15+ Ground Venison Recipes for Deliciously Hearty Meals

Ground venison is a versatile ingredient that brings a unique flavor to your meals. You can create a variety of dishes ranging from hearty burgers to savory meatloaf, making it a great option for any dinner table.

Whether you are an experienced chef or a beginner, using ground venison in your recipes can add a delightful twist to familiar favorites.

As you explore different ground venison recipes, you will find that this meat can be easily incorporated into a range of cuisines. Its lean quality provides a healthier alternative to traditional beef, allowing you to enjoy delicious meals without added fat.

1) Deer Burger Delight

Creating a delicious deer burger is easy and satisfying. Start by selecting ground venison. It’s lean and packed with flavor.

To make your burgers juicy, mix in a little fat, like ground beef. Season it with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices for extra taste.

Shape your patties and cook them on a hot grill. Aim for a temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.

Toast your buns and add your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, and cheese. Enjoy your tasty deer burger with friends and family!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground venison
• ¼ pound ground beef (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Cheese (optional)
• Burger buns
• Toppings (lettuce, tomato, etc.)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix ground venison and ground beef.
2. Add salt and pepper; mix well.
3. Shape the mixture into patties.
4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
5. Cook the patties for 5-7 minutes on each side.
6. Toast the burger buns, add patties, and top as desired.

2) Venison Meatballs Marvel

Venison meatballs are a tasty way to use ground venison. They can be prepared simply and packed with flavor. You will enjoy the tender texture and meaty taste, making them a hit at family dinners.

To make your venison meatballs, you need some basic ingredients. Mixing in spices and cheese can elevate their flavor. They cook well in the oven or on the stovetop.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground venison
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Italian seasoning (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, combine the ground venison, cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and seasoning.
3. Mix until well combined.
4. Roll the mixture into small meatballs.
5. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 18-25 minutes until cooked through.

3) Savory Venison Tacos

Savory venison tacos are a tasty way to enjoy this lean meat. You can prepare them quickly for a weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

Start by cooking ground venison in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add your favorite spices like cumin and chili powder for great flavor. You can also mix in onion and tomato paste for extra richness.

Once the meat is cooked, serve it in soft or crunchy taco shells. Top with fresh ingredients like avocado, lettuce, or lime juice to enhance the flavors.

Enjoy your homemade savory venison tacos!

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground venison
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp. tomato paste
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• Taco shells
• Toppings: avocado, lettuce, lime juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft.
3. Add ground venison and cook until crumbly, about 8 minutes.
4. Stir in tomato paste, cumin, and chili powder.
5. Fill taco shells with meat and top as desired.

4) Juicy Venison-Bacon Burgers

Juicy venison-bacon burgers are a delicious twist on the classic burger. The addition of bacon gives the lean venison meat extra flavor and moisture. You’ll find that this combination makes for some of the tastiest burgers around.

Start with ground venison and mix in crispy, chopped bacon. This adds not only flavor but a nice texture. Season the mixture with your favorite spices to enhance the taste.

When cooking, be sure to avoid overcooking as venison can dry out quickly. Grill or pan-fry these burgers for about 5-6 minutes per side over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground venison
• 1/2 pound bacon, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• Optional: garlic powder, onion powder

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix ground venison and chopped bacon in a bowl.
2. Add salt, pepper, and any additional spices.
3. Form the mixture into patties.
4. Cook on a grill or in a pan over medium heat for 5-6 minutes per side.
5. Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.

5) Hearty Ground Venison Stew

This hearty ground venison stew is perfect for a cozy dinner. It is packed with tender meat, fresh vegetables, and rich flavors. You can enjoy a warm bowl anytime.

Start by browning your ground venison in a large pot. This will bring out its delicious taste. Then, add chopped onions, garlic, and your favorite herbs for extra flavor.

Next, throw in diced potatoes, carrots, and peas. They add texture and nutrition to the stew. Pour in some broth and let it simmer until everything is nice and soft.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground venison
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• 4-6 potatoes, cubed
• 1 can peas
• 1 can carrots
• 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary)

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the ground venison in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
3. Stir in the potatoes, carrots, and peas.
4. Pour in the broth and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 30-40 minutes.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

6) Sloppy “Does” Sandwiches

Sloppy “Does” sandwiches are a tasty twist on the classic Sloppy Joes. Using ground venison instead of beef, they offer a rich flavor that many enjoy. This dish is quick to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

You can customize your Sloppy “Does” with your favorite toppings. Try adding cheese, pickles, or hot sauce for extra flavor. Serve the mixture on warm buns, and you’ve got a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) ground venison
• 1 tablespoon (15 mL) olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup (240 mL) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30 mL) Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Buns for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
2. Add chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking until soft.
3. Add ground venison and cook until browned.
4. Stir in tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Simmer for 10-15 minutes on low heat.
7. Serve on buns and enjoy!

7) Shepherd’s Pie with Venison Twist

This Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting dish, perfect for any night. The twist is using ground venison instead of traditional meats. It adds a rich flavor that you’ll love.

To start, you’ll need some basic ingredients. The mashed potatoes on top are creamy and buttery, making every bite delightful. You can use frozen vegetables for convenience, too.

This dish is not only filling but also easy to prepare. It’s a great way to enjoy ground venison in a new way.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground venison
• 2 lbs potatoes
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Peel and cut potatoes. Boil until soft, then mash with butter.
3. In a skillet, cook venison, onion, garlic, carrots, and veggies until soft.
4. Add tomato paste, broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for a few minutes.
5. Pour the meat mixture into a baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes on top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden. Enjoy your meal!

8) Venison Lasagna Layers

Creating layers for your venison lasagna is key to building flavor. Start with a layer of meat sauce at the bottom. This helps prevent the noodles from sticking.

Next, add cooked lasagna noodles evenly. Spread a layer of ricotta cheese over the noodles. You can mix it with spinach if you like some extra veggies.

Follow this with mozzarella cheese for a melty texture. Then, repeat the layers: sauce, noodles, ricotta, and mozzarella until you reach the top.

Finish with a generous layer of Parmesan cheese. This will give your lasagna a nice, golden crust when baked.

Ingredients

• Ground venison
• Lasagna noodles
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Tomato sauce or meat sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions.
3. In a baking dish, add the meat sauce.
4. Layer noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, and repeat.
5. Top with Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown.

9) Cheesy Venison Casserole

This Cheesy Venison Casserole is a comforting dish that’s sure to please. It features ground venison mixed with layers of cheese and other tasty ingredients. You can whip it up fairly quickly for a hearty meal.

Start by cooking the ground venison until it’s browned. Then, combine it with your favorite vegetables and a creamy sauce. Layer this mixture with cheese and toppings in a baking dish for a delightful treat.

Baking it at 350°F (175°C) will give you a bubbly, cheesy casserole that everyone will love. Serve it hot for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground venison
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, brown the ground venison over medium heat.
3. After browning the ground venison, mix in the vegetables, soup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. In a baking dish, layer the venison mixture and cheese.
5. Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly. Enjoy!

10) Tantalizing Venison Chili

Venison chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for chilly days. Using ground venison gives it a delicious twist. This recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with spices that warm you up.

You can start by cooking some onions and bell peppers. Then add your ground venison and let it brown. Mix in your favorite chili seasonings for that perfect kick.

Let everything simmer until the flavors meld together. Serve it hot with toppings like cheese and sour cream. Enjoy this comforting bowl that will satisfy everyone at your table!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) ground venison
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz / 425g) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz / 425g) kidney beans, drained
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onions and bell peppers, cooking until soft.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add ground venison and brown it for about 5-7 minutes.
5. Mix in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
6. Let the chili simmer for at least 20 minutes.
7. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

11) Zesty Venison Meatloaf

Zesty venison meatloaf is a delicious twist on the classic recipe. Using ground venison adds a rich flavor that pairs well with lively spices.

For this dish, you will mix ground venison with ingredients like onion, garlic, and breadcrumbs. A zesty sauce on top gives it a tangy kick.

This meatloaf is a great choice for a hearty family meal. Serve it with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a complete dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground venison
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 4 minced garlic cloves
• 1 cup dried breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients until combined.
3. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
4. Top with barbecue sauce.
5. Bake for 1 hour or until cooked through.

12) Game-Changing Venison Sausages

Making venison sausages can be a fun and rewarding experience. You can control the flavors and create something unique for your family or friends.

Start with ground venison. You can mix it with pork fat for a juicy texture. Spices like garlic, sage, and thyme make the sausage delicious.

For grilling, try this simple venison sausage recipe. It’s great for picnics or breakfast!

Ingredients

• 3½ lbs. ground venison
• 1½ lbs. pork fatback
• 3 tbsp. kosher salt
• 3 tbsp. fresh sage, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix ground venison and pork fat.
2. Add salt, sage, thyme, and garlic.
3. Mix thoroughly until spices are well blended.
4. Stuff casings if desired, or form into patties.
5. Grill or pan-fry at medium heat (about 350°F/175°C) until cooked through.

13) Garlic-Infused Venison Stew

Garlic-Infused Venison Stew is a delicious, hearty meal that warms you up on chilly days. The garlic adds a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the tender venison.

To make this stew, you’ll start by browning the ground venison in a pot. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them soften and release their flavors.

Next, incorporate diced tomatoes, carrots, and potatoes for a colorful mix. Pour in beef broth along with your favorite herbs like thyme and bay leaves.

Simmer the stew on medium heat for about 1.5 hours at 350°F (175°C) or until everything is tender. Serve it hot with bread for a comforting dish!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground venison
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, diced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 teaspoons thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add ground venison and cook until browned.
3. Stir in onions and garlic until softened.
4. Add carrots, potatoes, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
5. Mix in thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 hours at 350°F (175°C).
7. Serve hot with bread.

14) Venison and Herb Feast

For a delightful meal, try a Venison and Herb Feast. The rich flavor of ground venison pairs beautifully with fresh herbs. You can use rosemary, thyme, and sage to enhance the dish.

Start by mixing the ground venison with chopped herbs, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Form them into patties or meatballs.

Cook them in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes. This will ensure they are cooked through while keeping the meat tender and juicy.

Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a wholesome meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground venison
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine ground venison, herbs, garlic, and salt.
3. Form the mixture into patties or meatballs.
4. Place on a baking sheet and cook for 20-25 minutes.
5. Serve hot with your choice of sides.

15) Ultimate Venison Bologna

Making your own venison bologna is fun and rewarding. You will enjoy the taste and quality of homemade bologna. This recipe combines ground venison with pork for added flavor and texture.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need ground venison, ground pork, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and curing salt. This mix works perfectly for a tasty bologna.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground venison
• 1 lb ground pork (sausage)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons Morton Tender Quick curing salt

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients thoroughly.

2. Form the mixture into a log shape.

3. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill for at least 24 hours.

4. Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C).

5. Bake the bologna for 2-3 hours until fully cooked.

6. Enjoy your homemade bologna!