Print

Easy Crockpot Shepherds Pie Recipe with Cheddar Mash Topping

easy crockpot shepherds pie - featured image
Print Recipe

A warm, easy-to-make shepherd’s pie cooked in a slow cooker with a creamy cheddar mashed potato topping, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef or lamb (lean)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
  • 1 cup beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed (Yukon Gold recommended)
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef or lamb and cook, breaking it apart, until browned (about 6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Transfer meat and aromatics to the slow cooker. Stir in frozen peas and carrots, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  4. Cover and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours.
  5. While the filling cooks, place peeled and cubed potatoes in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil, then simmer until tender (about 15 minutes). Drain well.
  6. Return potatoes to pot or bowl. Add softened butter and milk, mashing until smooth and creamy. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. After the filling has cooked, spread the cheddar mash evenly over the top in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes to melt the cheese and brown the topping slightly.
  8. Serve warm.

Notes

If the filling is too watery before adding mash, cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes to thicken. Drain potatoes well to avoid runny mash. Adding a pinch of garlic powder to the mash can enhance flavor. For a crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking. Use liners in the slow cooker for easier cleanup.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd's pie, crockpot, slow cooker, cheddar mash, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/easy-crockpot-shepherds-pie-recipe-with-cheddar-mash-topping-perfect-for-busy-weeknights/