This Easy Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie is a warm and cozy dish that’s packed with wholesome ingredients! With beef, veggies, and creamy mashed potatoes on top, it’s comfort food at its best.
I love how simple it is to throw everything in the crockpot. While it cooks, I can relax or catch up on my favorite show. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Lamb: You can use either for this dish, depending on your taste. I often opt for ground beef as it’s usually more affordable. You can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Onion and Garlic: A small onion adds flavor, but if you have shallots on hand, they can give a sweeter taste. You can use onion powder if you’re short on fresh onions or want to skip chopping.
Mixed Vegetables: Frozen mixed veggies save time, but you can mix it up with fresh veggies like diced carrots, celery, or even green beans. If you prefer no peas, swap them for another favorite vegetable!
Mashed Potatoes: You can use homemade or store-bought mashed potatoes based on what’s easiest for you. If you’re in a rush, instant mashed potatoes work too. For a twist, try sweet potatoes for a bit of sweetness!
How Do You Get the Beef Mixture Just Right?
Cooking the beef mixture well brings out the flavor of this dish. Here’s how to do it:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet until it’s no longer pink. This helps seal in moisture and develop flavor.
- Don’t rush it! Let it cook for a few minutes before adding onions and garlic for a nice caramelization.
- Drain the excess fat to prevent the dish from being greasy.
This step lays a solid flavor foundation for your shepherd’s pie, so it’s worth the extra attention!
Easy Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or lamb
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared, either homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 5-6 hours of cooking on low or 3-4 hours on high. It’s perfect for a busy day when you want to come home to a delicious meal without a lot of fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or lamb) and cook it until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s browned, drain any excess fat to keep it from being greasy.
2. Add Aromatics:
Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic with the browned meat. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and fragrant. The aroma will make your kitchen smell amazing!
3. Set It Up in the Crockpot:
Transfer your meat and onion mixture into the crockpot. Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. This is where the magic begins!
4. Let It Slow Cook:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You want the vegetables to be tender and all the flavors to blend together. Feel free to check on it and let the anticipation build!
5. Add the Mashed Potatoes:
Once the cooking time is up, it’s time to add the mashed potatoes. Spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the meat and vegetable mixture in the crockpot.
6. Top with Cheese (Optional):
If you love cheese, this is the perfect time to sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes. It adds a nice gooeyness!
7. Final Cooking:
Cover again and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes. You want the mashed potatoes to be heated through and the cheese to be nicely melted.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Easy Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie is ready! Serve it hot and enjoy a delicious meal with your family or friends. It’s truly comfort food at its best!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef?
Yes, you can use frozen ground beef, but it’s best to thaw it overnight in the fridge before cooking. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook it directly from frozen in a skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks, then drain the fat before adding it to the crockpot.
Can I Substitute the Mashed Potatoes?
Absolutely! If you want a healthier option, try using mashed cauliflower instead of traditional mashed potatoes. You can also use sweet potatoes for a sweeter twist or ready-made instant mashed potatoes for convenience.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. If it looks dry, add a splash of broth to moisten it up.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, swap the ground beef or lamb with lentils or mushrooms for texture. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and make sure your mashed potatoes are free of dairy if you’re aiming for a vegan version!