Crockpot Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Welcome to my West Virginia kitchen!  Are you looking for a hearty, comforting meal with minimal effort?  This Crockpot Shepherd's Pie is the perfect recipe for busy days.    

It combines tender, slow-cooked beef with savory vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, all cooked together in your crockpot.  Whether you're prepping for a cozy family dinner or meal planning for the week, this twist on a classic shepherd's pie will satisfy your comfort food cravings with ease.  I can't wait to share it with you so...

Let's get started!








WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE:

• Effortless Comfort Food:  Let your slow cooker do the work!  With chuck roast as the protein and premade mashed potatoes for a time-saving shortcut, this shepherd's pie is perfect for those who want to enjoy a comforting dish without spending hours in the kitchen.  
• Rich and Flavorful:  Slow-cooked chuck roast becomes melt in your mouth tender, absorbing all the flavors of the broth vegetables.  
• Customizable:  You can easily swap out vegetables or add extra herbs and spices to suit your taste.  

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 lbs Chuck Roast, trimmed and cut into chunks
• 4 Carrots, sliced
• 1 Onion, diced
• 8 oz Mushrooms, sliced
• 1 (15 oz) Can of Corn
• 1 (6 oz) Can of Tomato Paste
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 cup beef Broth
• 1 packet of Brown Gravy Mix
• 1 Tbsp Garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp Italian Seasoning
• 1 (12 oz) bag of Frozen Peas
• Salt and Pepper, to taste
• 2 (24 oz) containers of Prepared Mashed Potatoes
• 2 cups Cheddar Cheese (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Brown the Chuck Roast:  This step is optional, but it does add a lot of flavor.  Season the beef with salt and pepper.  Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add the chuck roast roast pieces and sear on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.  This step locks in flavor but can be skipped if you're short on time.  Transfer the browned meat to the crockpot. 
2. Assemble the "Pie":  Add the carrots, onion, garlic, corn, and mushrooms to the crockpot.  Then add the tomato paste, Worcestershire Sauce, beef broth, brown gravy mix, and Italian Seasoning.  Stir until everything is mixed together.  
3. Slow Cook:  Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the chuck roast is tender.
4. Add the Peas and Potatoes:   Once the beef is fully cooked, stir in the frozen peas to the "pie" filling.  Spread the premade mashed potatoes evenly on top of the beef and vegetable mixture.  If you like, sprinkle shredded cheese over the mashed potatoes for extra richness.  
5. Final Touches:  Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 30 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are heated through and the cheese is melted.  Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color.  

STEP-BY-STEP PHOTOGRAPHS:

TIPS & TRICKS:

• Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes:  If you have leftover mashed potatoes, this is a perfect way to repurpose them. 
• Make it Cheesy:  Adding shredded cheese on top of the mashed potatoes before the final cook will give your shepherd's pie a golden, gooey topping.  
• Prep in Advance:  You can brown the chuck roast ahead of time.  Store it in the fridge overnight, so all you have to do the next day is pop everything in the crockpot.  
• Customize the Vegetables:  Feel free to switch up the veggies!  Green beans, diced sweet potatoes, various kinds of mushrooms all make a great addition.  

FAQs:

Can I use ground beef instead of chuck roast?

Yes, if you prefer a more traditional shepherd's pie, you can substitute the chuck roast with ground beef or lamb.  Simple brown the meat and proceed with the recipe.  

What can I serve with Crockpot Shepherd's Pie?  

This dish is a complete meal on it's own, but you can serve it with a side salad, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete dinner. 

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely!  You can make the beef and vegetable filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.  When you're ready to serve, add the mashed potatoes on top and reheat everything in the crockpot.  

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, this shepherd's pie freezes well.  Store leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.  To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven or microwave.  

This Crockpot Shepherd's Pie is a delicious, hands-off meal that brings comfort food to your tables with minimal effort.  The slow -cooked chuck roast, paired with savory vegetables and topped with creamy mashed potatoes, is sure to become a family favorite.  Whether you're meal prepping or enjoying a cozy dinner, the recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you're craving something hearty and satisfying.  

and as always...

Happy Eatin' Y'all!
~The Kitchen Wife~