Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie
Introduction
Looking for a dish that embodies comfort and warmth? Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie is your answer! This classic recipe combines tender ground beef, flavorful vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, all brought together in a filling pie. With the ease of a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, allowing the smells to fill your home while it cooks to perfection. Get ready to serve up a hearty meal that your family will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Just a few steps and your slow cooker does the work.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of these on hand!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a regular dinner or a special gathering, it suits every table.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is a hit with everyone, from kids to adults.
- Unbelievably Delicious: It offers comfort food flavors that bring satisfaction and warmth.
Ingredients Needed
- For the filling:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 12 ounces frozen vegetables (your choice)
- 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup
- 1 packet French onion soup mix
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- For the topping:
- 48 ounces prepared mashed potatoes (I recommend Bob Evans, which typically comes in 2 packs)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
How to Make Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion for about 6-8 minutes. Stir frequently to break the meat into small pieces and ensure even cooking. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the browned meat mixture to your slow cooker. Add in the frozen vegetables, the cream of mushroom soup, the French onion soup mix, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together until well mixed.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 4-6 hours or high for 3 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to really meld together.
- Add the Topping: After cooking, gently spoon the prepared mashed potatoes over the meat and vegetable mixture, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Melt the Cheese: Cover again and cook on low for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. For an extra golden topping, you can place it under the broiler for about 5 minutes. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve piping hot in bowls straight from the slow cooker for a rustic feel or plated with a garnish of fresh herbs like parsley. To store leftovers, cover the bowl or transfer to airtight containers. Shepherd’s Pie can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, simply warm in the microwave or reheat in the oven until heated through.
Helpful Notes
- For a veggie twist, you can add in your favorite chopped vegetables, like carrots or peas, along with the frozen mix.
- If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider using lean ground turkey instead of beef.
- Leftovers can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before storing it in freezer-safe containers.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie is a go-to recipe for anyone who loves a hearty, comforting meal with minimal fuss. With its blend of savory ingredients and the ease of preparation, this dish truly shines as a family favorite. If you give this recipe a try, don’t forget to leave a comment and a star rating! Share your thoughts on social media, and let us know what variations you’ve tried!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for a leaner meat option, and it will still be delicious!
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze Shepherd’s Pie! Just make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
How thick should the filling be?
The filling should be hearty but not too dry. It should be moist enough to fill the base, yet firm enough to hold its shape when serving. If it seems too dry, you can add a splash of broth or water before cooking.
Print
Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A comforting slow cooker dish combining tender ground beef, flavorful vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 12 ounces frozen vegetables (your choice)
- 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup
- 1 packet French onion soup mix
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 48 ounces prepared mashed potatoes
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion for about 6-8 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a slow cooker. Add the frozen vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, French onion soup mix, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until well mixed.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- After cooking, spoon the prepared mashed potatoes over the mixture and spread evenly. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover and cook on low for another 15 minutes until the cheese is melted. Optionally, place under the broiler for about 5 minutes for a golden top.
Notes
Serve hot, and leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months. For a lighter version, use lean ground turkey instead of beef.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg