Craving a hearty, comforting meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further! This Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it recipe. We’re talking tender ground meat nestled under a fluffy blanket of cheesy mashed potatoes, all cooked to perfection in your trusty slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings.
What is Shepherd’s Pie?
Have you ever pondered the name “Shepherd’s Pie”? It’s a fair question! Are there actual shepherds involved? Probably not. Legend has it – okay, fine, I made up the legend – that a harried shepherdess, tired of cooking individual meals, decided to throw leftover meat and vegetables into a single dish topped with mashed potatoes. Voila! Shepherd’s Pie was born… or at least that’s my story. It’s a comforting classic, a true testament to resourcefulness and the comforting power of potatoes. Some say it’s the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach and I couldn’t agree more, so why not treat your loved ones? Give this recipe a try and prepare to be amazed!
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie:
- 2 lbs Ground Lamb (or Ground Beef)
- 1 large Onion, chopped
- 2 Carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 Celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Frozen Peas
- 1 (14.5 oz) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup Beef Broth
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme
- 1/2 tsp Dried Rosemary
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 3 lbs Russet Potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional)
How to Make Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie:
This Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie is ridiculously easy to make and bursting with the flavors of a traditional comfort food classic. The ground meat simmers in a flavorful sauce all day long, while the potatoes cook separately for a perfectly fluffy topping. The prep time to prepare this recipe is only 20 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Meat Filling:
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, brown the ground lamb (or beef) over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the browned meat and vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the frozen peas, diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir & Slow Cook: Stir everything together well to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Mashed Potato Topping:
- Boil Potatoes: While the meat filling is cooking, prepare the mashed potatoes. Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain & Mash: Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Add the milk and butter. Mash with a potato masher or electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If desired, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:
Top with Potatoes: Once the meat filling is cooked, spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the meat mixture in the slow cooker.
Optional Browning: For a golden-brown topping, you can either:
- Broiler: Carefully remove the slow cooker insert and place it under the broiler for a few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the shepherd’s pie (in an oven-safe dish if you transferred the filling) for 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is lightly golden brown.
Serve: Let the shepherd’s pie cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie:
This dish is a game-changer because it’s the epitome of easy comfort food. Imagine coming home to a house filled with the aroma of savory meat and vegetables simmering in a rich sauce, topped with a creamy cloud of mashed potatoes!
Plus, making it at home is a huge money saver. You control the quality of ingredients and avoid restaurant markups. And let’s not forget the ultimate topping: fluffy mashed potatoes, maybe even with a sprinkle of melted cheddar? Thinking about other cozy recipes? Consider trying a classic pot roast. The magic of the slow cooker is undeniable! Give this shepherd’s pie a try – you won’t regret it.
What to Serve Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie With:
This Shepherd’s Pie is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate it even further with these complementary dishes:
- Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pie.
- Steamed Green Beans: Simple steamed green beans are a classic side that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a hunk of crusty bread for soaking up all the delicious sauce.
- Red Wine: A medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Pinot Noir complements the flavors of the lamb and vegetables.
Top Tips for Perfecting Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie:
- Meat Choices: While traditional Shepherd’s Pie uses ground lamb, ground beef works just as well – or even a mixture of both!
- Vegetable Variety: Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling, such as mushrooms, corn, or green beans.
- Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce seems too thin after cooking, you can thicken it by stirring in a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Potato Swaps: For a twist, try using sweet potatoes or cauliflower mash for the topping!
- Herb Power: Fresh herbs can add a burst of flavor – consider adding fresh thyme or rosemary to the mash or to the meat mixture towards the end of cooking.
- Prevent Soggy Topping: If you are not broiling or baking the pie to brown the topping, make sure to drain off any excess liquid before adding the mashed potatoes to prevent a soggy topping.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing:
- Refrigerate: Leftover Shepherd’s Pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the Shepherd’s Pie in individual portions or in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Make sure the pie is fully cooled before freezing to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating:
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the Shepherd’s Pie with foil and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil during the last few minutes of baking to crisp up the topping.
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stovetop: If you’ve frozen the Shepherd’s Pie, you can also reheat it on the stovetop in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Reheating Frozen: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.
Final Thoughts:
This Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie is a winner for so many reasons! It’s incredibly simple to make, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable. It’s a dish that embodies comfort and satisfaction, perfect for bringing family and friends together around the table. So ditch the takeout and embrace the warmth of a homemade, slow-cooked masterpiece. We hope you enjoy this Set & Forget Recipe!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the ground meat with lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
Q: Can I use pre-made mashed potatoes?
A: While homemade mashed potatoes are best, you can use pre-made to save time. Just make sure to season them well.
Q: Can I add wine to the meat filling?
A: Yes! A splash of red wine (about 1/2 cup) added to the skillet after browning the meat will add depth of flavor. Let it reduce slightly before transferring to the slow cooker.
Q: The mashed potatoes are too thick, what should I do?
A: Add more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Q: Can I make this without a slow cooker?
A: Yes, follow the steps in a Dutch oven then transfer to oven to bake at 375 F until the potatoes are golden.
Q: I don’t have Worcestershire sauce, what can I substitute?
A: A combination of soy sauce, vinegar, and a touch of sugar can mimic the umami flavor. Try a teaspoon of soy sauce, half a teaspoon of vinegar (like apple cider vinegar or balsamic), and a pinch of brown sugar.