Name: Duck Shepherd's Pie
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American Wild Game
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground duck meat (mix of breast and leg); 3 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1/2 cup butter; 1/2 cup milk; 1 large onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 cup frozen peas; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 cup duck stock; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 egg, beaten

1Setup & Prepare

About This Recipe

Ground duck is simmered with vegetables in rich gravy then topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden. This comfort food classic transforms duck into family-friendly format while the crispy potato topping and savory filling create satisfying one-dish dining.

Cultural Context

This British-inspired comfort food demonstrates how duck can be used in traditional casserole preparations. The dish adapts shepherd's pie techniques to showcase duck's rich flavors while creating satisfying, economical meals that please all ages.

3Cooking Instructions

Potato Preparation: Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash with butter and milk. Season with salt and pepper.
Duck Browning: Brown ground duck in large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up clumps. Cook until no pink remains, about 8 minutes.
Vegetable Base: Add onion, carrots, and celery to duck. Cook until softened, about 8 minutes.
Aromatics: Add garlic and tomato paste, cooking 1 minute until fragrant.
Liquid Addition: Add stock, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Simmer until liquid reduces and thickens, about 10 minutes.
Pea Addition: Stir in frozen peas and cook 2 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper.
Assembly: Transfer duck mixture to buttered 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes, spreading evenly and creating decorative ridges.
Egg Wash: Brush potato topping with beaten egg for golden color.
Baking: Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Resting: Let rest 10 minutes before serving to allow layers to set.

4Chef's Notes & Pairings

Chef's Notes

The duck fat adds incredible richness to the base
Make sure the meat mixture isn't too wet
The egg wash creates beautiful golden color

Wine Pairing

Medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Côtes du Rhône - wines that complement the hearty, comfort-food nature of shepherd's pie.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving: 485 calories, 28g protein, 26g fat, 38g carbohydrates. Comfort food with premium waterfowl.

5Interactive Recipe Tools

Rate this recipe:

Cooking Timers

My Recipe Notes

More Mallard Duck Recipes

Classic Roasted Mallard with Orange Glaze

Recipe #41

Duck Breast with Cherry-Port Reduction

Recipe #42

Duck Confit with Herbs de Provence

Recipe #43

Asian-Style Duck Pancakes

Recipe #44

Duck Shepherd's Pie