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This Crock Pot shepherd’s pie frees up your time while it slow cooks. Come back to a hearty beef stew layered with fluffy mashed potatoes, ready for dinner!
When it comes to comfort dishes, it’s no surprise to find Crockpot recipes on the list.
And speaking of comfort food, it doesn’t get much better than a plate of hot, meaty, savory beef stew topped with fluffy mashed potatoes.
This slow cooker shepherd’s pie recipe proves you don’t need the oven to get a proper shepherd’s pie.
It’s ideal for any night of the week, including holidays like Easter, when the oven is already in use!
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Does the day hit harder than expected? A comfort dinner can help!
Treat yourself to a bowl of healthy Crockpot white chicken chili or a hearty serving of Crockpot scalloped potatoes and ham. These slow cooker recipes are also perfect if you want to cook a big batch to have meals ready for later.
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
- This Crockpot shepherd’s pie is hands-off once the beef stew is ready, making it perfect for multitasking in the kitchen!
- This is one of those slow cooker dishes you can customize to your heart’s content! Swap the meat, add more vegetables, or use Instant mashed potatoes for convenience.
- This Crock Pot shepherd’s pie is hearty and packed with layers of flavors and textures. It’s the type of comfort food even picky eaters will love.
Ingredients
Beef filling:
Olive oil– For cooking the aromatics.
Onion and garlic – Remember that fresh is best for maximum flavor!
Ground beef– Use 85% lean ground beef to avoid a greasy filling without sacrificing flavor or moisture.
Thyme, rosemary, and parsley – They lend complexity and aroma to our comforting Crock Pot shepherd’s pie.
Salt and ground black pepper – To round out the flavors of this shepherd’s pie in a Crock Pot. Feel free to add your favorite seasonings and make this dish your own.
Worcestershire sauce – For a boost of umami.
Tomato paste – Adds color and helps thicken the stew. The acidity also complements the rich, savory flavors of our slow cooker shepherd’s pie!
All-purpose flour – Another thickener for the gravy.
Beef broth – For a flavorful base.
Frozen peas, carrots, and corn – Convenient options to make our beef filling heartier and just overall more satisfying.
Mashed potato topping:
Russet potatoes– Use starchy potatoes for beautifully creamy mashed potatoes!
Half and half– Helps give our mashed potatoes a luxurious, fluffy texture.
Unsalted butter – Of course, the mashed potato topping on our slow cooker shepherds pie should be nice and buttery. This is non-negotiable!
Salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder – To add more flavor to the mashed potatoes.
Parmesan cheese – For extra cheesy mashed potatoes, top them with shredded cheddar when the Crockpot shepherd’s pie is done cooking. Then replace the lid for 5 minutes to let the cheese melt.
Non-stick cooking spray – For easier Crockpot clean-up.
Ingredient Substitutions For Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie
Ground lamb
We used ground beef for this Crock Pot shepherd’s pie since ground lamb can be hard to find. But if available, go ahead and use ground lamb for a more authentic experience.
Instant mashed potatoes
Don’t have the time to prepare spuds? You can make Crockpot shepherds pie with instant mashed potatoes! Use your favorite brand and just spread the prepared instant mashed potatoes over the beef filling.
Mixed vegetables
Besides frozen vegetables, this Crockpot shepherd’s pie works beautifully with fresh produce. Try adding diced bell peppers, parsnip, and mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
Tips For Making This Recipe
Cook the Beef Separately
You need to cook the ground beef before putting it in the Crock Pot, so you can drain the excess grease. You can use a strainer or just push the beef to one side of the skillet, tilt the pan, then spoon out the grease.
Thicken the Sauce
For a thicker gravy, make a quick slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 to 2 tablespoons of water. Stir it into the stew before assembling your Crock Pot shepherd’s pie with mashed potatoes.
Adjust Accordingly
You can use a 6- or 8-quart Crockpot as long as it’s large enough to spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the beef filling. The cooking time can be adjusted based on your ingredients.
Crockpot Shepherds Pie Recipe FAQs
What is the difference between shepherd’s pie and cottage pie?
Shepherd’s pie is traditionally made with lamb, while cottage pie is made with beef. However, don’t be surprised to see recipes like this Crock Pot shepherd’s pie adapted with ground beef, which is easier to find than lamb.
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Of course! I have an amazing make-ahead mashed potatoes recipe that also makes delicious leftovers.
What meat can you use for shepherd’s pie?
Besides lean ground beef and ground lamb (for a more traditional take), you can try this slow cooker shepherd’s pie with ground turkey for a lighter option. Want a vegan shepherd’s pie? This lentil shepherd’s pie is a personal favorite!
Can you use frozen veggies in shepherd’s pie?
Of course! You don’t need to thaw the frozen vegetables for this Crockpot shepherd’s pie recipe. Just add them directly to the pan.
How to store cooked shepherd’s pie?
For make-ahead meals and leftovers, store your slow cooker shepherd’s pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
More Delicious Cozy Crockpot Meals
- Crockpot Black Eyed Peas
- Slow Cooker Hoppin John
- Crockpot Green Bean Casserole
- Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut
- Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Cream Cheese
I found this recipe for Slow Cooker Beef Broccoli that I HAVE to try!
Yay! You have made it this far, and I am so glad! Hey – If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a quick review & star rating ★ below.
Crock Pot Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients
Beef filling:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 lb 85% lean ground beef
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp rosemary
- 2 tsp parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
Mashed potato topping:
- 1 1/2 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- Water for cooking the potatoes
- 1/3 cup half and half
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Lightly coat the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes.
- Add the onions and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Add the ground beef along with the herbs and seasonings. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking up the meat and stirring occasionally, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the garlic and Worcestershire sauce and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the tomato paste and flour, stirring until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Pour in the broth and add the frozen vegetables. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Set the filling aside.
- To make the mashed potato topping, place the potatoes in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Let them rest for 1 minute.
- Mash the potatoes with the remaining ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- To assemble the shepherd's pie, spoon the beef mixture evenly into the bottom of the Crockpot.
- Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat mixture.
- Cover with the lid and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or until bubbly and heated through.
Notes
- You need to cook the ground beef before putting it in the Crock Pot, so you can drain the excess grease. You can use a strainer or just push the beef to one side of the skillet, tilt the pan, then spoon out the grease.
- For a thicker gravy, make a quick slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 to 2 tablespoons of water. Stir it into the stew before assembling your Crock Pot shepherd’s pie with mashed potatoes.
- You can use a 6- or 8-quart Crockpot as long as it’s large enough to spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the beef filling. The cooking time can be adjusted based on your ingredients.
Nutrition
PIN FOR LATER!
