Easy Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd’s Pie is usually not a quick recipe by any means, but don’t you worry! This lazy mama found a way to make this dinner work for a busy weeknight.

To make this meal faster, grab your best friend, the Instant Pot, and use that to make the mashed potatoes. The meat filling is quick to cook on the stove in less than 30 minutes.

Now, if you really want to make the whole pie in the traditional sense, all you need to do is:

-Transfer the cooked meat and veggies to a 13x9 inch rimmed baking dish.

-Spread the mashed potatoes over the meat.

-Sprinkle on top some mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

-Bake in a 375°F oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the edges get slightly golden brown.

Whichever option you have time for it’ll taste so, so good! Make sure to save this recipe and share it with your fellow lazy mom friends 😉

Shepherd’s Pie

Serves 4

Calories: 492, Protein: 39g, Fat: 21g, Carbs: 37g

Ingredients for the filling:

1 pound ground beef

1 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 onion, minced

1 large carrot, peeled and diced

2 stalks celery, diced

1 cup frozen peas

1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1/2 cup broth

1 tsp coconut aminos (to replace soy sauce)

1/4 cup tomato paste

1/2 Tbsp parsley

Ingredients for the mashed potatoes:

4 russet potatoes, peeled and quartered

1 cup water

2 Tbsp butter

1/4 cup whole milk

Salt & pepper to taste

Optional: 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instant Pot directions for the mashed potatoes:

1) Add 1 cup of water to the pot of the pressure cooker.

2) Add the potatoes. Cover and lock the lid, set to ‘Manual’ for 15 minutes and naturally release when the time is up. [While potatoes cook, prepare the meat mixture.]

3) Open the lid to add the remaining ingredients. Whip with an electric mixer until potatoes are well mashed. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Directions for the filling:

1) While the potatoes cook, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat.

2) Add garlic, onion, carrot, celery, peas, mushrooms to the pan and cook until veggies soften.

3) Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, broth, coconut aminos, tomato paste and parsley. Cook 5 additional minutes.

Optional step: Transfer meat and veggie mixture to a 13x9 inch baking dish. Set aside while you prepare the cauliflower mash.

If time is short, stop here and serve the meat mixture on the side of mashed potatoes. Enjoy!

Optional Assembly of the pie:

1) Scoop large spoonfuls of cauliflower mash and cover the meat and veggie mixture in the baking dish. Spread into an even layer with a knife, careful not to mash it into the meat mixture too much.

2) Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and Parmesan.

3) Bake the shepherd's pie for 45 minutes until the topping is golden brown.