Description
This Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes is a warm, comforting meal combining tender ground meat, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, creamy mashed potato topping loaded with cheddar cheese. Perfect for effortless weeknight dinners or meal prep, it offers a hearty, family-friendly dish with customizable options for various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Filling
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Herbs (fresh or dried thyme, rosemary, or parsley) to taste
Mashed Potato Topping
- 2 lbs yellow or russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup warm milk (adjust as needed)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: Brown 1 lb of ground beef or lamb in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and slightly caramelized. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and diced carrots, sautéing until softened and fragrant. Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and herbs. Transfer everything into the slow cooker.
- Add broth and peas: Pour in 1 cup beef broth and add 1 cup peas to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine the filling ingredients before covering.
- Cook low and slow: Set the slow cooker to low and cook the filling for 6 to 8 hours, allowing flavors to meld and vegetables to soften thoroughly.
- Prepare cheesy mashed potatoes: While the filling cooks, boil peeled and chopped 2 lbs potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash with 4 tbsp butter, 1/2 cup warm milk, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble and finish: About 30 minutes before serving, spread the cheesy mashed potatoes evenly over the meat filling in the slow cooker. Cover and cook for the final 30 minutes, letting the potatoes warm through and the cheese melt beautifully.
Notes
- Brown your meat well for deeper flavor and caramelization.
- Don’t skip adding cheese to the mashed potatoes for extra creaminess and richness.
- Use slow cooker liners to make cleanup easier, especially with cheesy ingredients.
- Add peas and delicate vegetables near the end of cooking to maintain their color and texture.
- Keep mashed potatoes warm and covered to prevent drying out during serving or reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: slow cooker, shepherd's pie, cheesy mashed potatoes, comfort food, family dinner, easy recipe, ground beef, ground lamb, slow cooker recipe