Venison has gained widespread popularity among food enthusiasts and animal lovers due to its lean profile. Ground venison is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into a wide range of dishes, offering endless possibilities for culinary creativity. Whether you’re seeking a speedy and effortless dinner solution or aiming to impress with a sophisticated recipe, the options are plentiful. In this article, we have compiled 35 straightforward ground venison recipes suitable for any occasion – from casual burgers to hearty chili. With such an extensive array of choices at your fingertips, there’s no excuse not to get cooking!
35 Easy Ground Venison Recipes
Venison Burgers
To create a delicious venison burger, combine ground venison with a blend of breadcrumbs, the savory tang of Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Next, shape the mixture into patties that can be cooked to perfection on either a grill or stovetop. Once cooked, serve the juicy venison burgers on toasted buns and customize with your preferred toppings for an added layer of flavor.
Venison Shepherd’s Pie
Transform brown ground venison into a hearty, comforting casserole by first browning it with sautéed onions and carrots. Then, add canned tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and your choice of seasonings to create a rich and savory flavor profile. Layer the mixture with creamy mashed potatoes in a casserole dish, and bake until the top is golden brown and the flavors are fully melded together.
Venison Meatloaf
Venison loaves can be a delicious and unique addition to any meal. To make one, combine ground venison with oatmeal, chopped onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and a blend of seasonings that you enjoy. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients together until they’re just combined – be careful not to overmix. Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a baking dish. Bake the venison loaf in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Once it’s done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving with your favorite sides – whether that’s mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Venison Chili
Savory notes of wild game meet warm, comforting flavors in this indulgent venison chili recipe. A perfect blend of ground venison, beans, and tomatoes, infused with a medley of aromatic spices, creates a rich and satisfying stew that’s sure to hit the spot on a crisp day.
Venison Tacos
To add a unique twist to the classic taco, consider substituting traditional beef or chicken for browned ground venison. Simply season the venison with taco blend spices and cook it until it’s fully browned. Then, serve it in tortillas along with shredded cheese, crisp lettuce leaves, and a spoonful of your favorite salsa. The rich flavor of the venison pairs surprisingly well with the bold flavors of the taco fixings, making for a deliciously unexpected meal.
Venison Sloppy Joes
Savory and sweet notes mingle in this unconventional take on a classic dish. Begin by browning ground venison with sautéed onions and garlic to create a rich and aromatic base. Next, add ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and a blend of seasonings to further elevate the flavors. Once combined, serve the mixture on toasted buns for a delightful twist on the traditional.
Venison Meatballs
To create a mouthwatering dish, combine ground venison with a medley of ingredients including breadcrumbs, a beaten egg, shredded Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of seasonings. Next, bake this mixture in a preheated oven until cooked through, then serve it alongside spaghetti or your preferred sauce for a satisfying meal.
Venison Casserole
To create a hearty and flavorful dish, start by browning ground venison with sliced onions and bell peppers over medium-high heat. Once the mixture is cooked through, add canned tomatoes, cooked rice, and your choice of seasonings. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and top it off with additional ingredients if desired. Bake in a preheated oven until the casserole is hot and bubbly, then serve and enjoy.
Venison Stroganoff
Transform the rich flavors of wild game into a satisfying and filling dinner by browning ground venison with aromatic ingredients like sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions. Next, add a tangy touch with sour cream, depth with broth, and a pinch of your favorite seasonings to create a complex flavor profile. Serve this savory mixture over a bed of egg noodles for a comforting and indulgent meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Venison Stew
Venison stew is a sumptuous and comforting culinary delight that combines the rich flavors of slow-cooked venison with the tender sweetness of various root vegetables, all enveloped in a velvety broth. This classic dish is particularly well-suited to cold winter nights, when its warm, comforting essence can help to banish the chill.
Venison Stuffed Peppers
Transforming brown ground venison into a savory dish, start by combining it with sautéed onions and cooked rice. Next, fill hollowed-out bell peppers with this mixture and place them in the oven to bake until the peppers are tender.
Venison Enchiladas
Transform the rich flavor of brown ground venison by combining it with sautéed onions, a blend of chili powder and cumin that adds depth and warmth. Then, encase this flavorful mixture within tortillas and top with melted cheese before baking to perfection, allowing the cheese to bubble over in a savory delight.
Venison Wellington
Sear brown ground venison to perfection by cooking it with aromatic compounds like garlic and ginger. Next, add the foundation of the dish – ramen noodles – along with a savory broth, sliced carrots, and a pinch of your favorite seasonings. Allow the mixture to simmer until all the ingredients are cooked through, then sit down to a hearty and satisfying meal that’s sure to warm your belly and your spirit.
Venison Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
Transforming brown ground venison into a hearty casserole, start by browning it with a medley of aromatics – including carrots, celery, and onions. Next, layer the mixture with creamy mashed potatoes in a casserole dish, before baking until the top is golden and bubbly.
Venison Spaghetti Pasta
Transforming the humble ground venison into a delectable spaghetti dish, venison spaghetti offers a filling and flavorful main course option. As the lean meat absorbs the rich flavors of a slow-cooked tomato sauce, it becomes a comforting and satisfying meal that can be easily tailored to suit individual tastes. Simply add your preferred vegetables and seasonings to create a personalized twist on this hearty pasta dish.
Venison BBQ Sandwiches
Transform the rich flavor of brown ground venison by cooking it with sautéed onions and peppers. Next, add a tangy twist by incorporating BBQ sauce and your choice of seasonings. Finally, serve this unique sandwich on toasted buns, allowing the sweet and savory flavors to meld together in perfect harmony.
Venison Breakfast Sausage
To elevate the simplicity of ground venison, combine it with a medley of aromatic herbs such as sage and thyme. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to bring out the natural flavors. Shape the mixture into patties that can be cooked until they’re nicely browned. Serve these savory delights alongside your go-to breakfast accompaniments for a well-rounded start to the day.
Venison Fried Rice
To give your brown ground venison a flavorful boost, start by sautéing it with aromatic ingredients like garlic and ginger. Once the venison is nicely browned, add in cooked rice, soy sauce, peas, and carrots to create a hearty and satisfying dish. Simply cook everything through until heated, and you’ll be left with a deliciously filling meal that’s sure to hit the spot.
Venison Goulash
Transform the rich flavor of brown ground venison by combining it with sautéed onions and garlic. The addition of canned tomatoes, paprika, and a pinch of seasonings elevates this humble dish into a satisfying and aromatic meal that’s sure to please even the most discerning palate. Serve over a bed of noodles for a comforting and filling experience.
Venison Shanks
Venison shanks, originating from a deer’s leg, are a prized cut of meat known for their robust flavor profile. Although lean by nature, these tender morsels require slow cooking techniques like braising or stewing to unlock their full potential. The deliberate heat and moisture work wonders on the connective tissue, effortlessly breaking it down into a velvety texture that simply melts in your mouth. This transformation yields a richly flavored dish that’s sure to delight even the most discerning palates.
Venison Lasagna
To create the savory dish, begin by browning the ground venison over medium-high heat while sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent. In a separate step, cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions before layering them in a casserole dish. Combine cooked ricotta cheese with marinara sauce, then spread it evenly across the pasta. Finally, bake the concoction in a preheated oven until it reaches a golden brown color and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Venison Stir-Fry
Transform the rich flavor of brown ground venison into a savory stir-fry by cooking it with your preferred vegetables in a scorching skillet. To elevate the dish, incorporate soy sauce, ginger, and garlic as a trifecta of flavors. Finally, serve this delectable meal over a bed of rice or noodles for a nourishing and fulfilling experience.
Venison Fajitas
When it comes to preparing a mouth-watering meal, few options can rival the combination of sautéed ground venison, bell peppers, and onions, infused with the bold flavors of fajita spices. This delightful dish is elevated even further when served in warm tortillas and accompanied by an array of tantalizing toppings, including creamy sour cream, rich guacamole, and a tangy kick from salsa. The result is a culinary experience that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Venison Spaghetti
Combine browned ground venison with sautéed onions and garlic, then stir in your chosen tomato sauce and seasonings to create a flavorful base. Serve this hearty mixture over cooked spaghetti for a twist on the classic Italian dish.
Venison Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Transform blanched cabbage leaves into savory packets by filling them with a harmonious blend of ground venison, rice, caramelized onions, and fragrant herbs. Then, gently simmer these succulent rolls in rich tomato sauce until they’re warmed through, allowing the flavors to meld together in perfect harmony.
Venison Poutine
Indulge in the quintessential Canadian culinary experience by topping crispy French fries with the savory combination of browned ground venison, gooey cheese curds, and a rich, velvety gravy, creating a heartily satisfying and filling meal.
Venison Tamales
Indulge in a culinary adventure by crafting your own homemade tamales, starting with the preparation of flavorful fillings. Combine seasoned ground venison with tender masa dough, carefully placing the mixture within corn husks. Next, steam the tamales until they’re cooked to perfection, then serve them with a tangy and vibrant salsa for an authentic and satisfying experience.
Venison and Vegetable Skillet
Transforming brown ground venison into a savory dish, start by cooking it in a pan until it’s lightly browned. Next, add in a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. As the vegetables soften, season the mixture to your liking with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you prefer. This one-pan wonder not only satisfies your appetite but also provides a nutritious and filling meal.
Venison and Mushroom Risotto
To create a hearty and satisfying meal, combine cooked Arborio rice with a medley of sautéed flavors including earthy mushrooms, tender ground venison, caramelized onions, and nutty Parmesan cheese. This harmonious blend results in a creamy and comforting risotto that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Venison Shawarma
Transform the flavors of the season by seasoning ground venison with a medley of aromatic spices. Sear it to perfection until it’s nicely browned, then wrap it in a warm pita bread with a tangy yogurt-based tahini sauce, refreshing slices of cucumber, and juicy tomatoes.
Venison Lo Mein
Marinate browned ground venison in a mixture of minced garlic and grated ginger to infuse it with aromatic flavors. Then, combine the venison with cooked lo mein noodles, a medley of stir-fry vegetables, and a rich savory sauce for a harmonious blend of Asian-inspired culinary notes.
Venison Tikka Masala
Transform the rich flavors of Indian cuisine into a hearty venison dish by sautéing ground venison with aromatics like onions and garlic, along with the warm spices typically found in tikka masala. Next, add in tomato sauce and a splash of cream to create a creamy, indulgent sauce. Serve this flavorful mixture over a bed of fluffy rice or paired with crispy naan bread for a satisfying meal that combines the bold flavors of India with the savory taste of venison.
Venison Gumbo
Crafting a rich and flavorful gumbo begins with browning ground venison alongside the iconic ‘Holy Trinity’ of onions, bell peppers, and celery. As these aromatic ingredients meld together, add in the creamy texture of okra, the tanginess of tomatoes, and a blend of spices to create a dish that’s sure to warm hearts and satisfy appetites. Serve this savory masterpiece over a bed of fluffy rice for a truly satisfying meal.
Venison Beef and Broccoli
Indulge in the savory fusion of sautéed ground venison, crispy broccoli florets, and an aromatic sauce infused with the rich flavors of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. This mouthwatering combination is reminiscent of your favorite takeout spot, but with a home-cooked twist. Serve the hearty dish over fluffy rice for a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a new staple in your culinary repertoire.
Venison Kebabs
Thread chunks of gamey yet tender ground venison onto skewers alongside vibrant bell peppers and onions, creating a visually appealing combination. Once grilled to perfection, serve it with your preferred sauce or marinade to elevate the flavors and provide a satisfying meal experience.
In conclusion, ground venison is an exceptional ingredient that can be seamlessly incorporated into numerous dishes. Whether you’re craving a juicy burger, a hearty bowl of chili, or a rich lasagna, there’s no shortage of options to explore. With 35 easy-to-follow recipes at your disposal, you’ll have ample opportunities to experiment and find new ways to prepare this lean meat.
So, don’t be afraid to venture out and give these recipes a try. You might just discover the versatility and tantalizing flavors that ground venison has to offer!