Hearty Elk Shepherd's Pie

Indulge in this comforting Elk Shepherd's Pie, where tender, seasoned elk meat mingles with vibrant vegetables in a rich gravy, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection. This wholesome dish is perfect for chilly evenings, bringing warmth and flavors from the wild into your home.
ingredients
- 1 lb ground elk meat
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared with butter and cream)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Olive oil, for cooking
steps
- 1.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 2.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
- 3.
Add ground elk meat to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
- 4.
Stir in carrots, peas, and mushrooms; cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- 5.
Stir in beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- 6.
Transfer the elk mixture to a baking dish.
- 7.
Spread mashed potatoes over the meat mixture evenly. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- 8.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
- 9.
Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!