The Perfect Venison Steak Pie: Tender, Savoury & Wrapped in Golden Pastry

If you love hearty, comforting British food as much as we do here at Copas Farm Shop, then you’re going to adore this recipe for venison pie made with tender venison steak. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the wonderful flavour of our locally sourced venison, especially as the cooler months set in and you crave something warming and satisfying.

Venison is one of those special meats that really captures the essence of British countryside cooking. Traditionally, venison pies are made with tougher cuts like shoulder or neck, which benefit from long, slow cooking to become meltingly tender. However, venison steak, which is leaner and more tender, offers a brilliant alternative. It requires a gentler cooking approach, so the meat stays juicy and tender, while still soaking up all those rich, savoury flavours.

If you’ve ever been unsure about how to cook venison steak in a pie, don’t worry, I’m going to walk you through the process, step by step, to make sure your pie comes out perfect every time.

What You’ll Need

For this recipe, I use 600g of diced venison steak. The key is to brown the meat first, locking in flavour, then gently simmer it with classic pie vegetables - onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, alongside red wine and herbs for a rich, luscious filling. To top it all off, you’ll need some shortcrust or puff pastry, shop-bought works just fine if you’re short on time, but homemade is always delicious too.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Venison Steak Pie

1. Brown the Venison

   Start by tossing your diced venison steak in some seasoned plain flour. This helps thicken the filling later. Then heat a little oil in a pan and brown the meat in batches over medium-high heat. Browning is crucial as it seals in the flavour and gives your pie a beautiful depth.

2. Cook the Vegetables

   Once the venison is browned and set aside, add chopped onions, diced carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pan. Cook these gently until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. These vegetables form the backbone of your pie’s flavour.

1. Add Wine and Stock

   Next, stir in some tomato purée and Worcestershire sauce. Pour in a good splash of red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those tasty, browned bits from the bottom. Then add beef or game stock along with fresh thyme and bay leaves. These herbs bring out the lovely earthy notes in the venison.

1. Simmer Gently

   Return the browned venison to the pan and let everything simmer gently for around 30 to 45 minutes. Because venison steak is tender, it only needs this shorter cooking time to become tender without drying out. Keep an eye on it and avoid overcooking.

1. Cool the Filling

   Once the meat is cooked, remove the bay leaves and leave your filling to cool completely. This might seem like a small step, but it really helps prevent the pastry from becoming soggy when baking.

1. Assemble and Bake

   Line a pie dish with your pastry, spoon in the cooled filling, then cover with another layer of pastry. Seal the edges well, cut a small hole or slits for steam to escape, and brush the top with beaten egg to get a beautiful golden finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (180°C fan) for 30-40 minutes, until your pie is golden, crisp, and bubbling.

Serving Suggestions

Venison pie is classic comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings. I love serving mine with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered peas, or seasonal roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts. For an extra touch of indulgence, add a rich gravy or a spoonful of tangy redcurrant jelly, it complements the gamey flavours beautifully.

Why Copas Farm Shop Venison?

At Copas Farm Shop, we’re passionate about offering high-quality, ethically sourced, and locally reared venison. Our venison steak is expertly butchered and fresh, so you get the best possible flavour and texture in your cooking. Choosing local venison not only supports sustainable farming but also ensures you’re bringing the very best British game to your table.

Restaurant-Worthy Home-Made Pie

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s simple, satisfying, and showcases the wonderful flavour of venison steak, this pie is a winner. It’s a bit of classic British country cooking that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. I hope you give it a go and enjoy every delicious mouthful.

For all your venison needs and more fantastic local produce, don’t forget to visit us.  We’re here to help you bring the taste of the British countryside into your kitchen.

Happy cooking!