Description
Slow Cooker Cottage Pie is the ultimate comfort food, featuring seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a family gathering, this dish cooks effortlessly in a slow cooker. Enjoy tender beef, rich gravy, and a golden mashed potato topping that will make everyone ask for seconds.
Ingredients
- 4–5 Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled and quartered)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk (2% recommended)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or preferred variety)
- 1 large yellow onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 2 carrots (chopped)
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh)
- 1 cup frozen peas (or choice of vegetables)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or choice of cheese)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: In a large saucepan, cover potatoes with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 10-15 minutes until tender. Drain and mash potatoes with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
- Make the Filling: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add mushrooms, carrots, beef stock, wine, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until liquid reduces. Stir in peas and season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble in Slow Cooker: Transfer the beef mixture to a greased slow cooker and spread the mashed potatoes evenly on top. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours until bubbly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of mashed potatoes and cook for an additional 10 minutes until melted. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground lamb for beef for a more traditional Shepherd’s Pie.
- For a vegetarian version, use lentils and vegetable broth instead of beef.
- Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or green beans.
- The cheese topping can be customized with cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyere.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-6 hours on low
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
