slow cooker cottage pie recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
slow cooker cottage pie recipe
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The Best slow cooker cottage pie recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my slow cooker cottage pie recipe. This classic dish is a staple in many British households, and for good reason – it’s hearty, comforting, and easy to make.

I’ve adapted it to fit perfectly into my slow cooker, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknights or special occasions. The best part?

It’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it as a main course, or use leftovers to create a delicious next-day lunch. My kids love it when I serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad.

And let’s not forget the health benefits – by using lean ground beef and plenty of vegetables, this recipe is a great way to get your family eating more nutritious meals. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work for you, so you can just set it and forget it while you focus on other things.

Whether you’re planning a big family gathering or just need a quick and easy dinner option, this slow cooker cottage pie recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. And the best part?

It’s ready in under an hour, so you can have dinner on the table in no time. I’ve also found that this recipe freezes beautifully, so feel free to make a double batch and store some away for future meals.

Slow Cooker Cottage Pie

Slow Cooker Cottage Pie

4.7 from 845 votes

A hearty and comforting cottage pie made effortlessly in the slow cooker. Ground beef and vegetables simmer in a rich gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and cooked until golden.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time6 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time6 hours 20 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Filling

1 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1.5 lbs ground beef
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup frozen peas
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water

For the Mashed Potato Topping

2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup milk
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
3Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4Add ground beef to the skillet and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink.
5Drain excess fat if needed.
6Stir in tomato paste, beef broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
7Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.
8Transfer mixture to the slow cooker.
9Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
10Stir in frozen peas and the cornstarch slurry.
11Cook on high for 15 minutes until thickened.
12While the filling cooks, place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water.
13Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 15 minutes until fork-tender.
Drain well.
14Mash the potatoes with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
15Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the filling in the slow cooker.
16Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes until the potatoes are heated through and the edges begin to brown.
17For a golden top, transfer the slow cooker insert to a 400°F oven and broil for 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker
Large skillet
Potato masher or ricer
Mixing bowl
Spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a richer flavor, use ground lamb instead of beef. You can also add a layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the potatoes before the final cook.

Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Cottage Pie Works

This slow cooker cottage pie recipe has become a staple in our household – it’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – we love serving it as a main course, but it also makes an amazing next-day lunch.

And let’s not forget about storage – simply refrigerate or freeze leftovers as usual, and reheat when you’re ready.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Cottage Pie

Q: What is cottage pie?

Cottage pie is a traditional British dish made from ground meat, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. It’s similar to shepherd’s pie, but uses beef instead of lamb.

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken will work just as well in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: Do I need to brown the meat before adding it to the slow cooker?

Nope! The beauty of this recipe is that you can skip browning the meat altogether and just throw everything into the slow cooker. This will save you time and effort in the long run.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a regular oven instead of a slow cooker?

You can definitely adapt this recipe for use in a regular oven. Just cook it on low for about 2-3 hours instead of using the slow cooker.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

Simply refrigerate or freeze leftovers as usual – this recipe will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer.

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