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If you’ve never had Shepherd’s pie, you are missing out! Shepherd’s pie is one of the best comfort foods, easy to make, and kid-friendly. The rich gravy-like broth over the tender beef and mixed vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes is the perfect mouth-watering combination!
Shepherd’s Pie
Historically, this recipe was referred to as cottage pie and not shepherd’s pie. Traditionally, the difference between cottage pie and shepherd’s pie was the type of meat, shepherd’s pie was made with lamb and cottage pie was made with beef. However, over the years the names were used synonymously.
I recently made this Shepherd’s pie recipe for a meal train delivery, and was not surprised at the immediate response from the recipient. The recipient texted me right away to express that this was by far the best meal she had received and raved over how delicious it was. I couldn’t agree more, this one will have you licking the bowl clean, seriously it’s that good!
I love that this recipe can be mostly made in a one-pan dish. This particular recipe is made in the Instant Pot, but could certainly be modified to cook in a casserole dish as well. This is a dish that the whole family loves as well.
How to Make Shepherd’s Pie
For the Instant Pot: To make shepherd’s pie, start by browning the ground beef either in a large skillet or in the Instant Pot by using the Sauté function. If you use the Instant Pot to brown the ground beef, you will need to deglaze the pot by using beef broth to prevent getting a burn warning later.
Place the browned ground beef, mixed vegetables, diced onion, some salt and pepper to taste, and the parsley into the Instant Pot. Place a steamer basket directly over the already added ingredients and add the cubed, peeled potatoes into the steamer basket. Secure the lid and cook on Manual HIGH for 3 minutes, and then perform a quick pressure release.
Carefully remove the steamer basket and empty the potatoes into a large mixing bowl and set aside. Stir the au jus seasoning mix into the Instant Pot and place the lid back on and then allow to sit for 5 minutes.
While the Instant pot is resting, add the sour cream, butter, and salt and pepper to taste to the potatoes. Use a hand mixer to mash the potatoes to allow for a smooth consistency. You can add a splash of milk to make the potatoes slightly creamier if desired.
Remove 1/4 cup of broth from the Instant Pot and mix with cornstarch. Add the slurry back to the Instant Pot and turn to sauté. Stir until thickened.
Carefully transfer the contents from the Instant Pot into a 9×13 oven safe dish.
Drop mashed potatoes evenly over the mixture and spread carefully across the top to create a seal. Sprinkle the cheese over the mashed potatoes.
Place dish under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
Allow to cool slightly, serve, and enjoy!
How to Make on the Stovetop:
To Make the Potatoes:
To make shepherd’s pie on the stovetop, start by placing the diced potatoes into a large saucepan of water on high heat and bring to a boil. Boil the potatoes for approximately 15 minutes until they are soft and tender. Next, strain the potatoes with a colander to remove the excess water and place potatoes back in the saucepan. Add the sour cream, butter, and salt and pepper to taste to the potatoes. Use a hand mixer to mash the potatoes to give a smooth consistency. Finally, add a splash of milk to make the potatoes slightly creamier if desired.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
To Make the Shepherd’s Pie:
Next, brown the ground beef in a large skillet. Stir in the diced onion, mixed vegetables, salt and pepper, and parsley and cook until slightly tender, about 5 minutes. Pour beef broth into skillet, reserving 1/4 cup. Next, mix the remaining 1/4 cup of beef broth with the cornstarch until you have a smooth consistency and then pour the slurry into the skillet. Sprinkle in the au jus seasoning mix. Bring mixture to a boil and simmer until gravy is thickened about 5-10 minutes.
Carefully transfer the contents into a 9×13 oven safe dish.
Next, drop mashed potatoes evenly over the mixture and spread carefully across the top to create a seal. Sprinkle the cheese over the mashed potatoes. Cook at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes.
Place under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
Allow to cool slightly and enjoy!
Instant Pot Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd's pie is a classic comfort food with a savory gravy and creamy mashed potatoes. The juicy meat and the mixed vegetables add to provide the best flavor. Made in the Instant Pot for a mouth-watering dish that will become a family favorite!
- 1 lb ground beef (browned)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 12 oz bag mixed vegetables (frozen)
- 2 c beef broth
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp parsley
- 4 medium potatoes (6 small) (peeled and cubed)
- 1 pkg au jus seasoning mix
- 1/4 c butter
- 1 TBSP sour cream
- 1 TBSP cornstarch
- 1/2 c shredded cheese
Brown the ground beef in either a large skillet over medium high heat or use the Sauté function on the Instant Pot. If using the Instant Pot, deglaze the pan with beef broth once cooked.
Add the ground beef, mixed vegetables, onion, salt and pepper, parsley, and beef broth to the Instant Pot.
Place a steamer basket in the Instant Pot over the other ingredients and add the potatoes to the steamer basket.
Secure the Instant Pot lid and cook on Manual HIGH for 3 minutes, then quick release the pressure.
Remove the steamer basket carefully and pour the potatoes into a separate bowl and set aside.
Stir the au jus seasoning mix into the Instant Pot, place the lid back on, and allow to sit for 5 minutes.
Add the sour cream, butter, and salt and pepper to taste to the potatoes. Use a hand mixer to mash the potatoes. You can add a splash of milk for creamier potatoes.
Remove 1/4 cup of broth from the Instant Pot and mix with cornstarch. Add the slurry back to the Instant Pot and turn to sauté. Stir until thickened.
Carefully transfer the contents from the Instant Pot into a 9×13 oven safe dish.
Drop mashed potatoes evenly over the mixture and spread carefully across the top. Sprinkle the cheese over the mashed potatoes.
Place under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
Allow to cool slightly, serve, and enjoy!
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