Easy Ground Venison Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Introduction

This easy ground venison shepherd’s pie is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for chilly evenings. Ground venison adds rich, lean flavor, complemented by tender vegetables and a cheesy mashed potato topping. It’s a delicious twist on a classic favorite that’s simple to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 TBSP olive oil
• 1 TBSP salted butter
• 1 ½ cups diced white onion
• 1 TBSP minced garlic
• 2 pounds ground venison (thawed)
• 1 TBSP Kosher salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 2 TBSP cornstarch
• 2 cups beef stock
• 1 pound frozen pea and carrot blend
• 4 cups prepared mashed potatoes
• 1 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese (or ½ cup canister shaky cheese)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: In a heavy-bottomed shallow Dutch oven or large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Add diced onion and a pinch of Kosher salt, stirring to coat. Cook until onions start to become tender, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more. (If making mashed potatoes from scratch, start that process now.)
3. Step 3: Add ground venison and season with remaining Kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Brown the meat thoroughly, then stir in cornstarch.
4. Step 4: Pour in beef stock, stirring well to avoid lumps. Bring to a boil and cook until the liquid reduces to a silky gravy, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Step 5: Stir in the frozen peas and carrots; they will cook as the dish bakes.
6. Step 6: Mix 1 cup of parmesan cheese into the prepared mashed potatoes. Spread this cheesy mashed potato mixture evenly over the meat and vegetable filling.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Then broil on low for 6 minutes (or on high for 3 minutes if you prefer a more browned top). Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use ground beef or lamb instead of venison for a milder flavor.
• Add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the filling for extra aroma.
• For creamier mashed potatoes, stir in a bit of cream or sour cream before mixing with cheese.
• Use leftover roasted vegetables in place of the frozen peas and carrots for a seasonal twist.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, or use a microwave for quicker reheating, though the top may lose some crispness. This dish can also be frozen; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of venison?

Yes, ground beef or lamb can be used as a substitute if venison is not available. The flavor will be milder but still delicious.

Do I need to thaw the frozen peas and carrots before adding them?

No, you can add the frozen peas and carrots directly to the filling. They will cook through while the dish is baking.

Easy Ground Venison Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 132 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Easy Ground Venison Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender ground venison simmered in a rich beef gravy with peas and carrots, topped with creamy parmesan mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection. A perfect twist on the classic shepherd’s pie, it offers robust flavors and a satisfying texture that’s ideal for cozy dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 2 pounds ground venison (thawed)
• 1 ½ cups diced white onion
• 1 cup frozen pea and carrot blend (from the 1 pound frozen pea and carrot blend)
• Salted butter, 1 TBSP
• 1 TBSP olive oil

Seasonings and Thickeners

• 1 TBSP Kosher salt (divided)
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 TBSP minced garlic
• 2 TBSP cornstarch

Liquids and Dairy

• 2 cups beef stock
• 4 cups prepared mashed potatoes
• 1 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese (or ½ cup canister shaky cheese)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the shepherd’s pie.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a heavy bottomed shallow Dutch oven or large skillet over medium heat, melt the olive oil and butter. Add the diced onions with a pinch of Kosher salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions start to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Cook Venison and Season: Add the ground venison to the pan and season with the remaining Kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook the meat until browned and no longer pink. Once browned, sprinkle in the cornstarch and stir well to incorporate.
4. Add Beef Stock: Pour in the beef stock, stirring thoroughly to prevent lumps and to combine all ingredients evenly.
5. Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat slightly and cook to reduce the beef stock into a silky gravy, approximately 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Add Vegetables: Stir in the frozen peas and carrots directly into the meat mixture. These will cook with residual heat during baking.
7. Prepare Mashed Potato Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the shredded parmesan cheese into the prepared mashed potatoes until combined evenly.
8. Assemble Pie: Spread the parmesan-infused mashed potatoes evenly over the venison and vegetable filling in the Dutch oven or skillet.
9. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes allowing the flavors to meld and the topping to warm through.
10. Broil for Finish: After baking, switch the oven to broil on low and broil the shepherd’s pie for 6 minutes or on high for 3 minutes to achieve a golden, slightly crisp top. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
11. Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the shepherd’s pie to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the filling set.

Notes

• For best results, use freshly prepared mashed potatoes with parmesan blended in to create a creamy and flavorful topping.
• If using frozen peas and carrots, no need to thaw before adding—they will cook during baking and broiling.
• Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially the salt as parmesan cheese adds saltiness.
• Use a heavy-bottomed pan for even heat distribution to avoid burning the meat mixture.
• Watch the pie closely while broiling to prevent over-browning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: ground venison shepherd’s pie, venison recipe, easy shepherd’s pie, mashed potato topping, comfort food, savory pie