Ground venison is a tasty and healthy meat option for home cooks. It’s lean, full of flavor, and can be used in many different recipes.

If you have some ground venison in your freezer, you might be looking for new ways to prepare it.

This article will give you over 15 tasty ground venison recipes to try. You’ll find ideas for burgers, meatballs, chili, and more.

These recipes will help you turn your venison into delicious meals that your family will love. Whether you’re new to cooking with venison or a seasoned pro, you’ll find some great options here.

1. Venison Bolognese

Venison Bolognese puts a tasty spin on the classic Italian meat sauce. You’ll love this leaner version made with ground venison instead of beef.

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery.

Cook until they soften, about 5-7 minutes.

Next, add the ground venison and cook until browned. Mix in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and your choice of broth or wine.

Let the sauce simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld. The result is a rich, creamy sauce perfect for topping pasta or polenta.

2. Spicy Venison Tacos

Spicy venison tacos are a tasty way to use ground deer meat. Start by heating oil in a pan and sautéing onions until they’re see-through.

Add the ground venison and cook it until it’s brown. Mix in chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano for flavor.

Toss in some diced tomatoes with peppers for extra kick.

Warm up your taco shells and fill them with the spicy venison mixture. Top with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime juice.

These tacos pack a punch and are ready in about 30 minutes. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or game day snack.

3. Venison Chili

Venison chili is a tasty way to use ground deer meat. It’s perfect for cold nights and easy to make.

Start by browning the venison in a big pot. Add chopped onions and peppers, then cook until soft.

Mix in garlic, chili powder, cumin, and other spices. Pour in canned tomatoes and beans.

Let it simmer for an hour or two.

Some recipes add a secret touch like cinnamon or coffee. You can adjust the spice level to your liking.

Serve your chili hot with toppings like cheese, sour cream, or green onions. It’s even better the next day as leftovers.

4. Stuffed Peppers with Venison

Stuffed peppers with venison offer a tasty twist on a classic dish. You’ll need bell peppers, ground venison, rice, and seasonings.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds.

In a skillet, brown the venison with diced onions.

Mix the cooked venison with rice, cheese, and spices like garlic powder and black pepper. Stuff this mixture into the peppers.

Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish. Add some cream or broth to the bottom of the dish.

Bake for about 30-40 minutes until the peppers are tender.

These venison-stuffed peppers make a hearty and flavorful meal. You can customize the filling with your favorite ingredients.

5. Venison Meatloaf

Venison meatloaf is a tasty way to use ground deer meat. You can make it by mixing venison with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings.

For extra flavor, add ingredients like onions, garlic, and herbs. Some recipes include nuts or cheese for texture and taste.

To keep the meatloaf moist, you can wrap it in bacon or add a glaze. Bake it in the oven until it reaches 160°F inside.

Let the meatloaf rest before slicing. This helps it hold together better. Serve it with mashed potatoes or your favorite sides for a filling meal.

6. Venison Shepherd’s Pie

Venison shepherd’s pie is a hearty dish that puts a wild game twist on a classic comfort food. You’ll love this rich and savory meal.

Start by browning ground venison in a pan with oil. Add vegetables like carrots, peas, and onions for flavor and texture.

Create a gravy using beef or venison stock, red wine, and seasonings. Mix this with the meat and veggies.

Top the mixture with creamy mashed potatoes and bake until golden. The result is a delicious blend of flavors and textures.

This dish is perfect for using up ground venison and feeding a hungry crowd. It’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

7. Venison Stroganoff

Venison stroganoff is a tasty way to use ground venison. This dish combines the rich flavor of venison with a creamy mushroom sauce.

To make it, cook ground venison in a skillet. Add onions and mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.

Stir in sour cream and beef broth to create a creamy sauce.

Serve your venison stroganoff over egg noodles or rice. It’s a filling meal that comes together quickly. You can have it ready in about 30 minutes.

This recipe is great for using up extra ground venison. It’s also a good choice when you want a comforting dinner on a cold night.

8. Venison Meatballs

Venison meatballs are a tasty way to use ground venison. They’re easy to make and full of flavor. You can serve them with pasta, in sandwiches, or as part of a stew.

To make venison meatballs, mix ground venison with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings.

Garlic, onion, and herbs like parsley add great taste. Form the mixture into small balls.

You can bake the meatballs in the oven at 375°F for about 20 minutes. Or, cook them in a skillet with some oil. Serve your meatballs with your favorite sauce or gravy.

Try adding venison meatballs to your next pasta dish or make them the star of a hearty sub sandwich. They’re a great choice for quick meals or party appetizers.

9. Venison Lasagna

Venison lasagna is a tasty twist on the classic Italian dish. It uses ground deer meat instead of beef, giving it a rich, unique flavor.

To make it, layer lasagna noodles with a venison meat sauce and cheese. The meat sauce combines ground venison, onions, garlic, and tomatoes.

Add herbs like basil and oregano for extra flavor.

You can use regular mozzarella or try a mix of cheeses. Some recipes add bacon for extra richness. Assemble the layers and bake until bubbly and golden.

Venison lasagna is a great way to use up ground deer meat. It’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Serve it with a salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

10. Venison Sloppy Joes

Venison sloppy joes offer a tasty twist on the classic sandwich. You can make this meal in under 30 minutes using ground venison.

Start by browning the venison in a skillet. Add diced onions and minced garlic for extra flavor.

Mix in tomato sauce, ketchup, and seasonings like Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar.

Let the mixture simmer until it thickens. Serve the saucy venison on toasted buns for a satisfying meal. This recipe is great for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

You can adjust the sweetness and spice levels to suit your taste. Pair it with coleslaw or potato chips for a complete dinner.

11. Venison Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Venison stuffed zucchini boats are a tasty way to use ground deer meat. Start by cutting zucchinis in half lengthwise and scooping out the insides.

Brown the venison in a pan with onions, garlic, and spices. Mix in some of the scooped-out zucchini flesh.

Fill the zucchini halves with the meat mixture. Top with cheese if you like. Bake the stuffed boats until the zucchini is tender.

This dish combines lean protein with vegetables for a balanced meal. You can customize the seasonings to suit your taste. It’s a great option for using up extra zucchini from your garden too.

12. Venison Empanadas

Venison empanadas are a tasty twist on a classic Latin American dish. You can make these savory pastries using ground venison, spices, and vegetables.

Start by cooking ground venison with onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Add cumin, paprika, and chili powder for flavor. Let the mixture cool before filling.

Use premade empanada dough discs or make your own. Place a spoonful of the venison mixture in the center of each disc. Fold and seal the edges.

Bake the empanadas in a preheated oven until golden brown. Serve them hot as appetizers or a main course. These handheld treats are perfect for parties or game day snacks.

13. Venison Kebabs

Venison kebabs are a tasty way to use ground venison. Mix the meat with spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic for extra flavor. Form the seasoned meat around skewers into long, thin shapes.

Grill the kebabs over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes. Turn them often to cook evenly on all sides. Baste with a marinade or sauce while cooking to keep them moist.

Serve your venison kebabs with a cool yogurt sauce. Mix grated cucumber, mint, and lemon juice into plain yogurt. This refreshing dip balances the rich meat flavor.

Try pairing the kebabs with grilled vegetables or a simple salad. They’re perfect for summer cookouts or quick weeknight dinners.

14. Venison Sausage Patties

Venison sausage patties are a tasty breakfast treat. You can make them with ground venison and some pork fat for moisture.

Mix in spices like sage, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add a touch of maple syrup for sweetness.

Form the mixture into small patties. Cook them in a hot skillet until browned on both sides.

Serve your venison sausage patties with eggs and toast. They’re also great on biscuits or with pancakes.

You can make a big batch and freeze extras for quick meals later. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to eat.

15. Venison Burgers

Venison burgers are a tasty way to use ground deer meat. They’re lean and packed with flavor. To make them juicy, mix in some bacon or pork fat.

Season your burgers with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can add onion powder or Worcestershire sauce for extra taste. Form the meat into patties and cook them on a hot grill or skillet.

Don’t overcook venison burgers. They’re best served medium-rare to medium. Top them with cheese, mushrooms, or caramelized onions for a delicious meal.

Serve your venison burgers on toasted buns with your favorite toppings. They’re great with a side of fries or a fresh salad.

Nutritional Benefits of Ground Venison

Ground venison packs a powerful nutritional punch. It offers a lean protein option with several health advantages over other meats.

Low Fat Content

Ground venison has very little fat. A 3-ounce serving contains only about 3 grams of fat. This makes it much leaner than beef or pork. The low fat content helps you cut calories and manage your weight.

Venison fat is also healthier than fat from farm-raised animals. It has more omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your heart. The meat’s low saturated fat content may help lower bad cholesterol levels.

Despite being low in fat, ground venison still tastes rich and flavorful. You can use it in place of fattier meats in many recipes without sacrificing taste.

High Protein Levels

Ground venison is an excellent source of protein. A 3-ounce serving provides about 26 grams of high-quality protein. This is more than beef, pork, or chicken offer.

Protein helps you build and repair muscles. It also keeps you feeling full longer, which can help with weight control. The amino acids in venison support many body functions.

Venison protein is complete, meaning it has all nine essential amino acids your body needs. It’s also easy for your body to use. This makes ground venison a great choice for athletes and active people.

Preparing Ground Venison for Cooking

Getting ground venison ready for cooking is key to tasty meals. The right prep makes the meat flavorful and tender. Defrosting and seasoning are two important steps.

Defrosting Tips

Take ground venison out of the freezer 24 hours before cooking. Put it on a plate in the fridge to thaw slowly.

This keeps the meat safe and preserves quality.

For faster thawing, use cold water. Keep the venison in its packaging.

Place it in a bowl of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes.

Cook right away after thawing.

Never thaw on the counter. This can let harmful bacteria grow.

Avoid using hot water or a microwave. These methods can start cooking the meat unevenly.

Seasoning Suggestions

Season ground venison to enhance its flavor.

Salt and pepper are basics. Add them just before cooking for the best taste.

Try garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs. These boost flavor without overpowering the meat.

Paprika adds color and a mild, sweet taste.

For burgers, mix in finely chopped onions or mushrooms. This adds moisture and flavor.

A splash of Worcestershire sauce gives a savory kick.

Experiment with spice blends.

Italian seasoning works well for pasta dishes. Taco seasoning is perfect for Mexican-inspired meals.