Slow Cooker Cottage Pie

Posted by: Authentic Flavors Made Easy

This Slow Cooker Cottage Pie is a comforting classic made with seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, and a rich savory gravy, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes and finished with melted cheese. It’s the perfect make-ahead family meal for busy days.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours (Low) or 3–4 hours (High)
Optional Broil Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling

• 2 pounds (900 g) lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups (360 ml) beef broth
• 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Mashed Potato Topping

• 2 pounds (900 g) potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup (120 ml) warm milk
• ½ cup (60 g) shredded Cheddar cheese (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish

• Chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Stir in the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 4–5 minutes, until slightly softened.
4. Mix in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, flour, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Gradually stir in the beef broth until smooth, then simmer for 3–4 minutes.
6. Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker and stir in the frozen peas.
7. Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours.
8. About 30 minutes before serving, boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain well.
9. Mash the potatoes with the butter, warm milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
10. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the beef mixture in the slow cooker. Sprinkle with Cheddar cheese, if using.
11. Cover and cook for another 20–30 minutes, until heated through.
12. For a golden topping, transfer the slow cooker insert (if oven-safe) or the pie to a baking dish and broil for 3–5 minutes until lightly browned.
13. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Buttered green beans
• Steamed broccoli
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Garden salad
• Crusty bread
• Pickled beets

Tips

• Browning the beef before slow cooking develops a richer flavor.
• Yukon Gold potatoes make especially creamy mashed potatoes.
• Add mushrooms or sweet corn for extra texture and flavor.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.