Shepherd's Pie

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Time-Saving: Utilizing the Instant Pot reduces overall cooking time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• One-Pot Meal: The entire dish is prepared in the Instant Pot, minimizing cleanup.
• Delicious Layers: Combines seasoned meat and vegetables with a rich mashed potato topping for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup diced onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 cups frozen peas and carrots
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
• ½ cup half-and-half
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ¼ teaspoon garlic salt

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Sauté the Beef Mixture: Set the Instant Pot to the Sauté function and heat the vegetable oil. Add ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Incorporate Flavorings: Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Pour in beef broth and mix in the frozen peas and carrots. Turn off the Sauté function.
3. Prepare Potatoes: Place a trivet over the meat mixture in the Instant Pot. Arrange the peeled and quartered potatoes on the trivet. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 15 minutes.
4. Release Pressure: After cooking, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release. Carefully remove the lid and transfer the potatoes to a separate bowl.
5. Mash Potatoes: Add half-and-half, butter, and garlic salt to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and well combined.
6. Assemble the Dish: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat and vegetable mixture in the Instant Pot.
7. Serve: Scoop portions onto plates and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes (including pressure build-up and release)
• Total Time: Approximately 35 minutes

Variations

• Meat Options: Substitute ground beef with ground lamb for a traditional flavor, or use ground turkey for a leaner version.
• Vegetable Additions: Incorporate other vegetables such as corn, green beans, or mushrooms to enhance the nutritional value and taste.
• Cheesy Topping: Mix shredded cheddar cheese into the mashed potatoes or sprinkle on top before serving for a rich, cheesy layer.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave or reheat larger portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

FAQs

What is the origin of Shepherd's Pie?

Shepherd's Pie originated in the United Kingdom, traditionally made with lamb or mutton and topped with mashed potatoes.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes, substituting sweet potatoes adds a different flavor profile and increases the dish's nutritional value.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely, replace the ground meat with lentils or a plant-based meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

How can I make the mashed potato topping creamier?

For a creamier texture, add more half-and-half or a dollop of sour cream when mashing the potatoes.

What can I use if I don't have tomato paste?

You can substitute tomato paste with ketchup or a small amount of tomato sauce, adjusting for consistency.

Can I prepare this dish without an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can cook the filling on the stovetop and boil the potatoes separately, then assemble and bake the dish in the oven.

How do I prevent the mashed potatoes from sinking into the meat mixture?

Ensure the meat mixture is thickened adequately before adding the mashed potatoes on top.

Can I add cheese to the mashed potato topping?

Yes, incorporating cheese into the mashed potatoes or sprinkling it on top adds a delicious cheesy flavor.

What type of ground meat is traditionally used in Shepherd's Pie?

Traditionally, Shepherd's Pie is made with ground lamb; when made with beef, it's often referred to as Cottage Pie.

How can I add more flavor to the meat mixture?

Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme, a splash of red wine, or using beef bouillon can enhance the depth of flavor.

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Shepherd's Pie

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Shepherd's Pie is a classic comfort food featuring a savory meat and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes. This Instant Pot version speeds up the process, making it perfect for busy weeknights while maintaining rich, homemade flavors.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes (including pressure build-up & release)
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Dinner, One-Pot Meal
• Method: Instant Pot, Pressure Cooking
• Cuisine: British, Comfort Food
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• For the Meat Filling:

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground lamb for traditional flavor)
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 cups frozen peas and carrots

• For the Mashed Potato Topping:

  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • ½ cup half-and-half
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic salt

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Instructions

• Sauté the Meat: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat the vegetable oil. Add ground beef, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
• Add Flavorings: Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Pour in beef broth and mix in the peas and carrots. Turn off the Sauté function.
• Cook the Potatoes: Place a trivet over the meat mixture. Arrange the potatoes on the trivet. Secure the lid, set to High Pressure for 15 minutes.
• Release Pressure: Let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release. Remove the potatoes to a bowl.
• Make Mashed Potatoes: Mash the potatoes with half-and-half, butter, and garlic salt until smooth.
• Assemble: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat mixture.
• Serve: Scoop portions and enjoy warm.

Notes

• Swap ground beef for ground lamb for a traditional take or ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Enhance flavor by adding cheese to the mashed potatoes or sprinkling on top before serving.
• Make it vegetarian by replacing meat with lentils or a plant-based substitute.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months.