Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie because it combines all the classic flavors of the traditional dish with the ease of a hands-off cooking method. The slow cooker perfectly melds the ingredients, resulting in a flavorful, tender filling topped with buttery mashed potatoes. It’s warm, filling, and comforting — everything you want in a home-cooked meal. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes or vegetables.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef or ground lamb
• Potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• Carrots, diced
• Peas
• Corn
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Beef broth
• Tomato paste or Worcestershire sauce
• Butter
• Milk or heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil (for browning the meat)

Directions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or lamb until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
3. Stir in tomato paste (or Worcestershire sauce) and a splash of beef broth, mixing to coat the meat evenly.
4. Transfer the mixture to the bottom of your slow cooker.
5. Add diced carrots, peas, and corn over the meat layer. Pour in the remaining beef broth.
6. Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
7. Meanwhile, boil the potatoes until soft. Drain, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
8. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the cooked meat and vegetables in the slow cooker.
9. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes on low to allow the flavors to blend and the top to set.
10. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, and total cooking time ranges from 5 to 6 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high.

Variations

• Cheesy Topping: Mix shredded cheddar cheese into the mashed potatoes for extra richness.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute lentils or crumbled plant-based meat for the beef or lamb.
• Sweet Potato Mash: Replace regular potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes for a hint of sweetness.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure your broth and sauces are gluten-free.
• Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, celery, or green beans for more texture and nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 2–3 minutes or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make Shepherd’s Pie with ground turkey or chicken?

Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.

Should I cook the meat before adding it to the crockpot?

Yes, browning the meat first enhances the flavor and prevents excess grease in the slow cooker.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! Prepare the layers, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Cook in the crockpot the next day as directed.

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

Yes, instant mashed potatoes work in a pinch, though homemade mash gives the best texture and flavor.

How can I make it thicker?

If the filling seems too thin, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a bit of water and stir it into the meat mixture before adding the potatoes.

What’s the difference between Shepherd’s Pie and Cottage Pie?

Shepherd’s Pie traditionally uses lamb, while Cottage Pie uses beef. Otherwise, the recipes are nearly identical.

Can I cook it on high the entire time?

Yes, cooking on high for 3–4 hours works well if you’re short on time.

How do I prevent the mashed potatoes from sinking?

Let the filling cool slightly before spreading the mashed potatoes on top to help them hold their shape.

Can I freeze Shepherd’s Pie before cooking?

Yes, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw before slow cooking.

What should I serve with Shepherd’s Pie?

It’s a complete meal on its own, but a side salad or crusty bread pairs beautifully.

Conclusion

Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie is the perfect combination of hearty, comforting flavors and effortless preparation. The slow cooker brings out the richness of the savory filling while keeping the mashed potatoes light and creamy. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this classic dish delivers comfort and satisfaction in every spoonful.

Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie

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A hearty and comforting Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie made easy in your slow cooker. Layers of savory ground beef or lamb, tender vegetables, and rich gravy are topped with creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate cozy meal.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food, Slow Cooker
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: British
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef or ground lamb
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 cup peas
• 1 cup corn
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste or 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning meat)

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Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or lamb until browned, then drain excess fat.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in tomato paste (or Worcestershire sauce) and a splash of beef broth to coat the meat evenly.
4. Transfer the mixture to the bottom of the slow cooker.
5. Add diced carrots, peas, and corn on top of the meat layer. Pour in the remaining beef broth.
6. Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the vegetables are tender.
7. Meanwhile, boil potatoes until soft. Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
8. Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the cooked meat and vegetables in the slow cooker.
9. Cover and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to let the top set and flavors meld.
10. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Use ground lamb for a traditional Shepherd’s Pie or beef for a Cottage Pie variation.
• Add shredded cheese to the mashed potatoes for a cheesy topping.
• Substitute lentils or plant-based meat for a vegetarian version.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 4 days or frozen up to 3 months.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg