Get ready to elevate your dinner game with a hearty twist on a classic favorite! This Instant Pot Venison Shepherd's Pie is not only a comforting dish that warms the soul, but it's also packed with rich flavors and wholesome ingredients that will leave your taste buds dancing. Imagine tender ground venison mingling with vibrant vegetables, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes, creating a symphony of taste in every bite. Perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests, this recipe is a must-try that will have everyone asking for seconds. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how easy it is to whip up this British classic in just one hour!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: British
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground venison
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the carrots and onions, and measure out the frozen peas, mashed potatoes, ground venison, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Set your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' mode. Allow it to heat up for a few minutes. Once hot, add the ground venison to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the venison is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- After the venison is browned, add the diced onions and carrots to the pot. Continue to sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, mixing well to combine with the meat and vegetables. Cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld.
- Pour in the beef broth and stir to deglaze the bottom of the pot, scraping up any browned bits. This will add flavor to the dish.
- Add the frozen peas to the pot and season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and ensure the valve is set to the sealing position. Select the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' setting and set the timer for 10 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure.
- After all the pressure has been released, open the lid and give the venison mixture a good stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Transfer the venison mixture to a baking dish or leave it in the Instant Pot if you prefer. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the venison mixture, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- If desired, you can use a fork to create texture on the surface of the mashed potatoes, which will help them brown nicely.
- To finish, you can either use the Instant Pot's 'Sauté' function to brown the top for a few minutes, or transfer the dish to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
- Once done, remove from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Venison Shepherd's Pie!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and measure out your ingredients before you start cooking. This will streamline the process and make it more enjoyable.
- Browning Matters: Don’t skip the sautéing step! Browning the venison not only enhances its flavor but also adds depth to the entire dish.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary when sautéing the vegetables. They pair beautifully with venison.
- Mashed Potato Mastery: Use creamy mashed potatoes for the topping. If you want a bit of a crunch, use a fork to create peaks on the surface before browning.
- Oven Finish: If you want a beautifully golden top, finish your shepherd's pie in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This step is key for that crispy texture!
- Leftover Love: This dish is perfect for leftovers! Store any extras in the fridge and simply reheat for a quick meal later in the week.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your shepherd's pie with a side salad or some crusty bread to round out the meal and impress your dinner guests.Enjoy your cooking adventure with this delicious Instant Pot Venison Shepherd's Pie!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 90mg
