Quick and Easy Instant Pot Cottage Pie Recipe
Are you looking for a quick and easy comfort food recipe that the whole family will love? Look no further than this Instant Pot Cottage Pie recipe! With just 8 fresh ingredients and 30 minutes, this recipe is the perfect savory dish for those busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
As a chef specializing in Vietnamese and Asian cuisine, I know the importance of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. This recipe may not be traditional to my background, but it’s a favorite among my customers and loved ones. From the shepherd pie to the pot cottage pie, this dish is versatile and can be adjusted to fit anyone’s personal taste.
The Instant Pot Shepherd Pie Instant Pot Cottage Pie recipe is also Paleo-friendly for those on a specific diet. Whether you’re new to using instant pots or an experienced chef, this recipe is quick and easy to follow. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe that your whole family will love? Look no further than this Instant Pot Cottage Pie Recipe! With just 30 minutes of prep time and the convenience of the Instant Pot, this savory Shepherd’s Pie can be on your table in no time.
But why should you choose this recipe above all others? For starters, it’s made with only 8 fresh ingredients, making it the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy a wholesome meal while sticking to a paleo diet. And with its hearty combination of ground beef, onions, frozen corn and peas, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and a few simple seasonings like salt and pepper, the dish is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters in your family.
But that’s not all. In addition to being packed with flavor, this recipe is also incredibly versatile. Want to switch things up? You can easily substitute ground lamb for beef, or add in some sweet potato or mashed potatoes on top for an extra dose of comfort food. And if you don’t have an Instant Pot at home, no worries! You can still whip up this delicious dish using a slow cooker or air fryer.
So whether you’re in search of a quick weeknight dinner or want to impress guests with a comforting classic recipe, this Instant Pot Cottage Pie has got you covered. Give it a try and see just how easy and delicious it can be!
Ingredient List
Before diving into the recipe directions, it’s essential to gather all of the necessary ingredients first. The beauty of this Instant Pot Cottage Pie Recipe is that it requires a handful of basic ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store. Here is what you will need:
Meat Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups frozen corn
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
Potato Topping:
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and chopped into small chunks
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Gathering all of the ingredients beforehand ensures that you won’t run into any surprises halfway through cooking. Once you have everything on hand, you’ll be ready to prepare this delicious meal in no time.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get cooking with this quick and easy Instant Pot Cottage Pie Recipe! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create savory shepherd pie in 30 minutes or less using your instant pot.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 4 tsp thyme (fresh or dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Turn on the instant pot sauté setting and heat the oil.
- Add onion and garlic, cook for 2 minutes.
- Add ground beef, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Cook until browned.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce and beef broth. Turn off the sauté setting.
- Add potatoes on top of the meat mixture.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set to high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Once the Instant Pot is done cooking, release the pressure naturally for 10 minutes before opening.
- Add frozen corn and peas on top of potatoes.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set to high pressure for another 5 minutes.
- Once done, release the pressure naturally for another 10 minutes before opening.
- Serve hot with mashed potatoes or rice.
Voila! Your delicious Instant Pot Cottage Pie is ready to enjoy with some sweet potato fries or a side salad for extra comfort food goodness.
Make this recipe even more special by adding some grated cheese or a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top before serving.
Now that you know how to make this Instant Pot Cottage Pie Recipe, impress your friends/family with this quick and easy recipe!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to switch things up with this classic comfort food recipe? Here are a few substitutions and variations that will give your Instant Pot Cottage Pie a unique twist:
1. Ground Lamb: If you prefer a more traditional Shepherd’s Pie, use ground lamb instead of beef. The rich flavor will complement the savory pie filling perfectly.
2. Vegetarian Version: For a meatless version, replace the ground beef with chopped mushrooms or lentils. You can also add extra vegetables such as carrots, celery and bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
3. Sweet Potato Topping: If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, swap the mashed potatoes for mashed sweet potatoes. This adds an extra element of sweetness to complement the beef filling.
4. Slow Cooker Method: Don’t have an Instant Pot? No problem! Use a slow cooker to cook the beef filling on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Once cooked, add some mashed potatoes on top and broil in the oven for a crispy topping.
5. Air Fryer Topping: Want to add some crunch to your Cottage Pie? Try using an air fryer to crisp up the mashed potatoes before serving. Simply place spoonfuls of mashed potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook on 375°F for 7-10 minutes until crispy and golden.
Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and finding what works best for you and your taste preferences. So feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own with these substitutions and variations!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing this Instant Pot Cottage Pie, there are a variety of options to explore. This savory dish is comforting and satisfying all on its own, but there are a few simple ways to elevate it even further.
One classic option for serving this dish is with a side of roasted vegetables, such as carrots or brussels sprouts. The crisp-tender texture of the roasted vegetables pairs perfectly with the savory richness of the cottage pie. Another great option is a fresh green salad, which can help to balance out the hearty flavors of the dish.
When it comes to pairing beverages, a full-bodied red wine is often a great choice. Look for something bold and robust, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. If you prefer beer or cider, look for something with a strong, hoppy flavor that can stand up to the rich flavors of the cottage pie.
Finally, don’t forget about dessert! A simple fruit tart or crumble can be the perfect way to round out the meal. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something quick and easy, a scoop of vanilla ice cream always does the trick.
No matter how you choose to serve and pair this Instant Pot Cottage Pie, one thing is certain: it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser that your whole family will love.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a busy chef, I understand the value of having meals that can be prepped in advance and stored for later use. This Instant Pot Cottage Pie recipe is no exception! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to serve.
To make ahead of time, prepare the recipe as instructed and allow it to cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for up to two months.
When reheating the cottage pie, there are several options available. If you’re short on time, throw it in the microwave for a minute or two until thoroughly heated. Alternatively, you can reheat the pie in the oven by placing it on a baking sheet and cooking it at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until warm all the way through.
If you find that your cottage pie has become too dry after reheating, don’t fret! Simply add a splash of beef broth or water before reheating to help moisten it up.
One tip I have is to portion out your cottage pie before storing it. This way, you don’t have to worry about reheating more than necessary and can enjoy this savory shepherd’s pie whenever hunger strikes.
Tips for Perfect Results
When preparing this Instant Pot Cottage Pie, there’s a few tips and tricks that I’ve learned through trial and error that will help you achieve the best results. Here are my top recommendations for ensuring that your Cottage Pie turns out perfectly every time.
Firstly, make sure to brown the meat very well before adding any liquids or vegetables. This step is essential in helping to develop deep flavors in the dish. When browning the beef, use high heat and cook until it’s golden brown with crispy edges.
Secondly, don’t overmix your mashed potatoes! Doing so can lead to a gluey texture that may ruin the entire dish. To avoid this, gently fold in the butter and milk, being careful not to mash or over-stir the potatoes.
Thirdly, use fresh herbs wherever possible – they’ll make a world of difference! In particular, using fresh thyme will give your Cottage Pie a savory aroma that will fill your kitchen with mouth-watering scents.
Fourthly, if possible, let your Cottage Pie sit for 10-15 minutes after removing it from the Instant Pot. This brief rest period allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully while also making it easier to cut and serve.
Lastly, if you’re looking for a healthy twist on this classic comfort food recipe, consider substituting some or all of the potatoes with mashed sweet potato. Not only is it lower in calories and carbs, but adding sweet potato can also provide an extra layer of rich flavor and slightly caramelized texture to your Cottage Pie.
With these tips and tricks under your belt, you’re sure to become an expert at making Instant Pot Cottage Pie in no time!
Bottom Line
: In conclusion, this Instant Pot Cottage Pie recipe is a perfect choice if you’re looking for quick, easy, and delicious comfort food that the whole family will love. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a flavorful and savory Shepherd Pie that will satisfy your taste buds and warm your soul.
This recipe is versatile, and you can easily make substitutions or variations to adjust it to your liking. It’s also a budget-friendly option that won’t break the bank. Plus, it saves you time by using an Instant Pot pressure cooker instead of the conventional oven or stove.
So, whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced chef, this recipe is easy enough to follow and allows you to experiment with different twists on classic Cottage Pie recipes. You can pair it with your favorite side dishes or serve it on its own for a hearty meal.
Overall, I highly recommend trying out this Instant Pot Cottage Pie recipe at least once. It’s an excellent choice for any occasion or mealtime, from cozy weeknight dinners to special events where you want to impress your guests with your culinary skills. Give it a go and enjoy!
Instant Pot Cottage Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
- 4 medium potatoes, sliced into 2-inch pieces
- 1/3 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons butter
Instructions
- In instant pot select Sauté setting; heat oil.
- Add onion saute until onion is soft.
- Push the onion aside and drop in the ground meat- break it up with a spatula and brown it, about 5 minutes.
- Add tomato paste, Worcestershire Sauce salt, pepper and broth; mix well,.
- Lower the steamer basket with the sliced potatoes onto the meat.
- Close and lock the lid of the pressure cooker; cook for 12 minutes at high pressure.
- When time is up, open the pressure cooker with Quick release - pressure through the valve.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Remove the steamer basket from the pressure cooker and toss the frozen peas and corn into the pressure cooker and mix into the meat. leave cooker stand uncovered while you work on the potatoes.
- Pour the potatoes into a small mixing bowl. Mash together potatoes with milk, salt and butter.
- Pour the contents of the pressure cooker into a deep oven-safe dish.
- Spoon and even potatoes over the meat mixture.
- Bake un-covered for 20 minutes the potatoes are golden,.
- Let casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving.