Ground venison offers a tasty and lean alternative to beef. It’s a versatile meat that works well in many recipes. Venison has a rich, earthy flavor that pairs nicely with autumn fruits and veggies.
You can use ground venison in classic dishes like chili, lasagna, and meatloaf. These 15 ground venison recipes will give you new ways to enjoy deer meat in your meals. From breakfast skillets to sloppy joes, there are options for every meal of the day. Try these recipes to make the most of your venison.
1. Venison Chili
Venison chili is a hearty dish that’s perfect for cold days. You’ll start by browning ground venison in a large pot with some oil. Add diced onions, peppers, and minced garlic to the pot.
Next, stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, and other spices. Pour in canned tomatoes and beans, then let the chili simmer. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will blend.
You can adjust the spiciness to your taste. Some recipes include cinnamon for extra depth. Serve your venison chili hot, topped with cheese or sour cream if you like.
2. Venison Meatballs
Venison meatballs are a tasty way to use ground deer meat. Mix venison with pork for added moisture and flavor. Combine the meats with egg, breadcrumbs, and seasonings like garlic, onion, and Italian herbs.
Form the mixture into small balls. You can bake them in the oven at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes. Or pan-fry them in olive oil until browned on all sides.
Serve your venison meatballs with pasta and tomato sauce for a classic meal. They’re also great in sandwiches or as appetizers with a dipping sauce. Try them in soups or on top of salads for a protein boost.
3. Venison Burgers
Venison burgers are a tasty way to use ground deer meat. To make them, mix the venison with bacon or butter for added fat. This keeps the burgers juicy.
Add flavor with onion, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. An egg helps bind the meat together. Form the mixture into patties.
Cook venison burgers on a grill, stovetop, or smoker. Grill or pan-fry them over medium-high heat. In a smoker, cook them at a lower temperature for longer.
Don’t overcook venison burgers. They’re best served medium, with a slightly pink center. Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.
4. Ground Venison Tacos
Ground venison tacos are a tasty way to enjoy deer meat. Start by heating oil in a pan and sautéing onions until soft. Add the ground venison and cook until browned.
Season the meat with a mix of chili powder, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. This blend gives the venison a classic taco flavor.
Serve the cooked meat in taco shells with your favorite toppings. Try shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream.
These tacos are quick to make and perfect for weeknight dinners. They’re also a great introduction to venison for those new to eating deer meat.
5. Venison Shepherd’s Pie
Venison shepherd’s pie is a tasty twist on the classic comfort food. You’ll love this hearty dish made with ground venison instead of lamb or beef.
To make it, brown the venison in a skillet with onions, carrots, and garlic. Add some herbs and beef broth for extra flavor.
Top the meat mixture with creamy mashed potatoes. Bake until the potatoes are golden brown on top.
This recipe is perfect for using up ground venison from your freezer. It’s filling, nutritious, and easy to make for a family dinner.
6. Venison Stuffed Peppers
Venison stuffed peppers make a tasty and filling meal. To make them, brown ground venison in a skillet with onions and garlic. Mix in some rice, tomato sauce, and spices.
Cut the tops off bell peppers and remove the seeds. Stuff the peppers with the venison mixture. Top with cheese if you like.
Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish. Cook them in the oven at 375°F for about 30 minutes. The peppers will soften and the cheese will melt.
You can customize these stuffed peppers with different seasonings or add-ins. Try Italian herbs or taco seasoning for variety.
7. Venison Lasagna
Venison lasagna offers a tasty twist on the classic Italian dish. Ground venison replaces beef, adding a rich, lean flavor to the layers.
Start by browning the venison with onions and garlic. Add tomato sauce and simmer to create a flavorful meat sauce.
Layer the sauce with lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella. Repeat the layers, ending with cheese on top.
Bake the lasagna until it’s hot and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This hearty meal is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
You can customize your venison lasagna with herbs like basil or oregano. Some recipes include vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
8. Venison Sloppy Joes
Venison sloppy joes offer a tasty twist on the classic sandwich. To make them, start by browning ground venison in a skillet. Add diced onions, peppers, and garlic for extra flavor.
Mix in ketchup, sugar, and spices to create a sweet and tangy sauce. Let the mixture simmer until it thickens. This process helps blend the flavors and tenderize the meat.
Serve your venison sloppy joes on toasted buns. You can top them with cheese or pickles if you like. This dish is perfect for quick weeknight meals or summer picnics.
Venison sloppy joes are a great way to use ground deer meat. They’re easy to make and sure to please both kids and adults.
9. Venison Bolognese
Venison bolognese is a tasty twist on the classic Italian meat sauce. You can make this rich and flavorful dish using ground deer meat instead of beef.
To create venison bolognese, start by browning the ground venison with onions, carrots, and celery. Add tomatoes, broth, and wine for depth of flavor.
Let the sauce simmer gently for a few hours to develop its delicious taste. The long cooking time helps tenderize the venison and blend all the flavors.
Serve your venison bolognese over pasta like pappardelle or your favorite noodles. This hearty sauce is perfect for a comforting meal, especially on chilly evenings.
10. Venison Stroganoff
Venison stroganoff is a tasty twist on the classic beef dish. You can make it with ground venison for a quick and easy meal.
Start by cooking the ground venison in a skillet. Add onions, garlic, and mushrooms for extra flavor.
Mix in some flour to thicken the sauce. Then pour in beef broth, cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
Serve your stroganoff over egg noodles or rice. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
11. Venison Enchiladas
Venison enchiladas are a tasty way to use ground deer meat. You’ll need tortillas, cheese, spices, beans, and enchilada sauce along with your venison.
This dish is easy to make and perfect for family dinners. The ground venison adds a rich flavor to the classic Mexican recipe.
You can top your enchiladas with a red chile sauce or Tex-Mex chili gravy. Both options complement the venison well.
For a quick meal, try using canned venison. It speeds up prep time on busy nights.
Pair your venison enchiladas with rice and beans for a complete meal. Your family will love this flavorful twist on a restaurant favorite.
12. Venison Meatloaf
Venison meatloaf is a tasty way to use ground deer meat. You can make it by mixing venison with onions, garlic, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Sauté onions and garlic in a pan before adding them to the meat mixture. This helps bring out their flavors.
Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a baking dish. Top it with a simple glaze made from ketchup or tomato sauce. Bake for about an hour until cooked through.
Venison meatloaf is a filling meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Serve it with mashed potatoes and green vegetables for a complete dinner.
13. Venison Cabbage Rolls
Venison cabbage rolls are a tasty way to use ground venison. You’ll need cabbage leaves, ground venison, rice, and seasonings.
Mix the venison with cooked rice, onions, and spices. Wrap this mixture in softened cabbage leaves.
Place the rolls in a baking dish. Pour a tomato-based sauce over them. The sauce often includes stock, crushed tomatoes, and vinegar for tang.
Bake the rolls until the cabbage is tender and the meat is cooked through. These hearty rolls make a filling meal perfect for cool evenings.
14. Venison Stir Fry
Venison stir fry is a quick and tasty way to use ground venison. It’s packed with flavor and ready in minutes.
Start by heating oil in a wok or large pan. Add minced garlic and ginger for a burst of aroma. Toss in your ground venison and cook until browned.
Next, add your choice of veggies. Bell peppers, broccoli, and onions work great. Stir fry everything together for a few minutes.
For sauce, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of honey. Pour it over your stir fry and let it simmer briefly. The result is a savory, slightly sweet dish that’s sure to please.
Serve your venison stir fry over rice or noodles for a complete meal. It’s an easy way to enjoy venison with a Asian-inspired twist.
15. Venison Breakfast Sausage
Venison breakfast sausage is a tasty way to use ground deer meat. You can make it at home with a few simple ingredients. Mix ground venison with pork fat, salt, pepper, and spices like sage and thyme.
Form the mixture into patties or stuff it into casings. Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. It’s great with eggs and toast for a hearty breakfast.
You can make a big batch and freeze some for later. Venison sausage is leaner than pork sausage, making it a healthier choice. Try adding maple syrup or apple for a touch of sweetness.
Nutritional Benefits of Ground Venison
Ground venison offers many health advantages. It’s a lean meat packed with essential nutrients that can boost your diet.
High Protein Content
Ground venison is an excellent source of protein. A 3-ounce serving gives you about 26 grams of protein. This is more than beef or pork offer for the same amount.
Protein helps build and repair your muscles. It also keeps you full longer, which can help with weight control.
Your body uses protein to make enzymes, hormones, and other important chemicals. Eating enough protein is key for a healthy immune system too.
Low Fat and Cholesterol Levels
Ground venison has less fat than many other meats. A 3-ounce serving has only about 2 grams of fat. This is much less than beef, which can have 15-20 grams.
The low fat content makes venison a good choice if you’re watching your weight. It can also help lower your risk of heart disease.
Venison is also low in cholesterol. This can be good for your heart health when eaten as part of a balanced diet.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Ground venison is packed with vitamins and minerals. It’s a great source of B vitamins, which help your body turn food into energy.
Iron is another key nutrient in venison. Your body needs iron to make hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in your blood.
Venison also provides zinc, which supports your immune system. It contains selenium too, an important antioxidant that protects your cells.
Adding ground venison to your meals can boost your intake of these vital nutrients. This can help improve your overall health and well-being.
Cooking Techniques for Ground Venison
Ground venison can be cooked in many ways. These methods bring out its rich flavor while keeping it moist and tender.
Slow Cooking
Slow cooking is great for ground venison. Put the meat in a slow cooker with veggies and broth. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. This makes the venison very tender.
You can make chili, stews, or sauces this way. Add spices like garlic, onion, and herbs. The long cook time lets flavors blend well.
Slow cooking also works for meatballs. Mix the ground venison with breadcrumbs and egg. Form into balls. Place in the slow cooker with sauce. Cook for 4-6 hours on low.
Grilling
Grilling gives ground venison a smoky taste. Make patties about 1/2 inch thick. Don’t pack them too tight.
Oil the grill grates. Cook patties over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side. Don’t overcook, as venison can dry out fast.
You can also make venison burgers. Mix in some pork fat for moisture. Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Grill until they reach 160°F inside.
Kebabs are another tasty option. Mix ground venison with spices and form around skewers. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning often.
Pan Frying
Pan frying is quick and easy. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil.
Brown the ground venison, breaking it up as it cooks. It takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
You can use this meat in tacos, spaghetti sauce, or casseroles. Add onions and garlic for extra flavor.
For meatloaf, mix ground venison with eggs, breadcrumbs, and spices. Form into a loaf. Pan fry on all sides to brown. Then bake in the oven to finish cooking.