Mixed game casserole: a guide to rich winter flavour

A warming mixed-game casserole with mushrooms and stock, allowing for the different meats in each pack.

A mixed-game pack can contain several meats, so read its label before choosing a recipe. Different pieces vary in leanness and texture; a gentle casserole gives them a moist cooking environment and a savoury sauce.

Ingredients for two to three

Use 500g thawed diced game, one onion, one carrot, 150g mushrooms, two garlic cloves, 400ml suitable stock, one tablespoon tomato purée, a thyme sprig, a bay leaf and one tablespoon oil.

Check the pack for its exact species, allergens and storage instructions. Game can contain shot fragments; inspect carefully and make diners aware where applicable.

Build flavour

Heat the oven to 140°C fan or 160°C conventional. Brown the meat briefly in batches, then lift out. Soften chopped onion and carrot, add mushrooms, then garlic and tomato purée.

Pour in the stock, add herbs and return the meat. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and transfer to the oven.

Cook gently

Start checking around 1½ hours, allowing longer where the meat requires it. The mixture must be thoroughly cooked, particularly if it includes game birds. Check a safe temperature-time combination in the largest pieces and continue until the tougher pieces are tender.

Keep sufficient sauce in the pot. Add a little hot stock if the surface dries or the gravy reduces too far.

Serve thoughtfully

Remove the herb stalk and bay leaf, taste and adjust seasoning. Mash, barley or roast roots suit the rich sauce. Portion into shallow containers to cool leftovers promptly.

Do not assume all mixed-game packs will finish in exactly the same time. The label and the texture of the actual meat take priority over a fixed timer.

Explore the Malpas Farm Shop range
Mixed Diced British Game – 500g (Frozen)
https://www.malpasfarmshop.co.uk/product-page/mixed-diced-game-500g-frozen-product

Illustrative serving or preparation suggestion. Presentation and accompaniments may vary.