Whenever I make this dish, my hubby always requests thirds

It's difficult to envision a more comforting pairing than a hearty stew and creamy mashed potatoes. Shepherd's pie, also known as cottage pie, is a traditional British dish with a rich history spanning three centuries. Originally conceived as a clever way to utilize leftovers, crafting this dish from scratch can be quite time-consuming. However, employing a slow cooker simplifies the process, turning what is typically a laborious meal into a delightful weekday wonder.

Like most timeless recipes, shepherd's pie offers a myriad of variations. Some renditions feature succulent lamb, while others showcase savory beef. The vegetable medley can range from a simple blend of peas and carrots to a more elaborate combination that includes corn, mushrooms, and turnips. The sauce can be based on tomatoes, but personally, I prefer a straightforward and savory gravy-like consistency. In my version, I opt for cost-effective ground beef and elevate the flavor with the addition of fresh herbs.

Ingredients:

2 pounds of peeled and quartered Yukon Gold potatoes
3 teaspoons of salt (divided)
2 tablespoons of canola or vegetable oil
1 cup of finely diced onion
2 pounds of ground beef
2 bay leaves
½ teaspoon of pepper
2 tablespoons of cornstarch
2 tablespoons of water
3 tablespoons of tomato paste
1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
2 cups of finely diced carrots
1 cup of fresh or frozen green peas
½ cup of sour cream
3 tablespoons of butter
1 tablespoon of finely chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. Boil peeled and quartered Yukon Gold potatoes with 1 teaspoon of salt until tender. Drain and transfer to a bowl.

2. In a sauté pan, cook finely diced onion, ground beef, bay leaves, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt until beef is browned. Remove excess grease and bay leaves.

3. Transfer the beef mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker.

4. Make a slurry by combining cornstarch and water, then add it to the slow cooker along with tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, carrots, and peas.

5. In the bowl with the cooked potatoes, add 1 teaspoon of salt, sour cream, butter, and parsley. Mash everything together.

6. Spread the mashed potatoes on top of the beef in the slow cooker.

7. Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 7 hours.

8. Remove the pot from the slow cooker base and let it cool for 15 minutes before serving.

This recipe is a game-changer for those busy days when you don't have the time or energy to spend hours in the kitchen. With minimal prep work and the convenience of the slow cooker, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal without all the fuss. So, go ahead and save this recipe - it's your ticket to experiencing the timeless comfort of Shepherd's Pie with a modern twist.