The Outdoorsman's Kitchen: Moose Shepherd's Pie

Welcome to The Outdoorsman's Kitchen section of our blog. Unlike many recipe websites, we skip the lengthy backstories and get straight to the recipes you're here for. The Outdoorsman's Kitchen is dedicated to sharing recipes featuring game meat. This recipe, moose shepherd's pie.

This Rustic Moose Shepherd's Pie is a hearty and fulfilling dish. Featuring tender moose meat and a blanket of creamy mashed potatoes, this dish marries the wild essence of game with the familiarity of home cooking.

Prep time: 25 minutes

Cook time: 60 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 2 lbs ground moose meat

• 1 large onion, diced

• 2 carrots, peeled and diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup frozen peas

• 1 cup frozen corn

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 cup beef or game stock

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• ½ teaspoon thyme

• ½ teaspoon rosemary
  

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and quartered

• ½ cup milk (or more, as needed)

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 egg yolk (optional, for extra richness)
  

Instructions:

Preparing the Filling:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced onions and carrots, sautéing until the onions become translucent and the carrots start to soften, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Add the minced garlic and ground moose meat to the skillet. Cook, breaking the meat apart with a spoon, until the meat is browned and fully cooked through.

3. Sprinkle the flour over the meat and vegetables. Stir well to coat, cooking for another minute. This will help thicken the sauce.

4. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for a minute until the tomato paste darkens slightly.

5. Pour in the beef or game stock, mixing well. Bring the mixture to a slight boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.

6. Add the frozen peas and corn, mixing into the rest of the filling. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.
   

Preparing the Mashed Potatoes:

1. Boil the quartered potatoes in a large pot of salted water until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 20 minutes.

2. Drain the potatoes well, then return them to the pot or transfer to a mixing bowl.

3. Add the butter to the warm potatoes and mash until the butter has melted. Pour in the milk, continuing to mash until the potatoes are smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For an extra rich mash, stir in an egg yolk until well combined.
   

Assembling and Baking the Shepherd's Pie:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large baking dish, spread the moose meat filling in an even layer.

3. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the filling, using a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth it out. You can create peaks with a fork for a textured top that will brown nicely.

4. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the mashed potatoes are golden brown and the edges of the filling are bubbly.

5. Let the shepherd's pie rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
   

Enjoy this Rustic Moose Shepherd's Pie with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal that brings the taste of the wild into the warmth of your home.