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–+ servings
Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie Filling

Slow Cooker Shepherd's Pie Filling: Cozy Comfort Made Easy

Enjoy a comforting Slow Cooker Shepherd's Pie Filling featuring tender meat and vibrant vegetables, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: British
Calories: 360
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 1 lb Ground Lamb or Beef Substitute with ground turkey or lentils for a lighter or vegetarian version.
  • 1 medium Onion Adds aromatic depth and sweetness.
  • 2 medium Carrots Substitute with bell peppers for a different flavor.
  • 2 stalks Celery Omit or replace with other root vegetables if desired.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic is best; powdered can be substituted.
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste Fresh tomatoes can be used for a different taste.
  • 2 tbsp Flour Use a gluten-free alternative if needed.
  • 2 cups Beef Broth Vegetable broth can be used for vegetarian options.
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce Substitute with soy sauce for gluten-free.
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme Flavor enhancer.
  • 1 tsp Dried Rosemary Flavor enhancer.
  • 1 leaf Bay Leaf Flavor enhancer.
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust according to dietary needs.
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper Adjust according to dietary needs.
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas Fresh peas can also work but require early addition.
For the Topping
  • 2 cups Mashed Potatoes Make with butter and milk for richness.

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • skillet
  • Measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • Mixing spoon

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground lamb or beef, cooking until it's nicely browned, approximately 7-8 minutes. Transfer to your slow cooker.
  2. In the same skillet, add diced onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing for about 5 minutes until the onions turn translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  3. Add tomato paste and flour to the sautéed vegetables, stirring well. Cook for about 2 minutes to absorb flavors.
  4. Pour in 1/2 cup of beef broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping any flavorful bits off the bottom, then add to the slow cooker.
  5. Add the remaining beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Season with salt and black pepper, and stir well.
  6. Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
  7. About 15 minutes before the cooking time is up, stir in the frozen peas.
  8. If the filling appears too thin, thicken it with a cornstarch slurry or by cooking uncovered on HIGH for an additional 20 minutes.
  9. While the filling cooks, prepare your mashed potatoes by boiling peeled potatoes until fork-tender, then mash with butter and milk.
  10. Layer the filling into a baking dish and spread the mashed potatoes over the top. Broil under high heat for 3-5 minutes until golden.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 2500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie Filling is easily adaptable to fit your feel-good food cravings. Experiment with different meats or vegetarian options for a delightful meal.

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