Crockpot Shepherds Delight Effortless Comfort Food

Recipe Introduction

Ever crave that warm, fuzzy feeling? You know, like a hug from the inside? Then you need this Crockpot Shepherds Pie in your life! It's proper comfort food, and seriously easy.

This dish combines savory meat, tender veggies, and creamy mashed potatoes. It's pure bliss.

What's the Deal with Shepherds Pie Anyway?

Shepherds Pie is a classic dish, born in the UK. It's traditionally made with ground lamb, hence the "shepherd" part.

Our version brings that taste to your crock pot food ! Perfect for a cozy night in.

This recipe is super easy. You just layer everything in the slow cooker. It needs only about 20 minutes prep and cooks for 6- 8 hours on low.

It will serve 6-8 people.

Why You'll Obsess Over This Recipe

One of the best benefits? It's packed with protein and hidden veggies. This Easy Crockpot Dinners recipe is also perfect for a casual get-together with mates.

What makes it special? The hands off cooking! It's the epitome of Easy Slow Cooker Comfort Food . It's a game changer! Plus, it's a great way to use up leftover veggies.

Time to gather your ingredients! Here's what you'll need...

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Crockpot Shepherds Pie

Alright, let's chat about what you'll need for this amazing Crockpot Shepherd's Pie . Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward. We're going for maximum flavour with minimal fuss, just like nan used to make! No fancy chef skills required for this easy slow cooker comfort food !

Main Ingredients for Shepherd's Pie Recipe Crockpot

Here's the shopping list breakdown. It feeds 6-8 hungry folks. Grab these things, and you're golden:

• Olive Oil : 1 tbsp (15ml) - Any decent olive oil will do.
• Onion : 1 large , chopped ( 1 cup, 150g ) - Yellow or white, whatever you have knocking about.
• Carrots : 2 , diced ( 1 cup, 150g ). Fresh ones give the best sweetness, you know?
• Celery : 2 stalks , diced ( 1 cup, 150g ).
• Ground Lamb/Beef : 1 lb (450g) . I reckon lamb's classic, but beef works too. Looking for good color and not too much fat! If you are feeling adventurous, try a Crockpot Ground Lamb Recipe !.
• Garlic : 2 cloves , minced. The smell alone is worth it!
• Tomato Paste : 1 tbsp (15ml) . Adds that rich depth.
• Dried Thyme : 1 tsp .
• Dried Rosemary : ½ tsp .
• All-Purpose Flour : ¼ cup (30g) . Thickens things up nicely.
• Beef Broth : 1 cup (240ml) .
• Frozen Peas : 1 cup (120g) .
• Frozen Corn : 1 cup (120g) .
• Worcestershire Sauce : 1 tbsp (15ml) . Don't skip this, adds a little something extra.
• Russet Potatoes : 3 lbs (1.3 kg) , peeled and quartered. These make the fluffiest slow cooker mashed potato topping !
• Milk : ½ cup (120ml) .
• Unsalted Butter : 4 tbsp (56g) . Go for the good stuff!
• Salt and Pepper : To taste, as always!
• Cheddar Cheese (Optional) : ¼ cup , grated. For a cheesy top.

Seasoning Notes for Your Slow Cooker Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Okay, listen up. Thyme and rosemary are your base. Worcestershire sauce adds that umami that makes everything sing. Don't be shy with the salt and pepper, either! A pinch of red pepper flakes is totally fine.

You can also try an Italian herb blend if you don't have Thyme/Rosemary available

Equipment Needed for Crockpot Dishes

No need for a fancy kitchen here. Just the basics:

• A 6-quart slow cooker . This is where the magic happens.
• A large skillet . For browning the meat and veggies.
• A potato masher (or electric mixer, if you're feeling posh!).
• Measuring cups and spoons .
• A cutting board and knife .
• If you don't have a slow cooker, a dutch oven would work too!

Seriously, that's it! Now you have everything you need to make an Easy Crockpot Dinners masterpiece! So what are we waiting for? Let's dive into this awesome Shepherds Pie Recipe ! Think about it, Crock Pot Food on a cold Sunday? Now that's living!.

This is the ultimate Easy Slow Cooker Comfort Food , right here folks. You can even make it a Crockpot Shepherd's Pie with Beef ! You got this!.

Alright, let's dive into making this Crockpot Shepherds Pie . Seriously, who doesn't love a good Shepherds Pie Recipe ? Especially one you can just dump in the slow cooker and forget about for a few hours.

We're talking easy crockpot dinners here! It's like a warm hug on a plate. I mean, come on.

Cooking Method: Crockpot Shepherds Pie Easy Peasy!

We're aiming for that easy slow cooker comfort food vibe, like a Sunday roast at your nan's.

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First, essential mise en place is key. Chop 1 large onion, 2 carrots, and 2 celery stalks. Mince 2 cloves of garlic.

Peel and quarter your potatoes, about 3 lbs worth. Get out your 1 lb of ground lamb or beef.

Time saving tip: chop your veggies the night before. Honestly, it's a lifesaver. A little prep goes a long way! Safety reminder: watch your fingers when chopping! You know?

step-by-step: From Raw to Ready

1. Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet until softened.
2. Brown the 1 lb ground lamb or beef. Drain any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy pie.
3. Stir in garlic, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, 1/4 cup flour, 1 cup beef broth, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer and transfer to your 6-quart slow cooker.
4. Slow cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours . This is where the magic happens for this Slow Cooker Shepherd's Pie Recipe .
5. Add 1 cup frozen peas and 1 cup frozen corn during the last 30 minutes .
6. Boil your 3 lbs potatoes until tender. Mash with 1/2 cup milk and 4 tbsp butter. Season. Making that slow cooker mashed potato topping we all crave.
7. Spread mashed potatoes over the meat filling. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional).
8. (Optional) Broil for a few minutes to brown the topping. Watch it like a hawk. Don't burn it!

Pro Tips: Nailing It

Don't skip browning the meat! It adds serious flavor. I used a Crockpot Ground Lamb Recipe !

If the filling is too watery, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes .

Common mistake? Forgetting to season! Taste as you go. make-ahead option: Prepare the meat filling the day before. Store it in the fridge.

Alright, you've got the Crockpot Shepherd's Pie Recipe , now let's talk shop. It's more than just dumping ingredients in.

These are my tried and-true tips to make your Easy Crockpot Dinners unforgettable. Let's dive in!

Recipe Notes

This Shepherds Pie Recipe Crockpot isn’t just about the ingredients. It’s about the whole experience. It's about bringing that Slow Cooker Shepherd's Pie Recipe to life.

I honestly think that you'll feel like your nan made this Easy Slow Cooker Comfort Food .

Serving Suggestions That Wow

Okay, so presentation does matter, even with Crockpot Dishes . For plating, I like to scoop a generous portion into a bowl.

Then, I garnish it with a sprig of fresh parsley. A dollop of sour cream can add a nice tang.

Thinking of sides? Green beans almondine is fab. A simple side salad works wonders too. For drinks? A dark beer or a glass of red wine just screams cozy night in.

Storage Tips: No Waste Allowed!

So, you’ve got leftovers of your Crockpot Ground Lamb Recipe ? Ace! Let it cool completely first. Then, portion it into airtight containers.

In the fridge, it’s good for up to 3-4 days . Freezing is also an option. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheating is a breeze. Microwave it or bake it in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.

Easy peasy, right?

Variations: Make It Yours

Fancy mixing things up? Swap out the ground lamb for beef. Then you'll have Crockpot Shepherd's Pie with Beef ! For a healthier twist, use sweet potatoes for the topping.

Or, try adding some diced swede to the meat mixture for extra veggies. For a vegetarian version, use lentils. Honestly, the possibilities are endless.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

This Shepherds Pie Recipe is packed with protein. You're getting your veggies. It's a balanced meal. It's got a bit of everything.

One serving is about 450-550 calories . It's got a good dose of carbs and some healthy fats too. It’s not just delicious.

It’s pretty good for you, especially when enjoyed in moderation.

So, there you have it! All my best tips for the perfect Crock Pot Food . Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

You've got this. Now go get cooking, and enjoy your Shepherd's Pie!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Crockpot Shepherds Pie ahead of time? I'm proper busy during the week!

Absolutely! You can prepare the meat filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Then, on the day you want to serve it, simply reheat the filling in the slow cooker, prepare the mashed potatoes, and assemble as directed.

You can even fully assemble the Crockpot Shepherds Pie and keep it in the fridge uncooked and then add it to the crockpot the day of.

My Crockpot Shepherds Pie filling seems a bit watery. How do I thicken it up?

No worries, that happens sometimes! The easiest fix is to mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the Crockpot Shepherds Pie filling during the last 30 minutes of cooking on high.

This will help thicken the gravy to that lovely, comforting consistency we all crave. Alternatively, you can remove the lid for the last hour to allow excess moisture to evaporate.

Can I use beef instead of lamb for my Crockpot Shepherds Pie? Lamb's not always easy to find down my way.

Of course! Traditionally, Shepherd's Pie is made with lamb, hence the name. However, using ground beef is perfectly acceptable and will result in a delicious "Cottage Pie". Just swap out the lamb with an equal amount of ground beef. The rest of the recipe remains the same.

How long does Crockpot Shepherds Pie last in the fridge? And can I freeze any leftovers?

Leftover Crockpot Shepherds Pie will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. To freeze, let the pie cool completely, then portion it into freezer safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Reheat thoroughly in the oven or microwave until piping hot.

Just be aware that the texture of the potatoes might change slightly after freezing.

Is there a way to make this Crockpot Shepherds Pie a bit healthier? Thinking about the waistline, innit!

Definitely! You can use lean ground meat (beef or lamb) and swap out some of the butter in the mashed potatoes with low-fat milk or even cauliflower puree. Loading up on the veggies is also a shout; add extra carrots, peas, or even some chopped mushrooms to the filling.

You could also try sweet potato topping instead of white for added nutrients. Every little helps!

I'm veggie; can I make a vegetarian version of this Crockpot Shepherds Pie?

Absolutely! Substitute the ground lamb or beef with an equal amount of lentils or a vegetarian ground beef substitute (like Quorn). You could also add other veggies like mushrooms, zucchini or more root vegetables to bulk it out. A mix of lentils and vegetables works great to provide a hearty and flavourful base!