Instant Pot Shepherd's Pie - Gluten and Dairy Free

You know, I'm all about saving time but I also like healthy food and veggies.  So....since this main dish has tons of veggies in it I always have an internal debate whilst making it.  

Do I HAVE to add another side dish? Is the fact that it has veggies in it enough?  Can we all just agree that this main dish is also a side dish all in one?  

Deep thoughts.  And I'm not going to pretend like I haven't served this by itself.  I most definitely have.  

Instant Pot Shepherd's Pie - Gluten and Dairy Free

1 lb of ground beef, browned* 

2-3 cups of frozen veggies (I like the corn/peas/carrots/green beans mix from Costco)

2 c. of chicken broth (or beef broth) 

1 1/2 tsp. salt 

pepper, to taste

5-6 medium potatoes, cut into bite sized pieces 

1/4 c. arrowroot (or corn starch) 

1/2 c. cold water 

Mix the ground beef*, frozen veggies, broth, salt and pepper in the instant pot.  Layer the potatoes directly on top.  Seal the instant pot and cook on manual (high pressure) for 15 minutes.  When timer beeps quick release the pressure.  Take potatoes out with a slotted spoon and set aside.  Mix the arrowroot (or corn starch) with the cold water and whisk until smooth.  Switch the instant pot to "Sauté" and whisk the arrowroot into it, until thickened.  Layer the potatoes back on top and serve.  YUM! 

* I pre-cook all my ground beef and freeze it, so I just have to dump it in.  If you need to cook yours, cook it on the sauté function in the instant pot until it is browned through, then proceed with the recipe.  

Instant Pot Chili Mac - Gluten and Dairy Free

I'm pretty sure my instant pot is vying for the position of my favorite appliance of all time.  It's trying to oust my crockpots.  Not sure who's gonna win, I'll be honest.  

My requirements for the IP are that it must cook my entire meal, with very little effort on my part.  Meat must be frozen.  Everything must be dumped in and stirred.  

And then a complete meal must emerge (I can tolerate adding an easy side dish, if I need to), whilst I help kids with homework, break the fights up, drive to scouts-activities-practice, coach practice, really . . . just fill in the blank.  I want dinner made while I do other things.  The instant pot does it every time. 

I have a lot of "complete meal" recipes to post.  Here's the first.  

Instant Pot Chili Mac - Gluten and Dairy Free 

1 pound ground beef, cooked* 

chopped onion, optional 

1 tsp. garlic

1 tsp. parsley

1 tsp. oregano

1 tsp. basil

1 tsp. salt

pepper, to taste 

2 cups water

14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes

8 oz. can tomato sauce

1 cup (or 1 can) of corn, frozen 

2 cups of noodles, elbow macaroni or penne (use gluten free if needed) 

Add all ingredients to your instant pot and stir (pre-cook meat if needed, see note below).  Set bean/chili setting to 5 minutes (make sure valve is closed).  When timer beeps, quick release the pressure.  Make a quick salad, if you have time!  Enjoy! 

*I pre-cook all my ground beef and freeze it, so I just have to dump it in. If you need to cook yours, cook it on the sauté function in the instant pot until it is browned through.