Warm up with this hearty, slow-cooked version of a classic Shepherd’s Pie. By simmering ground beef with aromatic vegetables and herbs in your crockpot, you infuse incredible flavors throughout the dish. Topped with creamy mashed potatoes, this comfort food favorite becomes even easier to prepare thanks to the convenience of slow cooking. Perfect for cozy family dinners or a satisfying weekend treat, this recipe brings together the essence of traditional Shepherd’s Pie with a hands-off approach.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and transfer the beef to the crockpot.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, diced celery, frozen peas, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Pour the beef broth over the mixture in the crockpot and stir gently.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
- Once cooked, spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the beef and vegetable mixture in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes on high to heat the mashed potatoes through.
- Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish.
Variation
- Substitute ground beef with ground lamb for a traditional Shepherd’s Pie.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the mashed potatoes for an extra layer of flavor.
- Incorporate 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the mashed potatoes for a cheesy topping.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure vegetables are cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- If using freshly made mashed potatoes, ensure they are slightly cooled before spreading over the meat mixture.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste after cooking, as flavors develop over time.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a simple side salad to refresh the palate.
- Serve with a glass of your favorite red wine to complement the flavors.
- Enjoy with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- To save time, use instant mashed potatoes or pre-made mashed potatoes from the store.
- Brown the beef in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the Worcestershire sauce and other ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 6-8 hours
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this with turkey or chicken?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a healthier alternative. - How can I make this vegetarian?
Substitute beef with lentils or a meat substitute, and use vegetable broth. - Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. - What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
Soy sauce or tamari can be a substitute, though flavor will vary.
Conclusion
Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef offers a delightful blend of flavors perfected over hours of slow cooking. It’s a classic comfort dish that brings warmth to any table. The tender beef and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes create a satisfying meal the whole family will love. This slow-cooked version ensures a hassle-free cooking experience, letting you enjoy the cozy ambiance while your crockpot does all the work. Adjust and adapt to your tastes, and relish in the comfort food goodness.
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Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef
- Total Time: 6-8 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Meat Lovers
Description
Warm up with this hearty, slow-cooked version of a classic Shepherd’s Pie. By simmering ground beef with aromatic vegetables and herbs in your crockpot, you infuse incredible flavors throughout the dish. Topped with creamy mashed potatoes, this comfort food favorite becomes even easier to prepare thanks to the convenience of slow cooking. Perfect for cozy family dinners or a satisfying weekend treat, this recipe brings together the essence of traditional Shepherd’s Pie with a hands-off approach.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and transfer the beef to the crockpot.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, diced celery, frozen peas, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Pour the beef broth over the mixture in the crockpot and stir gently.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
- Once cooked, spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the beef and vegetable mixture in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes on high to heat the mashed potatoes through.
- Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use half beef broth and half red wine.
- If you like a crispy top, you can transfer the mixture to a baking dish and broil the top for a few minutes before serving.
- This recipe can easily be doubled to feed a larger crowd.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: crockpot, shepherd's pie, ground beef, slow cooker, comfort food