This classic comfort food is so easy in a slow cooker! Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie came from some creative women trying to use their leftovers back in the 1800s. I guess not much has changed since the 1800s, women just trying to turn their leftovers into something new for dinner.
This meaty meal is filled with vegetables and topped mashed potatoes. I love mashed potatoes so this is an easy way to get my fix! The flavors come together into the perfect, cozy meal. Feel free to swap the lamb for all beef depending on what you like.
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Shepherd’s Pie vs Cottage Pie
What is the difference? There is a very serious debate over what is Shepherd’s Pie and what is Cottage Pie. Here in the United States we make Shepherd’s Pie with ground beef typically. However, in the United Kingdom they use lamb in their Shepherd’s Pie. They call a similar dish using ground beef, Cottage Pie.
Perfect Dish for Leftovers
I always love using leftover for different recipes and build them into my meal plans. (Here’s a link to the meal planner I use every week) Whenever I have leftover mashed potatoes or peas I use them to make this dish.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie
- 1 pound beef and 1 pound lamb
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 package (12 ounces) frozen peas and carrots
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 3 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 packages (24 ounces each) prepared mashed potatoes, leftover potatoes or any mashed potatoes
Tips for Making Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie
Mashed Potatoes– You can use leftover mashed potatoes, instant mashed potatoes, these are my favorite, or make them fresh. They are all delicious.
Quick Cooking Tapioca– This is used to thicken the meat unless you want to have Shepherd’s Pie Soup! If you don’t have quick cooking Tapioca you can use a cornstarch slurry. Mix 2 Tablespoons cornstarch with water before adding to the mixture.
Gluten Free– This meal is gluten free. Quick cooking tapioca and cornstarch are both gluten free. Sometimes people do use flour as a thickening agent so just be sure to use gluten free flour if you do that.
Ground Beef or Ground Lamb– I have made this both with a mix of ground beef and ground lamb and with only ground beef. I prefer to have the mix because just like with my lasagna I like the taste the combined meats make. But if you don’t like lamb just swap for 2 pounds ground beef. It’s still delicious!
Need A New Crock Pot?
My favorite is this Crock Pot 7 quart Programmable Slow Cooker. First and foremost, I love being able to set the timer in case I’m not home when the food is finished cooking and it just switches to warm. Plus you can lock the lid and just carry it to a party. Not only is it easy to carry but also you will never lose another Tupperware or serving dish again at a potluck party!
Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 12 ounces frozen peas and carrots
- 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes drained
- 3 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 48 ounces prepared mashed potatoes Bob Evans is my pick, 2 packs
Instructions
- Brown meat in large skillet over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes, stirring to break up meat. Drain fat. Add meat to slow cooker.
- Add onions and garlic to skillet and cook until onions are tender. Add to slow cooker.
- Add peas and carrots, tomatoes, tapioca, oregano, salt and pepper into slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Top with prepared mashed potatoes. Cover and cook on low for 30 minutes or until potatoes are heated.
