in strength.
Mashed Potatoes: When it comes to mashed potatoes, using homemade is great, but store-bought can save time. If you’re looking to make this dish lighter, consider using cauliflower mash instead!
How Do You Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes for the Top?
The layer of mashed potatoes is what makes this dish comforting! Here’s how to get them just right:
- Boil peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain and return the potatoes to the pot. This helps evaporate any excess moisture.
- Add butter, a splash of milk (or cream for richness), and season with salt and pepper.
- Mash until smooth and creamy; you can use a hand mixer for an ultra-smooth consistency if you like!
Spread the mashed potatoes evenly on top of the filling in the crockpot for a beautiful finish! Don’t forget to sprinkle some cheese before the final cook for an extra cheesy finish!
Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Meat & Vegetables:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground lamb for traditional shepherd’s pie)
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared, creamy)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and then 6-8 hours of cook time on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crockpot. Make sure to have some time for the mashed potatoes to heat through at the end!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or lamb) along with the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until the meat is fully browned, making sure to break it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set it aside.
2. Transfer to the Crockpot:
Place the browned meat mixture in your crockpot. This is where all the delicious flavors will blend together!
3. Add Veggies and Sauce:
Now, add in the diced carrots, frozen peas, corn, and the can of diced tomatoes with all its juices. Pour in the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything well to combine the flavors.
4. Cook Low and Slow:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This long cooking time lets the vegetables soften and the flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Top with Mashed Potatoes:
About 30 minutes before serving, spread the creamy mashed potatoes evenly on top of the meat and vegetable mix in the crockpot. It’s like putting a cozy blanket over your dish!
6. Add Cheese (Optional):
If you love cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheddar on top of the mashed potatoes now. It adds such a nice flavor!
7. Final Cooking:
Cover the crockpot again and cook on high for another 20-30 minutes. This will melt the cheese and heat the mashed potatoes through.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, sprinkle some fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color. Then, grab a spoon and dig into your hearty and comforting Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie! Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen vegetables work great in this recipe and save you prep time. Just add them directly to the crockpot without thawing—they’ll cook perfectly during the long cooking time.
What Can I Substitute for Mashed Potatoes?
If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes. Just steam the cauliflower and mash it with butter, cream, and seasoning for a creamy topping!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat and vegetable mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just add the mashed potatoes right before you’re ready to cook the dish in the crockpot.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep it moist.