Slow-Cooked Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd's pie is to the British as meat loaf is to Americans, so when I was a young child living in the U.K., I had it almost once a week. This is my go-to recipe when I'm longing for the sights and smells of my mother's kitchen. Turns out people here love it just as much!

Slow-Cooked Shepherd’s Pie

Average Rating: 4.111111

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 35 min. Cook: 5-1/4 hours
YIELD: 5 servings.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 to 1/3 cup 2% milk
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1-3/4 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/3 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley

Instructions

  • 1. Place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 10-15 minutes or until tender. Drain, then shake potatoes over low heat for 1 minute to dry. Mash potatoes, gradually adding butter and enough milk to reach desired consistency. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
  • 2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain.
  • 3. Add tomato paste; cook for 2 minutes. Add the mushrooms, carrots, broth, wine, Worcestershire sauce and thyme. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until most of the liquid is evaporated. Stir in peas. Season with remaining salt and pepper.
  • 4. Transfer beef mixture to a greased 4-qt. slow cooker. Spread mashed potatoes over top. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or until bubbly. Sprinkle with cheese. Cover and cook 10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Just before serving, sprinkle with parsley.

Nutrition Facts

1-1/2 cups: 419 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 746mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein.