Hearty Venison Shepherd's Pie

A Perfect Post-Hunt Meal

For all the deer hunters out there, you've just returned home after a successful day in the woods. You’ve put in the hard work, and now it’s time to treat yourself and your hunting crew to a meal that honors your harvest. Skip the usual venison stew or chili, and try something a little more comforting—a Venison Shepherd's Pie.

This dish is a hearty, satisfying meal that's perfect for recharging after a long day in the field. The best part? It’s easy to make, filling, and showcases your venison in a rich, flavorful way.

Ingredients:

For the meat filling:

• 1 lb ground venison
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 cup beef or venison broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the mashed potato topping:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup milk (or more as needed for consistency)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but delicious)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the potatoes: Start by boiling the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Once cooked, drain the water and mash the potatoes with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2. Cook the venison: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the garlic and carrots, cooking for another 5 minutes. Once the vegetables are softened, stir in the ground venison, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
3. Build the filling: Once the venison is browned, stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Let everything cook together for another minute before adding the broth. Simmer the mixture until it thickens slightly, about 10 minutes. Stir in the frozen peas at the end and remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the venison mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with a generous layer of mashed potatoes, spreading them out evenly with a spatula. If you want an extra treat, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top for a golden, cheesy crust.
5. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned, and the filling is bubbling around the edges. If you want the mashed potatoes to get extra crispy, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve and enjoy: Once baked, let the shepherd's pie cool slightly before serving. Dig in and enjoy the fruits of your hunt, with each bite combining savory venison and creamy mashed potatoes.

This Venison Shepherd’s Pie is a perfect way to refuel after a day spent tracking deer. It's an easy-to-make dish that transforms your venison into a hearty, delicious meal. Whether you're feeding the family or sharing it with your hunting buddies, this meal will quickly become a favorite. Plus, it's versatile—feel free to swap out vegetables or spices based on what you have on hand.

Enjoy, and happy hunting! For more recipes or local hunting info, contact Tennessee Real Properties at (931) 248-6785.