Slow-Cooker Shepherd's Pie

This pub favorite is so simple to make ahead of time-you can layer the ingredients in your slow cooker the night before. Cover and refrigerate; then plug in the cooker and you're ready to go. Use your slow cooker to make a traditional shepherd's pie that's filled with lean ground beef and vegetables and topped with creamy mashed potatoes.

• Ready In: 3 hrs 10 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 4  medium yukon gold potatoes or 2  lbs yukon gold potatoes
• 1⁄3 cup milk
• 2  tablespoons unsalted butter
•  salt, to taste
•  pepper, to taste
• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 1  medium onion, diced
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  lb lean ground beef
• 1  tablespoon tomato paste
• 1  teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1  teaspoon dried thyme
• 1  tablespoon cornstarch
• 1  cup  frozen mixed vegetables

Directions

1. Prick potatoes all over with a fork. Microwave potatoes on high, turning once, until tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from microwave, let cool slightly, then peel and mash with milk and butter. Season with salt and pepper.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add onion and cook, stirring, until translucent, 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 second longer. Add beef, increase heat to medium-high and cook, breaking up chunks, until meat is cooked through and beginnning to brown, 8 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire, thyme and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. In a small cup, whisk cornstarch with 1 cup water. Add to skillet and cook, stirring, until liquid thickens slightly. Remove from heat; transfer to slow cooker.
3. Layer vegetables on top of meat; top with potatoes. Cover, turn slow cooker to low and cook for 3 hours.