Here’s how you can make an amazing shepherd’s pie all in your slow cooker
There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of a hearty meat stew mingling with fluffy mashed potatoes. Shepherd’s pie, a cherished British classic, has stood the test of time for over three centuries. Originally conceived as a clever solution for leftovers, preparing this dish from scratch has traditionally been a labor-intensive task. However, with the help of a slow cooker, this time-honored recipe becomes an accessible delight, ideal for hectic weeknights while retaining all the warmth and flavor of this beloved meal.
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Ingredients to Delight the Taste Buds
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Ingredients to Delight the Taste Buds: Crafting the Perfect Shepherd’s Pie
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| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Yukon Gold potatoes | 2 pounds |
| Salt | 3 teaspoons (divided) |
| Canola or vegetable oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion (finely diced) | 1 cup |
| Ground beef | 2 pounds |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Cornstarch | 2 tablespoons |
| Water | 2 tablespoons |
| Tomato paste | 3 tablespoons |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Carrots (finely diced) | 2 cups |
| Green peas (fresh or frozen) | 1 cup |
| Sour cream | ½ cup |
| Butter | 3 tablespoons |
| Parsley (finely chopped) | 1 tablespoon |
Step-by-Step Preparation: Crafting a Masterpiece in Your Slow Cooker
- Begin by boiling the Yukon Gold potatoes with 1 teaspoon of salt until tender yet firm. Drain and transfer to a bowl.
- In a sauté pan over medium-high heat, warm the oil and sauté the onions with the ground beef, bay leaves, pepper, and another teaspoon of salt until the beef is fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then add it to the slow cooker along with tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, carrots, and peas.
- To the boiled potatoes, add the remaining salt, sour cream, butter, and parsley. Mash until smooth.
- Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the beef mixture in the slow cooker.
- Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 7 hours.
- Allow the dish to cool for 15 minutes before serving directly from the slow cooker.
Pro Tips for Culinary Excellence
Pro Tips for Culinary Excellence: Elevating Your Shepherd’s Pie Experience
- Experiment with alternative meats such as turkey or lamb for unique flavor profiles.
- Swap potatoes for starchy vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes for a delightful twist.
- For added depth of flavor, consider incorporating fresh herbs or spices into the beef mixture.
