Instant Pot Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Name: Instant Pot Shepherd's Pie
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 0.5 teaspoon thyme; 1 cup beef broth; 2 cups frozen peas and carrots; 3 medium potatoes, peeled; 0.5 cup half-and-half; 2 tablespoons butter; 0.25 teaspoon garlic salt

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

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

Directions

Step 1: Turn on your multi-functional pressure cooker (e.g., Instant Pot) and select the "Saut" function. Heat the vegetable oil in the pot.

Step 2: Add the ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the hot oil. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes, until the beef is browned and crumbly, and the onion is soft and translucent.

Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Pour in the beef broth and mix in the frozen peas and carrots. Turn off the "Saut" function.

Step 4: Place the collapsible metal trivet in the pot so that it rests just above the meat and vegetable mixture. Arrange the peeled potatoes on the trivet. Close and lock the lid of the pressure cooker.

Step 5: Set the cooker to high pressure, following the manufacturer's instructions. For smaller potatoes, set the timer to 15 minutes; for medium to large potatoes, set it to 20 minutes. It will take about 10-15 minutes for the pressure to build up.

Step 6: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes. Afterward, carefully release any remaining pressure using the quick-release method, which should take about 5 minutes.

Step 7: Open the lid and transfer the potatoes to a bowl. Turn off the Instant Pot and carefully remove the hot trivet.

Step 8: Add the half-and-half, butter, and garlic salt to the potatoes. Mash until well blended and smooth.

Step 9: Preheat the ovens broiler. Adjust the oven rack so that it is about 6 inches from the heat source.

Step 10: Pour the meat and vegetable mixture from the Instant Pot into an 8-inch square baking dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top and spread them out evenly.

Step 11: Broil in the preheated oven for about 3 minutes, or until the top starts to turn golden brown.

Recipe Tip

You can substitute margarine for the butter if preferred.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	347
Total Fat	18g (23%)
Saturated Fat	8g (40%)
Cholesterol	65mg (22%)
Sodium	576mg (25%)
Total Carbohydrate	29g (11%)
Dietary Fiber	5g (17%)
Total Sugars	3g
Protein	18g (36%)
Vitamin C	30mg (34%)
Calcium	73mg (6%)
Iron	3mg (18%)
Potassium	847mg (18%)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Instant Pot Shepherd's Pie is a comforting, hearty dish with a rich history and regional variations. The dish, traditionally made with ground lamb, is often referred to as a shepherd's pie, but when beef is used, it's typically called a cottage pie. However, no matter the meat, this dish has become a beloved staple in British and Irish kitchens, with modern variations like this Instant Pot version making it more accessible and quicker to prepare.

Origin and History

The origins of Shepherd's Pie date back to the 18th century in the United Kingdom. It was a humble, economical meal that used leftover meat from Sunday roasts, often combined with vegetables and topped with mashed potatoes. The name Shepherds Pie is thought to come from the fact that the dish was often made with lamb, which was a common livestock raised by shepherds. Over time, the recipe evolved, and beef became a more common substitute, leading to the rise of the term "Cottage Pie." Regardless of the variation, Shepherds Pie remains a symbol of British comfort food.

Regional Variations

While the traditional Shepherd's Pie recipe uses lamb, regional variations of the dish have emerged. In Ireland, its common to see it made with beef, while in Scotland, some versions include ingredients like haggis for a more distinctive flavor. The inclusion of different vegetables, such as carrots, peas, or onions, also varies by region, with some recipes even adding cheese or herbs for extra flavor. The Instant Pot version of Shepherd's Pie simplifies the process while retaining the essence of the dish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Difference from Similar Dishes

One of the main distinguishing features of Shepherds Pie compared to similar dishes like Cottage Pie or even the American version of "Shepherds Pie" is the type of meat used. As mentioned earlier, traditional Shepherds Pie is made with lamb, while Cottage Pie uses beef. In the U.S., Shepherds Pie is often made with ground beef, which can sometimes blur the lines between the two. Another key difference lies in the mashed potatoes: Shepherds Pie is known for its generous, fluffy potato topping, sometimes crisped under the broiler for an extra texture contrast.

Where It's Served

Shepherds Pie is a popular dish served in homes and pubs across the United Kingdom and Ireland, particularly during colder months or as a hearty meal for family gatherings. It is also a common choice for pub menus and comfort food establishments. Internationally, it has become a comfort food favorite in countries like Canada and the United States, where people may enjoy it with variations, such as using different meats or adding extra spices.

Fun Facts

The original purpose of Shepherds Pie was to use up leftover meat from a roast, helping to minimize food waste.
In some versions, the mashed potatoes are piped into decorative swirls on top of the meat mixture, making for a more visually appealing dish.
Despite its name, Shepherds Pie is rarely eaten by shepherds today! It's a nostalgic dish more often enjoyed by families around the world.
The Instant Pot version of Shepherds Pie allows for the cooking process to be streamlined, making it a go-to for busy cooks who crave this comforting dish without the long wait.

FAQ about Instant Pot Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Yes, you can substitute ground lamb for ground beef if you prefer. This will give the dish a slightly different flavor profile, which is common in traditional shepherd's pie recipes.

If your shepherd's pie filling is too soupy, you can drain some of the excess liquid before assembling the dish. Another option is to cook the filling a bit longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.

Yes, you can prepare the meat and vegetable filling and the mashed potatoes separately ahead of time. Store them in the fridge, and when ready to serve, assemble and broil the dish for a few minutes until golden and crispy on top.

Leftover shepherd's pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, cover it with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Yes, you can use instant mashed potatoes as a time-saving alternative. Follow the package instructions for preparation, and spread the instant mashed potatoes over the meat mixture before broiling.

You can substitute half-and-half with milk, cream, or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk or coconut milk, depending on your preference.

Place the dish under the broiler for about 3 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, as broilers can vary in intensity.

Yes, you can use other vegetables, such as green beans, corn, or a mixed vegetable blend. Just make sure they are cooked and ready to be added to the filling.

The cooking time for potatoes in the Instant Pot is about 15 minutes if using small potatoes and 20 minutes for medium or large ones. Be sure to allow an additional 10-15 minutes for the pressure to build before cooking.

If you don't have a broiler, you can bake the shepherd's pie at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and crispy. You can also use a torch to crisp the top if you have one.

Comments

Mel Wallace

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

I am giving 5 stars because I imagine if done properly and by someone who has ever cooked anything before, this recipe will be just fine. I am mainly commenting because while reading reviews I noticed that some of the negative reviews are from people super concerned about what it is called. I could care less if it is called cottage pie or shepard’s Pie and could’ve gone the rest of my life without knowing the difference. If that makes me an “idiot” then so be it! Ha ?? All my life I have eaten Shepard’s Pie with different types of veggies and seasonings and even some without veggies all together and I am pretty sure it was always prepared with BEEF! Thank you all for teaching me something new today!

Sperber West

03/20/2019 01:13:41 AM

This was very easy to prepare, and was so lovely you'd think it involved a lot more effort than it actually did. I used ground lamb instead of beef and drained the fat after browning. Next time I may use a little less broth, or maybe serve it with crusty bread for dipping!

Kevin Springer

03/20/2020 10:11:39 PM

Very easy recipe and it turned out fantastic! Everyone loved it! I used a pastry piper to apply the potatoes on the top of the meat (like Gordon Ramsey does) and I added shredded cheese to the top before I broiled it. Presentation was great and they ate it all up! I will make this again! Thanks for the recipe!

Sam Allie

05/19/2020 11:46:48 PM

I adjusted a few items to my tasting: Added smoky flavor, Rosemary, Sage, chili powder, and Himalayan salt to the meat. And I always at least double the amount of garlic needed because I love garlic. To the potatos I added Queso and Sharp Cheddar, Paprika (gonna try smoked paprika next time), bacon, and omited the cream. Yes,it was very liquidy...but that liquid was DELICIOUS. Next time I will drain that liquid and save as a base for another recipe. Maybe add it to a pot roast or soup for an extra bang? I also added Slap Ya Mama and a tad bit of hot sauce on my plate of it, holy smokes...yes!

Lacey Rodriguez

07/17/2021 01:19:58 AM

I added homemade deer sausage in with my burger. I added mushrooms and peppers, plus I substituted green beans for the peas. I also added a sprinkle of cheese and real bacon bits to top before I broiled it. It was yummy! Next time, I plan to spice it up more though. A girl needs spice!

Kari

12/19/2023 09:31:19 PM

Trained Chef but new to Instant Pot recipes. Easy to follow and turned out perfect! I used leftover BBQ leg of lamb and rosemary in place of thyme.

Jayson Nickols

08/02/2020 12:31:29 AM

The flavor is spot on and worth the effort. The only problem with the recipe is the amount of liquid at the end. The meat was swimming in broth at the end. Way too much liquid. I did not drain the meat after sauteing, so not sure if that's the problem or not. If that doesn't work, then drain the meat mixture before adding the mashed potatoes. Oh, I also used cream cheese instead of half and half.

Allrecipes Member

03/18/2020 05:13:44 PM

Drain some of the liquid before you put the dish together. If not, it is too soupy.

WobblyTaro6772

03/18/2020 05:13:44 PM

Drain some of the liquid before you put the dish together. If not, it is too soupy.

Noeller67

04/06/2020 03:03:06 AM

I love the ease of making this in the IP and just popping it under the broiler to crisp up the mashed potatoes. Flavors were a big hit but it was a bit liquidy, might want to drain some off next time when taking the meat filling out of the IP. Used ground turkey and 2% milk instead of half & half.

CindyKR

03/15/2020 02:03:29 PM

This is delicious. Cooking the potatoes in with the meat gives the potatoes a great flavor. Only thing I changed is that I prefer to sauté the meat in a pan and drain it well.

Samantha Moore

05/13/2025 10:17:29 PM

Can’t stop thinking about it!

EchoLuna

01/18/2025 05:47:25 AM

Made this tonight and it turned out great. While I did make some tweaks, I don’t doubt that this recipe is delicious just as originally written. I think I could have gotten away with using 3/4 cup of broth instead of 1 cup, but I really didn’t mind it being a little “soupy” as other reviewers mentioned. The extra juice just got poured on top like a gravy. All that said here are my alterations: - I didn’t have any tomato paste handy so I subbed ~1 Tbl of ketchup - Subbed frozen veggie mix of carrots, green beans and added about a cup extra (so ~3 cups total). - Also added ~ half a cup of frozen kale. - Added a dash or two of chilli powder - Used 5 medium/small russet potatoes - I didn’t have any half and half so I used 2% and added ~ half a cup of cottage cheese to the mashed potatoes. It was hard to stop eating this it was so good! I love that the instant pot does the meat and veggie mix at the same time as steaming the potatoes! Less dishes!!! Fantastic! This is definitely a keeper recipe.

Julie Thomas

04/28/2024 06:56:34 PM

Used what I had on hand — still turned out great.

QuirkyMug2391

03/24/2024 10:36:03 PM

Very easy to make and full of flavor. I give it the thumbs up. I did drain off the excess liquid and I feel that made a big difference.

CopperEel2984

10/29/2023 05:29:32 PM

I used cans of peas & carrots and it turned out fantastic! I want to try and make it with instant mashed potatoes instead next time.... It was a hit with all 3 kids and their dad

Donna Gerber

05/20/2022 12:17:44 AM

We loved it. It was easy to prepare and was very good.

Patty Woods

09/16/2021 02:30:41 PM

So good and so fast.

Angelwords

06/26/2021 01:04:06 AM

I agree with some of the others that this recipe is too soupy; and because of that, I believe the flavor was diluted. I did like the way of doing the potatoes in the Instant Pot and adding garlic salt with 1/2 and 1/2 to I'll keep that tip.

Larry

03/15/2021 02:27:54 PM

Soooooooooo good.

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