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    Home » Recipes » Slow Cooker Mains

    Published on Apr 22, 2014. Modified on May 26, 2025 by bakingqueen74. This post may contain affiliate links. 19 Comments

    Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie

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    Slow cooker shepherd's pie recipe
    Slow Cooker Shepherd's Pie

    My slow cooker shepherd’s pie is an easy meal which your whole family will love. Prepare it earlier in the day and then leave the slow cooker to work its magic, it is perfect for a family mealtime when you are short on time. You’ll love the rich lamb filling topped with soft and crispy mashed potatoes!

    Shepherds pie in slow cooker pot, garnished with herbs.

    Traditionally made with leftover lamb from a Sunday roast, for this slow cooker shepherd’s pie you can either chop up some leftover roast lamb or use fresh lamb mince (ground lamb).

    It depends on what you have available. I have tried both ways and they both work well.

    So flexible and easy to do whether you have leftover lamb to use or not!

    And isn’t it great to use your slow cooker to make a one-pot meal the family will love.

    Shepherd's pie in slow cooker pot, a portion removed.

    We love shepherd’s pie all year round but it is particularly good in the winter, as is my easy slow cooker lasagne.

    For a beef version (cottage pie) do check out my slow cooker cottage pie too!

    Jump to:
    • Why make this recipe
    • How do you make a shepherd’s pie in the slow cooker?
    • Ingredients
    • Method
    • Storage
    • FAQ
    • How do you prevent the mashed potato from sinking?
    • How do you brown the top?
    • How to thicken the gravy?
    • More slow cooker recipes to try
    • Recipe
    • Reviews

    Why make this recipe

    ✓ Great family option.

    ✓ Use my clever hacks to brown the top and thicken the filling, for great results.

    ✓ Perfect winter warmer.

    ✓ Save on washing up and energy versus cooking it in the oven!

    How do you make a shepherd’s pie in the slow cooker?

    Think of a shepherd’s pie and you won’t immediately think you can make this dish in your slow cooker.

    But it is possible, you just have to use a few hacks to make sure the mashed potato topping doesn’t sink into the lamb filling, and to brown the top.

    Slow cooker shepherd's pie served on a plate, with broccoli on the side.

    This is the ultimate lazy dish really, as you make the lamb filling in the slow cooker and cook it for a while.

    Then you put the mashed potato on top in the slow cooker pot, and so don’t have to use any more pans to bake it in the oven!

    For me if I was making it the traditional way I would be using one saucepan to make the lamb filling on the hob, another pan to boil the potatoes for the mashed potatoes, and then one more large baking dish to layer up the meat filling and mashed potato topping and then bake it in the oven.

    This method saves one pan as you just use the slow cooker and the pan for the potatoes! Ideal if the last thing you want is more washing up to do.

    slow-cooker-shepherds-pie-4

    It turns out very well, the lamb becomes very tender and the mash does not sink into the pie, and remains moist. A recipe I make again and again.

    My kids really enjoy my slow cooker shepherd’s pie and it is much less hassle for me. Win-win situation!

    Ingredients

    Here is what you will need to make your slow cooker shepherd’s pie. Quantities are in the printable recipe card at the end of the post.

    Ingredients for shepherd's pie, labelled.
    • lamb mince (ground lamb) – I tend to use the 20% fat lamb mince as leaner is often even more expensive. You could also use frozen lamb mince as a cheaper option – defrost it fully before use, since cooking from frozen is not recommended for slow cooking for food safety reasons.
    • carrots – diced and added to the lamb mixture to bulk it out and add to the flavour and nutrients!
    • onion – used as the base of the lamb mixture, adding savoury flavour.
    • peas – I switch between frozen and tinned peas depending on what I have available. Freshly picked and podded peas would work too if you have those!
    • potatoes – some large potatoes as used for baked potatoes or a panful of smaller potatoes intended for mashing are my usual choice.
    • tomato puree – adds depth to the lamb mixture.
    • stock pot – these stock pots contain a portion of concentrated jelly stock – very convenient. I tend to use either chicken, beef or lamb depending on what I have in the cupboard.
    • Worcestershire sauce – to add that traditional flavour and tanginess.
    • butter – a little butter is added to the potatoes before mashing, to make it more creamy.
    • milk – a splash of milk is also added before mashing the potatoes to help soften it.
    • salt and pepper – not pictured. To season the lamb sauce.
    • gravy granules – not pictured. Thicken the lamb sauce mixture before adding the mash on top by stirring in a tablespoon of lamb or beef gravy granules. Such a handy hack!

    Method

    Before you start, read my step-by-step instructions, with photos, hints and tips so you can make this slow cooker shepherd’s pie recipe perfectly every time.

    Scroll down for the recipe card with quantities and more tips at the bottom of the page.

    Saucepan with diced onion and lamb mince, browned.

    Step 1. In a saucepan, brown the onion and the lamb mince together in a little olive oil.

    Slow cooker pot with peas and diced carrot.

    Step 2. Put the onion and browned mince in the slow cooker and then add the diced carrots and peas.

    Ingredients in slow cooker pot, with tomato puree and seasoning on top.

    Step 3. Add the stock, Worcestershire sauce and tomato puree, and season well.

    Mixed ingredients for sheperd's pie filling in slow cooker pot.

    Step 4. Mix and cook on low for 5 hrs or on high for 3 hours.
    Top tip! Before you add the mash on top, stir in some gravy granules to thicken the sauce (1 tablespoon).

    Cooked chopped potatoes in a pan.

    Step 5. Half an hour before the end of the cooking time, peel and chop the potatoes and simmer them in a saucepan of boiling water for 15-20 mins approx. or until tender. Drain.

    Mashed potatoes in a saucepan.

    Step 6. Mash the potatoes in the saucepan with the milk and butter, using a fork or potato masher, until smooth.

    Slow cooker pot with shepherd's pie filling topped with mash.

    Step 7. Spoon the mash on top of the shepherd’s pie filling in the slow cooker. Use a fork to smooth it down and pattern the top. Cook for 2 hours more on low or 1 hour more on high.

    Slow cooker shepherd's pie with browned mash, after cooking under the grill.

    Step 8. Brown the top of the shepherd’s pie by placing the entire slow cooker pot under a preheated grill/broiler for approx 10-20 minutes. Serve the shepherd’s pie straight from the slow cooker pot.

    Storage

    Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

    Freeze double-wrapped for 3 months for best quality. But it will last very well frozen so can be kept for longer.

    FAQ

    How do you prevent the mashed potato from sinking?

    The key is to add the mash only 1-2 hours from the end of cooking, not at the start.

    This means there is less time for the mashed potato to sink!

    How do you brown the top?

    Oddly, while I always find that slow cooker lasagne gets a brown and crispy top on its own, mashed potato doesn’t seem to take on colour in the slow cooker alone.

    So at the end of the cooking time you simply brown the top of the shepherd’s pie under the grill (broiler) for a short time.

    Make sure your slow cooker pot is safe to do this with first, the sear and stew slow cookers have metal pots and can be used this way.

    Many ceramic slow cookers can be used in the oven without their lid – check your instructions if unsure.

    Mine was an old ceramic pot and I put it in a baking tray so that if it did crack I wouldn’t lose the contents all over the oven. Thankfully it is always fine! The last thing you would want is that mess.

    How to thicken the gravy?

    A lot of people have asked me this in the comments.

    So I have added my top tip to thicken up the gravy of the lamb filling to the recipe now – the key is to stir in a tablespoon of gravy granules (lamb gravy is delicious!) as this will thicken the filling nicely.

    I do this step before adding the mash on top.

    More slow cooker recipes to try

    If you want more family friendly slow cooker recipes check out my slow cooker archives and slow cooker recipes that kids love, and you might also like these:

    • Turkey stew in slow cooker pot.
      Slow Cooker Turkey Mince Stew
    • Bowl of soup with swirl of yogurt and garnished with herbs.
      Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup
    • Melting baked camembert cheese in a bread bowl on wooden board.
      Slow Cooker Baked Camembert in Bread
    • Bowl of potato leek soup garnished with swirls of cream and fresh herbs.
      Slow Cooker Leek and Potato Soup

    Recipe

    Shepherds pie in slow cooker pot, garnished with herbs.

    Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie

    A real family favourite made with minced lamb or leftover roast lamb, ideal for midweek meals and also high in protein with plenty of vegetables.
    4.86 from 41 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Slow Cooker
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 7 hours hours
    Total Time: 7 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 578kcal
    Author: Lucy Allen | BakingQueen74

    Ingredients

    • 500 g fresh lamb mince or leftover roast lamb
    • 1 onion chopped
    • 2 large carrots diced
    • 100 ml chicken stock or beef/lamb stock
    • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
    • 2 tbsp tomato puree
    • 400 g peas fresh, frozen or tinned
    • salt and pepper
    • 1 tbsp gravy granules lamb or beef
    • potatoes I use 3 large baking potatoes
    • splash of milk
    • knob of butter
    UK Measurements – US Measurements

    Equipment

    large oval slow cooker
    large oval slow cooker

    Instructions 

    • Brown the onion and the lamb mince at the same time, in a little olive oil.
      1 onion, 500 g fresh lamb mince
    • Put the onion and browned mince in the slow cooker with the carrots and peas.
      2 large carrots, 400 g peas
    • Add the stock, Worcestershire sauce and tomato puree, and season.
      100 ml chicken stock, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 2 tbsp tomato puree, salt and pepper
    • Mix well and cook on low for 5 hrs or on high for 3 hours. Add 1 tablespoon of gravy granules and stir in, before adding the mash.
      1 tbsp gravy granules
    • Half an hour before the end of the cooking time, peel and chop the potatoes and simmer them for 15-20 mins approx until tender. Drain.
      potatoes
    • Mash the potatoes in the saucepan with the milk and butter.
      splash of milk, knob of butter
    • Spoon the mash on top of the shepherd's pie filling in the slow cooker. Use the back of a fork to smooth it down and add a pattern.
    • Cook for 1-2 hours more on low or 1 hour more on high.
    • Brown the top of the shepherd's pie by placing the slow cooker pot under a preheat grill/broiler for approx 15-20 minutes.
    • Serve the shepherd's pie straight from the slow cooker pot. Garnish if desired with a little chopped fresh parsley.

    Notes

    Slow cooker size
    3.5 litre oval slow cooker is used for this recipe.
    Servings
    This serves 4-6 people depending on the portion size you want to have!
    Storage
    Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
    Freeze double-wrapped for 3 months for best quality. But it will last very well frozen so can be kept for longer.
    How do you prevent the mashed potato from sinking?
    The key is to add the mash only 1-2 hours from the end of cooking, not at the start.
    This means there is less time for the mashed potato to sink!
    How do you brown the top?
    Oddly, while I always find that slow cooker lasagne gets a brown and crispy top on its own, mashed potato doesn’t seem to take on colour in the slow cooker alone.
    So at the end of the cooking time you simply brown the top of the shepherd’s pie under the grill (broiler) for a short time. 
    Make sure your slow cooker pot is safe to do this with first, the sear and stew slow cookers have metal pots and can be used this way. 
    Many ceramic slow cookers can be used in the oven without their lid – check your instructions if unsure.
    How to thicken the gravy?
    A lot of people have asked me this in the comments. 
    So I have added my top tip to thicken up the gravy of the lamb filling now – the key is to stir in a tablespoon of gravy granules (lamb gravy is delicious!) as this will thicken the filling nicely. 
    I do this step before adding the mash on top.
    Did you try and love this recipe?Then please leave a star rating and comment below to let me know how you got on!

     

    More Slow Cooker Mains

    • Roast chicken in a blue serving dish, with roast potatoes.
      Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
    • Crispy roast potatoes in close up.
      Slow Cooker Roast Potatoes
    • Roasted Brussels sprouts with cranberries in a red serving dish.
      Slow Cooker Brussels Sprouts
    • White bowl of orange sweet potato soup topped with pumpkin seeds and a cream swirl.
      Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Soup

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jane says

      September 15, 2023 at 2:13 am

      Thanks so much for this, such an easy way to make a yummy Shepherds pie, and it was loved by all the family. Will be making this many times as its a fav in our house for eating by the family and an easy way to make it for me.

      Reply
    2. Kim says

      September 17, 2021 at 7:04 pm

      Made it today and me and my family loved it!
      So happy to have found this site, as currently I only have half a kitchen and no oven. So the slowcooker is perfect for me to use!

      Reply
      • bakingqueen74 says

        September 19, 2021 at 12:26 pm

        brilliant, so glad to hear this Kim!

        Reply
    3. Hannah says

      November 20, 2020 at 10:19 pm

      Just made this recipe last night and found the directions very easy to follow. I was unsure if my crockpot would be able to handle broiling the mashed potatoes, so I held off doing that but will be using a small creme brûlée torch next time.
      One fault I found with this recipe was the lack of flavor. I was nervous going astray from the recipe since it was my first time making Shepard’s pie, but spices are necessary to add to this recipe. To complement the lamb, next time I may use a blend of rosemary, garlic, oregano and a ton of cracked black pepper. For what I’ve made though, I’ve found topping it with more Worschetshire sauce and Louisiana Hot sauce really gives it the kick it needs!
      Overall, this recipe is a great base for making a good shepard pie with the ease of a crockpot, but putting your own twist on it (regarding spices) will help give it that personalization that some may crave.

      Reply
      • bakingqueen74 says

        December 01, 2020 at 7:41 am

        Yes do adjust to suit your taste, normally in the UK we make shepherd’s pie with the herbs and seasoning I’ve used and find this dish full of flavour and perfect for families!

        Reply
    4. Lacey says

      March 31, 2020 at 10:25 pm

      Do you cook on low or high for 5 hrs?

      Reply
      • bakingqueen74 says

        April 01, 2020 at 5:15 am

        The recipe says low plus two further hours with the mash.

        Reply
    5. Shanna-Kay Currie says

      April 17, 2018 at 3:14 am

      What kind of crockpot are you using ?

      Reply
      • bakingqueen74 says

        April 17, 2018 at 5:54 am

        This was made in an oval 3.5 litre slow cooker. I will add it to the recipe notes for future reference!

        Reply
    6. Rita says

      April 15, 2018 at 7:25 pm

      First time making a traditional Shepherd’s Pie – it was delicious! Putting in the slow cooker was a bonus.

      Reply
    7. Shelley Ross says

      March 30, 2018 at 6:12 pm

      Can I thicken the gravy before I put the mash on top? Making this just now, smells amazing!

      Reply
      • bakingqueen74 says

        March 30, 2018 at 6:17 pm

        Yes do if it seems runny, maybe with cornflour!

        Reply
    8. Shelley Ross says

      March 30, 2018 at 6:10 pm

      Making this just now before I put the mash on top can I thicken the gravy? It looks too runny for me. Can’t wait to taste it!

      Reply
    9. Nikki G says

      March 08, 2018 at 12:12 am

      Tried making this tonight…
      The last step of “browning top of shepherds pie under the grill for 20 mins” ??? Does that mean literally take the crockpot insert in the oven under the broiler? I was unsure. Please clarify for me thanks!

      Reply
      • bakingqueen74 says

        March 08, 2018 at 6:59 am

        Sorry not sure what a broiler is, but if it means the grill in the oven then that’s what I did. Please make sure you read my warning about making sure you slow cooker pot is safe to do this with.

        Reply
    10. Hannah says

      February 21, 2018 at 11:22 pm

      What size slow cooker have you used for this recipe?

      Reply
      • bakingqueen74 says

        February 22, 2018 at 7:59 pm

        I think this was my 3.5 litre

        Reply
    11. Wendy A says

      September 13, 2017 at 12:51 pm

      A great way to cook the shepherds pie in the slow cooker. Having less pots to wash up is a winner for me too!

      Reply
    12. Ashley says

      October 15, 2016 at 12:53 pm

      This looks yummy!

      Reply
    4.86 from 41 votes (33 ratings without comment)

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    Hi, I'm Lucy! I'm a slow cooker addict, food blogger and also a busy working mum of two. I hope you'll enjoy the recipes I create and post which are perfect for busy families.

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