Ultimate Comfort: Mastering the Instant Pot Short Rib Mexican Skillet Pie
Dive into a world of rich flavors and comforting textures with this incredible Short Rib Mexican Skillet Pie. This dish is the epitome of cozy, combining deeply savory chipotle short ribs, prepared effortlessly in your electric pressure cooker, with layers of tender tortillas, a bold, spicy sauce, and generous amounts of gooey cheese. It’s a hearty, warming, and utterly irresistible meal that promises to become a staple in your kitchen.
Short ribs hold a special place in the realm of comfort food, celebrated for their robust flavor and the incredible tenderness they achieve when cooked properly. While traditional braising methods can take hours, the magic of an electric pressure cooker, like an Instant Pot, dramatically cuts down cooking time without compromising on that melt-in-your-mouth texture. This makes them an ideal choice for a deeply satisfying meal, especially during colder months when you crave something substantial and warming.
What makes short ribs truly versatile is their ability to absorb and complement a wide array of flavors. For this Mexican Skillet Pie, we infuse them with the smoky, spicy essence of chipotle, creating a rich foundation that perfectly harmonizes with the other elements of the dish. This skillet pie isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. The thoughtful blend of succulent homemade short ribs, a meticulously crafted spicy sauce, and generous layers of cheese all tucked between soft tortillas results in a dish that is simply beyond compare. Prepare to make this recipe a permanent fixture in your culinary rotation.
Planning Ahead for Easy Weeknight Dinners
One of the many benefits of this Short Rib Mexican Skillet Pie is the flexibility it offers for meal preparation. The short ribs, being the most time-consuming component, can be cooked entirely ahead of time. I often prepare the chipotle short ribs the day before, allowing them to cool and even storing them in the refrigerator overnight. This strategy transforms the skillet pie assembly into a quick and easy task, perfect for even the busiest weeknights. With the hardest part already done, you can enjoy a gourmet-quality meal without the stress of a lengthy cooking session.
While this recipe involves a few distinct steps, the effort put into making homemade short ribs and a scratch-made sauce is incredibly rewarding. Each component contributes significantly to the depth and complexity of the final product, elevating it far beyond what you could achieve with pre-made ingredients. The rich, nuanced flavors are a testament to the care taken in each stage of preparation, promising a dish that is truly exceptional.
Customizing the Heat: A Spicy Pro Tip
For those who love an extra kick, feel free to add some fresh jalapeño slices on top of your skillet pie before baking, or even incorporate them into the layers. In my opinion, things can never be too hot, and the vibrant spice from jalapeños perfectly complements the rich short ribs and cheesy layers.
Pro Tip for Spice Enthusiasts: Before fully committing to the sauce, taste it after you’ve pureed it. If you desire more heat, gradually stir in cayenne pepper, 1/4 teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your preferred spice level. My partner and I enjoy a significant amount of heat, so we often add more, but the recipe as written provides a pleasant medium-to-mild warmth that’s enjoyable for most palates. Don’t be afraid to adjust it to your liking!
Essential Tools for Your Skillet Pie Success
Having the right kitchen tools can make all the difference in preparing this delicious skillet pie efficiently and effectively. Here are the must-haves for this recipe:
- Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: Essential for prepping all your vegetables and short ribs. A sharp knife makes the process safer and faster.
- Electric Pressure Cooker: This is the star for tenderizing the short ribs. My personal recommendation, after trying various models, is the Instant Pot Ultra. Its intuitive controls and consistent performance make cooking short ribs a breeze, transforming tough cuts into fork-tender perfection in a fraction of the traditional time.
- Nonstick Skillet: You’ll need this for sautéing the aromatic vegetables that form the base of your flavorful sauce. A good nonstick surface ensures even cooking and easy cleanup.
- Cast Iron Skillet (9-inch diameter): This is crucial for assembling and baking the pie. A well-seasoned cast iron skillet distributes heat beautifully, ensuring a golden, bubbly crust and a perfectly cooked interior. Its oven-safe nature makes it ideal for transitioning from stovetop to oven seamlessly. If you don’t have a cast iron, any oven-safe skillet of similar size will work.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Skillet Pie
Crafting this Short Rib Mexican Skillet Pie involves a few distinct stages, each contributing to the overall deliciousness. Follow these steps for a perfect result:
1. Prepare and Cook Short Ribs
The journey to fork-tender short ribs begins in your electric pressure cooker. First, sear the short ribs on all sides directly in the Instant Pot’s sauté function. This step is vital for developing a deep, rich flavor and a beautiful crust. Once browned, remove the ribs and then sauté your chosen aromatics, typically onions and garlic, until softened and fragrant. Deglaze the pot with a splash of liquid, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom – this adds immense flavor and prevents a “burn” notice. Return the seared short ribs to the pot along with the remaining ingredients for the braising liquid, which often includes chicken broth, chipotle peppers, and various spices. Cook on High manual pressure for 50 minutes. After cooking, allow for a natural pressure release for at least 10-15 minutes, or a full natural release, to ensure maximum tenderness. Once cool enough to handle, the short ribs should be so tender that they effortlessly shred with just two forks, creating the perfect meaty filling for your skillet pie.
2. Craft the Flavorful Sauce
The sauce is a cornerstone of this recipe, providing the moistness and a significant punch of flavor that ties everything together. It’s a rich blend typically featuring sautéed onions, garlic, a medley of aromatic spices (like cumin, chili powder, and oregano), chicken broth for savory depth, and fire-roasted tomatoes for a touch of acidity and sweetness. The process is straightforward: sauté your aromatics until fragrant, add the spices to bloom their flavors, then incorporate the liquids and tomatoes. Allow it to simmer gently on the stovetop for about 10-15 minutes, letting the flavors meld and deepen. Finally, for that signature smooth texture, transfer the sauce to a blender and puree it until silky smooth. This rich, savory, and subtly spicy sauce is what infuses every layer of the pie with incredible taste.
3. Assemble Your Skillet Pie
The assembly is where the magic truly comes together, creating a visually appealing and utterly delicious layered dish. Begin by lightly dipping corn or flour tortillas into the prepared sauce – this not only adds flavor but also keeps them pliable and moist during baking. Arrange a single layer of these sauce-dipped tortillas at the bottom of your chosen oven-safe skillet (a 9-inch cast iron skillet is highly recommended for its heat retention and even cooking). Over this base layer, generously spread a portion of the shredded chipotle short ribs, followed by a sprinkling of your favorite Mexican blend or Monterey Jack cheese, and then a drizzle of the spicy sauce. Repeat these layers until you’ve used up most of your ingredients, typically creating 2-3 substantial layers. The pie is then crowned with a final layer of sauce-dipped tortillas, more sauce, and a generous blanket of cheese, ensuring a beautifully golden and bubbly top when baked.
4. Bake to Perfection
With all the layers meticulously assembled, it’s time for the final transformation in the oven. Bake the skillet pie at a moderate temperature until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown around the edges. This baking process allows all the flavors to meld together, creating an incredibly rich and cohesive dish. The tortillas soften further, absorbing the savory sauce, and the cheese becomes wonderfully gooey and stretchy. Once out of the oven, allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing, which helps the layers set and makes for cleaner cuts.
5. Garnish and Serve
To elevate your Short Rib Mexican Skillet Pie, consider adding fresh, vibrant garnishes just before serving. A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro brightens the dish with its herbaceous notes. Crumbled cotija cheese adds a salty, tangy counterpoint, while diced avocado provides a creamy texture and a cooling element against the rich, spicy flavors. Sour cream or a dollop of Mexican crema also makes for a delightful topping. Serve alongside a simple green salad or a side of rice for a complete and utterly satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Short Rib Mexican Skillet Pie
- Unmatched Comfort: This dish is the quintessential comfort food, perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in.
- Rich, Deep Flavors: The combination of chipotle short ribs and a homemade spicy sauce creates an explosion of taste.
- Weeknight Friendly: Thanks to the Instant Pot and make-ahead options, it’s surprisingly accessible for busy schedules.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its hearty and flavorful nature makes it a guaranteed hit for gatherings and special occasions.
- Customizable Spice: Easily adjust the heat level to suit everyone’s preference.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This Short Rib Mexican Skillet Pie is just as delicious the next day! To store leftovers, allow the pie to cool completely, then cover the skillet tightly with foil or transfer individual slices to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm individual slices in the microwave, or for best results, reheat the entire skillet (covered with foil) in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. This helps maintain its wonderful texture.
Pin this Short Rib Mexican Skillet Pie recipe for later!
Don’t let this incredible recipe get lost! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board so you can easily find it whenever you’re craving a hearty, flavorful, and comforting meal. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or whenever you need a delicious pick-me-up.
Ready to try this amazing Short Rib Mexican Skillet Pie yourself? Check out the full recipe details below: