Ground venison is a tasty and healthy meat option. It’s lean, packed with protein, and can be used in many dishes.
If you have some ground venison in your freezer, you might be looking for new ways to cook it.
These ground venison recipes will give you lots of ideas for your next meal. You’ll find options for burgers, chili, meatballs, and more.
Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty weekend meal, there’s a recipe here for you. Try these dishes to make the most of your venison.
1. Venison Chili
Venison chili is a popular way to use ground venison. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make.
You can start by browning the venison in a large pot. Add onions, peppers, and garlic for extra flavor.
Mix in your favorite chili spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Pour in some beer to deglaze the pan and add depth.
Canned beans work great in venison chili. Try a mix of chili beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans.
Let the chili simmer until the flavors meld. Top with cheese, sour cream, and green onions before serving.
2. Ground Venison Tacos
Ground venison tacos are a tasty way to use wild game meat.
Start by heating oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and cook until soft.
Next, add the ground venison and brown it well. Break it into small crumbles as it cooks. This takes about 8 minutes.
Mix in taco seasoning and a splash of water. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
Serve the meat in taco shells with your favorite toppings.
Try shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream. You can also add avocado or salsa for extra flavor. These tacos make a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
3. Venison Meatballs
Venison meatballs are a tasty way to use ground deer meat. You can make them easily at home with a few simple ingredients.
Mix ground venison with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings. Form the mixture into small balls.
You can bake them in the oven or cook them in a skillet.
Try adding minced onion and garlic for extra flavor. Some recipes suggest mixing in a bit of ground pork to keep the meatballs moist.
Serve your venison meatballs with pasta, as an appetizer, or in sandwiches. They’re versatile and delicious no matter how you enjoy them.
4. Venison Burger Patties
Venison burger patties are a tasty way to use ground deer meat. To make them, mix the venison with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings. Shape the mixture into patties about 1 inch thick.
You can add flavor with Worcestershire sauce, garlic, or herbs like rosemary.
Cook the patties on a grill or in a skillet until they reach 140-145°F inside. Let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Serve your venison burgers on buns with toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, and cheese. These burgers are juicy and flavorful when cooked properly. They’re a great option for using up extra ground venison from your freezer.
5. Venison Shepherd’s Pie
Venison shepherd’s pie is a tasty twist on the classic comfort food. It uses ground venison instead of lamb or beef for a leaner, more flavorful dish.
To make it, brown the venison in a pan with oil. Add veggies like carrots, peas, and onions. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
Make a gravy using broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this mixture over the meat and veggies in a baking dish.
Top it with creamy mashed potatoes and bake until golden. The result is a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for cold evenings.
6. Stuffed Bell Peppers with Venison
Stuffed bell peppers with venison offer a tasty twist on a classic dish. You’ll need ground venison, bell peppers, rice, and some basic seasonings.
Start by cooking the venison in a skillet until browned. Mix in cooked rice, salt, and pepper.
Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds.
Stuff the peppers with the venison mixture. Place them in a baking dish and cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes.
For extra flavor, try adding tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, or spices like paprika and garlic powder to the filling. You can also top the peppers with cheese before baking for a gooey finish.
7. Venison Lasagna
Venison lasagna is a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish. It uses ground deer meat instead of beef, giving it a unique flavor.
To make venison lasagna, brown the ground venison with some bacon for extra richness. Add tomato sauce and Italian herbs like basil and oregano.
Layer the meat sauce with lasagna noodles and a mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat the layers until you reach the top of your baking dish.
Bake the lasagna in a 375°F oven until it’s hot and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This hearty meal is perfect for using up extra venison.
8. Spaghetti with Venison Bolognese
Venison Bolognese is a rich and hearty pasta sauce perfect for cold evenings. To make it, brown ground venison in a large pot over medium heat.
Add diced onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables soften.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and your favorite Italian herbs and spices.
Let the sauce simmer gently for a few hours to develop deep flavors. The long cooking time helps tenderize the lean venison.
Serve your homemade Bolognese over al dente spaghetti noodles. Top with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra savory touch. This comforting meal will warm you up from the inside out.
9. Venison Lettuce Wraps
Venison lettuce wraps offer a light and tasty way to enjoy ground venison. To make them, brown the venison in a skillet with oil, onions, and garlic.
Add seasonings like salt and garlic powder to enhance the flavor. The lean nature of venison means you likely won’t need to drain any excess fat.
Serve the cooked venison in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. You can add toppings like diced vegetables or a sauce of your choice.
For a heartier meal, pair the wraps with rice cooked in coconut milk. This combination provides a filling and flavorful dinner option your family will enjoy.
10. Venison Enchiladas
Venison enchiladas offer a tasty twist on a classic Mexican dish. You can use ground venison to create a flavorful filling.
Brown the venison in a pan with spices like cumin, oregano, and chili powder. Add diced onions for extra flavor.
Wrap the seasoned meat in corn tortillas and place in a baking dish. Pour enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese.
Bake the enchiladas at 350°F until the cheese melts and bubbles. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, cilantro, or avocado.
This recipe works well for using up extra ground venison. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to make for family dinners.
11. Venison Curry
Venison curry offers a tasty way to use ground venison. You can create a flavorful dish by combining the meat with curry spices and other ingredients.
Start by browning the ground venison in a pan. Add diced onions, garlic, and ginger for extra flavor.
Stir in curry powder, turmeric, and other spices you enjoy.
Pour in coconut milk or beef broth to create a sauce. Let the curry simmer until the meat is tender and the flavors blend.
You can add vegetables like potatoes or carrots for a heartier meal.
Serve your venison curry over rice. Top with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added freshness.
12. 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.
The rich, gamey flavor of venison pairs well with mushrooms and onions.
To make venison stroganoff, cook ground venison with onions and mushrooms in a skillet. Add sour cream and beef broth to create a creamy sauce. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for extra flavor.
Serve your venison stroganoff over egg noodles or rice. It’s ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. This hearty dish is sure to satisfy your hunger and warm you up on cold evenings.
13. Ground Venison Stuffed Mushrooms
Ground venison stuffed mushrooms are a tasty appetizer that’s easy to make. You’ll need mushrooms, ground venison, and a few other ingredients.
Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems. Chop the stems finely.
Cook onions and garlic in a pan, then add the venison and brown it.
Mix the cooked venison with breadcrumbs, cheese, and spices. Stuff this mixture into the mushroom caps.
Bake the stuffed mushrooms in the oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes.
These savory bites are perfect for parties or game day snacks. The rich venison flavor pairs well with the earthy mushrooms. You can customize the spices to suit your taste.
14. Venison Sloppy Joes
Venison sloppy joes are a tasty twist on a classic sandwich. You can make them easily with ground venison, onions, and garlic in a tangy tomato sauce.
This dish comes together quickly in one skillet, perfect for busy weeknights. The sweet and savory flavors complement the lean venison nicely.
Serve your sloppy joes on soft buns with extra napkins handy. Kids and adults alike will enjoy this messy but delicious meal.
Try adding diced bell peppers or your favorite spices to customize the recipe. Venison sloppy joes are a great way to use ground deer meat from your freezer.
15. Venison Sausage Links
Venison sausage links offer a tasty way to enjoy ground deer meat. You can make them at home with a few simple ingredients.
Mix ground venison with pork fat, salt, and spices to create a flavorful blend.
Stuff the mixture into natural casings to form links. Smoke or grill the sausages for added flavor. You can also pan-fry them for a quick meal.
Serve venison sausage links with eggs for breakfast or on a bun for lunch. They pair well with sautéed peppers and onions too. For dinner, slice the links and add them to pasta dishes or stews.
16. Venison Meatloaf
Venison meatloaf is a tasty way to use ground deer meat. You’ll love this hearty dish that’s packed with flavor.
To make it, mix ground venison with ground pork for added moisture. Combine the meats with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings.
Shape the mixture into a loaf and top it with a simple glaze made from ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar.
Bake it in a 375°F oven until cooked through.
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 160°F for safe eating.
Serve your venison meatloaf with mashed potatoes and vegetables for a filling meal. It’s perfect for family dinners or when you want leftovers for sandwiches.
Nutritional Benefits of Venison
Venison offers impressive nutritional value. It packs a protein punch while being low in fat and calories. These qualities make it an excellent choice for health-conscious eaters.
High Protein Content
Ground venison is rich in protein. A 3-ounce serving provides about 26 grams of protein. This amount meets over half of your daily protein needs.
Protein helps build and repair muscles. It also keeps you feeling full longer.
Venison’s protein is complete, containing all essential amino acids. These building blocks are crucial for various bodily functions. They support immune health, hormone production, and tissue repair.
The high protein content in venison makes it great for athletes and active people. It can help with muscle recovery after workouts. You’ll also find it useful if you’re trying to increase your protein intake.
Low Fat and Calories
Venison stands out for its low fat content. A 3-ounce serving of ground venison contains only about 2 grams of fat. This is much less than beef or pork.
The low fat makes venison a heart-healthy choice. The calorie count in venison is also low. A serving has around 130 calories.
This makes it a good option if you’re watching your calorie intake. You can enjoy a satisfying meal without worrying about excess calories.
Most of the fat in venison is unsaturated. These are the “good” fats that can help lower cholesterol levels. Venison also has less saturated fat than many other meats. This can be beneficial for your heart health.
Cooking Tips for Ground Venison
Ground venison is lean and flavorful, but needs proper handling to shine. Seasoning and pairing it well brings out its best qualities.
Proper Seasoning Techniques
Salt and pepper are essential for ground venison. Add them before cooking to enhance flavor.
Use about 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper per pound of meat. Try these spices to complement venison’s taste:
• Garlic powder • Onion powder • Thyme • Rosemary • Sage
Mix spices into the meat before forming patties or browning. This spreads flavor evenly.
Don’t overcook venison. It’s lean, so it can dry out fast. Cook it to medium-rare or medium for best results.
Pairing Suggestions
Venison pairs well with bold flavors. Try these combos:
• Mushrooms and onions • Bacon • Blueberry or cranberry sauce • Red wine reduction
Add fat to keep venison moist. Mix in:
• Pork fat (20% of total weight) • Olive oil (2 tablespoons per pound) • Butter (2 tablespoons per pound)
Serve venison with hearty sides like roasted root vegetables or wild rice. These match its rich flavor.
For burgers, top with sharp cheddar or blue cheese. Add caramelized onions for sweetness.