Slow Cooker Shepherd's Pie

As it turns out, there are quite a few dishes I've never tried until moving East. Shepherd's pie is yet another meal I never had the pleasure of eating until moving to New York and now it's another must have comfort meal on our menu, especially during the winter months.

I've had a few variations of this dish, but this particular recipe attracted me because of the use of the crock-pot. For me, crock-pot meals are more about having a meal ready when you get home from work, after you've had a long day and are too tired to spend any time in the kitchen. Some of you might be scratching your heads after reading the recipe instructions wondering why this is a slow cooker meal when it calls for so much prep. If that is the case, think of it as more of a make ahead meal, much like the prep that goes into making a casserole dish, instead of a "set it and forget it" meal. The additional prep lends the dish more flavor. The mixture of bread with the meat helps to keep the meat from overcooking. Browning off the meat before placing in the slow cooker helps provide the deeper flavor Shepherd's Pie is known for. Although it takes some effort before powering on the crock-pot, the reward will be worth it when you get home from a long day at the office.

Note: The recipe calls for three cups of mashed potatoes. If you don't have a favorite mashed potato recipe already, try my favorite version here.

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Source: America's Test Kitchen, Slow Cooker Revolution