Elk Shepherd's Pie

Chili sauce, especially if it is Peter's Home-Made Chili Sauce, gives this version of an old standard a unique flavour that can't be beat. Top browning makes it even more delicious. This recipe can be made up and refrigerated a day or two in advance of cooking. It also freezes well.

Use individual casserole dishes (2 1/4 to 2 1/2 cup capacity) like the one shown in our photograph, or one shallow casserole dish with a 5 quart capacity.



Ingredients

2 tbsp canola oil
2 lbs ground elk
4 medium sized cooking onions, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp dried ground thyme
5 tbsp flour
1 10oz can of consomme or beef broth (do not dilute)
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 cup chili sauce Peter's Home-Made Chili Sauce preferred
4 carrots, diced into 1/4 inch cubes
5 lbs potatoes
2 tbsp butter
1 egg, beaten
1 tbsp milk (additional if required)
6 oz grated old white cheddar cheese
4 tbsp Parmesan cheese
5 tbsp bread crumbs

Method

In a large saucepan, add 1 tbsp canola oil and cook ground elk over medium-high heat until completely brown.
Remove cooked meat from saucepan and set aside.

Wipe pan with paper towel.
Add remaining canola oil and saute onions and garlic over medium heat until the onions begin to soften.
Do not brown!
Return cooked elk to pan.

Blend in salt, pepper, thyme, and flour until well combined.
Gradually blend in consomme/beef broth.
Add Worcestershire sauce, chili sauce, and diced carrots.
Cook stirring often until mixture thickens to desired consistency.
This usually takes about 10 minutes.
Remove saucepan from heat and allow meat mixture to cool to about room temperature.
Spoon cooled meat mixture into serving container(s).

Mash 5 lbs of boiled potatoes with butter.
Add beaten egg combined with 1 tbsp of milk.
Combine well, and then blend in shredded cheddar cheese.
Potato topping should be very thick - only add additional milk to potato blend if necessary.
Evenly spoon potato topping over meat mixture in serving container(s).
Combine Parmesan cheese with breadcrumbs and sprinkle over the top.

Bake uncovered in 325-350F oven for 45-60 minutes.

TO SERVE THE SAME DAY

Use broiler to brown top if necessary.
Serve with a side of baby green salad and additional chili sauce if so desired.

TO FREEZE & REHEAT

Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature.
Cover tightly with foil.
May be frozen for up to 2 months.
To reheat, bake the frozen foil covered casserole in a 425F oven for 60-75 minutes.
Remove foil for last 15 minutes to brown top.