Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Cottage Pie Recipe
If you’ve ever craved comfort food that warms both the heart and the stomach, you’ll love this Instant Pot Cottage Pie recipe. It’s a delightful blend of savory ground beef, hearty vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes.
What I appreciate most is how quickly it comes together—just 12 minutes under pressure! Plus, the Instant Pot locks in flavors that make every bite irresistible.
Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weeknight, this dish feels like a warm hug on a plate. I guarantee it’ll become a favorite in your home, just like it has in mine. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Ingredients of Instant Pot Cottage Pie
When it comes to whipping up a comforting meal, this Instant Pot Cottage Pie has everything you need. It’s loaded with ground beef, savory vegetables, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes—what’s not to love? Plus, it all comes together in a flash thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot.
You might even have most of these ingredients in your pantry already, so let’s take a look at what you’ll need to gather before diving into this delicious recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 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
Now, before you start cooking, a few notes on the ingredients. The grapeseed oil is great for its high smoke point and neutral flavor, but if you’re out, feel free to use olive oil or whatever you have on hand.
Ground beef is the classic choice, but you could also swap it for ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a lighter option. And those frozen peas and corn? They’re not just handy; they make this dish even easier. Just toss them in frozen, and you’re good to go.
Oh, and don’t forget to season your mashed potatoes to your liking – a little extra salt or even some garlic powder can really elevate the flavor. Cooking should be fun and flexible, so make it your own!
How to Make Instant Pot Cottage Pie
Making an Instant Pot Cottage Pie is surprisingly simple and oh-so-satisfying. Let’s get started, shall we?
First, you’ll want to grab 1 tablespoon of grapeseed oil and heat it in your Instant Pot using the Sauté setting. This oil is perfect for cooking because it has a high smoke point and won’t overpower the flavors.
Once that oil is shimmering, toss in a large diced onion. Sauté it for a few minutes until it softens up—a little translucent action never hurt anyone, right?
Now, here comes the fun part: add in 1 pound of ground beef. Break it up with your trusty spatula and let it brown, which should take about 5 minutes. The aroma will be enough to make your stomach grumble, trust me.
After the beef has browned, stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper. Mix it all together as if you’re trying to win a mixing contest.
Once that’s done, pour in 1 cup of beef broth and give it one last stir. Now, here’s a little tip: while all this is happening, take those 4 medium potatoes, sliced into 2-inch pieces, and lower them into a steamer basket, placing it right on top of the meat mixture.
Close and lock the lid of your Instant Pot, and set it to cook at high pressure for 12 minutes.
Once that timer goes off (and you can drum your fingers impatiently while you wait), you’re going to want to do a quick release. Carefully open the valve to let the steam escape—be cautious, so you don’t end up in a scene from a cooking disaster movie.
After releasing the pressure, lift out the steamer basket and add 1/2 cup of frozen peas and 1/2 cup of frozen corn into the meat mixture. Give it all a good mix, and let it hang out while you move on to the mashed potatoes.
In a small mixing bowl, combine those cooked potatoes with 1/3 cup of milk and 2 teaspoons of butter. Mash it up until it’s creamy and dreamy—season it to taste, and then it’s time to layer.
Pour the meat mixture into a deep oven-safe dish, spoon the mashed potatoes over the top, and pop that beauty in a preheated oven at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes. You’re looking for that lovely golden color on the potatoes.
Finally, let it rest for five minutes before diving in—trust me, it’ll be worth the wait. Enjoy your cozy creation!
Instant Pot Cottage Pie Substitutions & Variations
While traditional cottage pie has its charm, there are plenty of substitutions and variations to suit your taste or dietary needs.
For a lighter option, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. If you’re craving a vegetarian dish, substitute the meat with lentils or mushrooms.
You can swap out the peas and corn for your favorite veggies, like carrots or green beans. For a creamier mash, consider adding sour cream or cream cheese to the potatoes.
Finally, feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to elevate the flavor of your cottage pie. Enjoy customizing it!
What to Serve with Instant Pot Cottage Pie
What should you serve alongside Instant Pot Cottage Pie to create a well-rounded meal? I love pairing it with a simple side salad for some freshness. A mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette really complements the richness of the pie.
If you’re in the mood for something warm, roasted vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts add a nice touch. You could also serve some crusty bread to soak up any delicious juices.
Finally, a glass of red wine works beautifully to elevate the meal. Enjoy your comforting cottage pie experience!
Additional Tips & Notes
Pairing your Instant Pot Cottage Pie with a fresh side salad or warm roasted vegetables enhances the meal, but there are also a few additional tips to guarantee your dish turns out perfectly.
Make sure to brown the meat well for depth of flavor. For creamier mashed potatoes, don’t skimp on the milk and butter. If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture.
Finally, let the pie rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps everything set up nicely for serving. Enjoy your delicious creation!