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Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

Keywords: slow cooker, shepherd’s pie, cheesy mashed potatoes, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, one-pot meal