Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal combining tender, slow-cooked ground meat and mixed vegetables with a creamy, cheesy mashed potato topping. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe offers the convenience of slow cooking, rich flavors, and a luscious golden crust that everyone will love.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking, Broiling
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Gluten Free
Filling Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Mashed Potato Topping
- 4 cups peeled potatoes, chopped
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Prepare the Filling: Brown the ground meat in a skillet with diced onions and minced garlic until caramelized. Stir in tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and mixed vegetables. Pour in beef broth and mix well.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Transfer the filling mixture into a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the meat is tender and flavors meld.
- Make the Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Boil peeled potatoes until tender. Drain and mash with butter, warm milk, and shredded cheddar cheese until creamy and smooth.
- Assemble and Broil: Spread the cheesy mashed potatoes evenly over the slow cooker filling or transfer the filling to an oven-safe dish and top with mashed potatoes. Place under the broiler for a few minutes until the topping bubbles and turns golden brown. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Notes
- Lamb gives a traditional shepherd’s pie flavor but beef is a common and accessible substitute.
- Drain excess fat after browning the meat to prevent greasiness.
- Chop vegetables evenly for uniform cooking and appearance.
- Incorporate cheddar cheese into mashed potatoes for rich creaminess.
- Prepare mashed potatoes fresh to keep them warm and fluffy.
- Keep a close eye when broiling to avoid burning the cheesy topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: slow cooker, shepherd’s pie, cheesy mashed potatoes, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, one-pot meal