Comforting Venison Shepherd’s Pie with Frozen Mixed Veggies

Looking for a hearty, budget-friendly dinner that the whole family will love? This Venison Shepherd’s Pie is a cozy twist on a classic comfort food, made with ground deer meat, frozen mixed vegetables, instant mashed potatoes, and a flavorful blend of onion soup mix and cream of mushroom soup. Topped with melty shredded cheese, this one-dish meal is a great way to stretch your venison and get dinner on the table fast, no fancy ingredients or complicated prep required!

Whether you're stocking your freezer with wild game or just looking for a way to feed your family on a tight budget, this recipe is a winner. It's perfect for meal prepping, freezer meals, or just using up what you already have on hand.

🦌 Why You’ll Love This Venison Shepherd’s Pie

Easy and budget-friendly: Uses pantry and freezer staples.
Perfect for wild game lovers: A delicious way to use ground deer meat.
One-dish wonder: Meat, veggies, and potatoes all in one pan.
Freezer-friendly: Make ahead and bake later.
Family-approved: Even picky eaters love it!

📝 Ingredients

1 lb. ground venison (deer meat)
1 (1 oz) packet onion soup mix
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1 (12–16 oz) bag frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, green beans)
4 cups prepared instant mashed potatoes (made according to box instructions)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: garlic powder, onion powder, or Worcestershire sauce for added flavor

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Venison

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground venison until browned and no longer pink. If there is excess grease (which is rare with venison), drain it off.

🔪 Tip: Because venison is very lean, you can add a tablespoon of oil or butter if it sticks too much.

Step 3: Season the Meat

Add the onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and frozen mixed veggies to the skillet with the cooked venison. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes until heated through and well combined. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional spices to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Pour the venison and veggie mixture into the bottom of your greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.

Top the mixture with the prepared instant mashed potatoes, spreading them evenly to cover the entire surface. Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top.

Step 5: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden.

Step 6: Serve

Let cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Pair with warm rolls or a side salad for a full meal!

🧊 Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

This Venison Shepherd’s Pie is perfect for meal prepping!

Make-Ahead: Assemble the entire dish, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.

To Freeze: Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze unbaked. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

To Reheat: Microwave leftovers in individual portions or reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

🥘 Variations and Substitutions

No venison? Ground beef, turkey, or elk work great too.
Add gravy: Replace cream of mushroom with a can of brown gravy or make your own with beef broth and flour.
Make it cheesy: Stir in extra shredded cheese to the mashed potatoes before topping.
Veggie swap: Use canned veggies if that’s what you have, just drain them first.

👪 What to Serve with Venison Shepherd’s Pie

This dish is a full meal on its own, but here are a few easy side ideas:

Buttery dinner rolls
Canned green beans with bacon
A simple garden salad
Applesauce (kids love it!)

💡 Leftover Ideas

Turn leftovers into:

Shepherd’s Pie Muffin Cups – Scoop into muffin tins and bake for on-the-go portions.
Savory hand pies – Wrap leftovers in crescent dough or biscuit dough and bake!

📌 Final Thoughts

Venison Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting, satisfying dinner that uses up what you already have and fills bellies without breaking the bank. With just a few ingredients like frozen vegetables, onion soup mix, cream of mushroom, and instant mashed potatoes, you can turn wild game into a family-favorite casserole that tastes like home.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, cold evenings, or anytime you need a little comfort food made easy. Don’t forget to pin it for later!

📌 Save this recipe for later!

Follow me on Pinterest for more family-friendly meals, budget dinners, and cozy casseroles!

Written by Diana Chastain from Nanny to Mommy

Nanny to Mommy