15 Venison Recipes for Delicious and Hearty Meals

Venison is a delicious and versatile meat that can bring new flavors to your meals. You can create a variety of dishes that suit different tastes and occasions, making venison a great choice for your next dinner. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, there are plenty of simple recipes that make use of this lean meat.

From hearty stews to mouthwatering steaks, venison can be prepared in numerous ways. With the right ingredients and techniques, cooking with venison can be fun and rewarding. This article will help you explore some tasty ideas to incorporate venison into your cooking routine.

1) Grilled Venison Tenderloin

Grilling venison tenderloin brings out its rich flavors. The key is to keep it simple to enjoy the natural taste. You’ll want to use a tenderloin that’s about 1 inch thick for best results.

Start by preheating your grill to 500°F (260°C). Then, lightly brush the tenderloin with olive oil and season it with your favorite rub.

Grill the meat for 2 to 3 minutes on each side for a medium-rare finish. Be careful not to overcook, as venison can dry out quickly.

Ingredients

• 1-inch thick venison tenderloin
• Olive oil
• Your favorite seasoning rub

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to 500°F (260°C).
2. Brush the tenderloin with olive oil.
3. Season with your favorite rub.
4. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side.
5. Remove from grill and let rest before slicing.

2) Bacon-Wrapped Venison Backstrap

Bacon-wrapped venison backstrap is a delicious way to prepare this flavorful meat. The bacon adds a nice smoky taste and keeps the venison juicy.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). You will need strips of bacon to wrap around the backstrap. Season the meat with salt and pepper to enhance its flavor.

Once wrapped, place the backstrap in a baking dish. You can bake it until the internal temperature reaches about 120°F (49°C) for medium-rare. This ensures that it stays tender and juicy.

Ingredients

• 1 venison backstrap
• 11 strips of bacon
• Kosher salt
• Fresh ground black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the venison backstrap with salt and pepper.
3. Wrap the backstrap with bacon strips.
4. Place in a baking dish.
5. Bake until the internal temperature reaches 120°F (49°C).

3) Venison Chili with Beans

Venison chili with beans is a hearty and satisfying dish. It combines the rich flavor of venison with the warmth of spices and the texture of beans. This recipe is perfect for a chilly day.

To start, gather your ingredients like ground venison, kidney beans, chili peppers, and tomatoes. The beans add a nice creaminess to the chili and help balance the gamey taste of the venison.

Cooking is simple. Brown the venison in a pot, then mix in chopped onions and bell peppers. Add your beans, tomatoes, and spices for a flavorful punch. Let it simmer to blend all the tastes together.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground venison
• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, brown the ground venison over medium heat (about 350°F / 180°C).
2. Add chopped onions and bell peppers. Cook until softened.
3. Mix in kidney beans and diced tomatoes.
4. Stir in chili powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer for 30-45 minutes on low heat.

4) Smothered Venison Steaks

Smothered venison steaks are a delicious way to enjoy this lean meat. Start by seasoning the steaks with your favorite spices.

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add oil. Dredge the steaks in a mixture of flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper, then fry them until both sides are golden brown.

Next, place the steaks in a baking dish and top with green peppers and onions. Pour a mix of milk and cream of mushroom soup over the steaks. Cover with foil and bake at 325°F (163°C) for one hour.

The result is tender, flavorful steaks that pair well with mashed potatoes or rice.

Ingredients

• Venison steaks
• Favorite seasoning
• Flour
• Cornstarch
• Salt
• Pepper
• Oil
• Green peppers
• Onions
• Milk
• Cream of mushroom soup

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the venison steaks.
2. Heat oil in a skillet on medium-high.
3. Mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
4. Dredge steaks and fry until golden brown.
5. Place steaks in baking dish.
6. Top with green peppers and onions.
7. Pour milk and soup over the steaks.
8. Cover with foil and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 1 hour.

5) Classic Venison Meatloaf

Classic venison meatloaf is a hearty dish that’s easy to make. The rich flavor of venison adds a unique twist to this comfort food. It’s a great way to use ground venison and impress your family or friends.

To start, you will need some basic ingredients. Mixing savory seasonings with the meat creates a delicious meal. You can enjoy it with a side of mashed potatoes or vegetables for a complete dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground venison
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 cup ketchup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground venison, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, and brown sugar.
3. Season with salt and pepper, then mix until well blended.
4. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
5. Spread ketchup on top of the meatloaf.
6. Bake for about 1 hour, or until cooked through.

6) Venison Sausage and Peppers

Venison sausage and peppers is a delicious and hearty dish. It combines the rich flavors of venison with the sweetness of bell peppers and the zest of fire-roasted tomatoes.

To make this dish, start by sautéing a mix of red, yellow, and green peppers. Cook them until they are soft. After that, slice your venison sausage into bite-sized pieces and add it to the pan.

Let everything cook together so the flavors blend well. You can also add some onions for extra taste. Serve this dish with fresh bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound venison sausage
• 2 bell peppers (any colors)
• 1 onion (optional)
• 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add sliced bell peppers and onions. Cook until soft.
3. Slice venison sausage into pieces and add to the pan.
4. Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes and stir.
5. Cook everything together for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through.

7) Hearty Venison Stew

Hearty venison stew is perfect for a chilly day. It combines tender chunks of venison with vegetables and rich flavors.

To start, you will need venison, carrots, potatoes, and onions. These ingredients create a hearty base. You can also add garlic and herbs for extra taste.

Begin by browning the venison in a pot. Once it’s nice and brown, set it aside. In the same pot, sauté your vegetables until they soften.

Then, return the venison to the pot. Add beef stock, red wine, and seasonings. Let everything simmer for a few hours until the venison is tender and flavors blend together.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs venison, cut into chunks
• 4 carrots, diced
• 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cups beef stock
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary)

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the venison in a pot over medium heat.
2. Remove the venison and sauté the vegetables till soft.
3. Return the venison to the pot.
4. Add beef stock, red wine, garlic, and herbs.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Simmer for about 2 ½ to 3 hours at 300°F (150°C).

8) Venison Tacos with Fresh Salsa

Venison tacos are a delicious way to enjoy this lean meat. You will love how easy they are to make, especially when paired with fresh salsa.

For the salsa, combine diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. This adds a vibrant touch to your tacos.

Start by cooking ground venison in a pan over medium-high heat until browned. Season it with taco spices for extra flavor.

Warm your taco shells in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. Then fill them with the seasoned venison and top with your fresh salsa.

Enjoy these tasty tacos any night of the week!

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground venison
• Taco seasoning
• Taco shells
• 2 cups diced tomatoes
• 1 cup diced onions
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook ground venison in a pan over medium-high heat until browned.
2. Season with taco spices while cooking.
3. Prepare fresh salsa by combining tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
4. Warm taco shells in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
5. Fill taco shells with venison and top with fresh salsa.

9) Breaded Venison Cutlets

Breaded venison cutlets are a delicious and easy dish to prepare. They make a tasty dinner option that highlights the unique flavor of venison.

To start, you’ll need to prepare your cutlets. Trim the fat and slice the venison into thin pieces. Pounding them to about 1/4 inch thick helps with cooking.

You can create a simple breading station. Use flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs combined with spices for flavor. Dip each cutlet in the flour, then the egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.

Heat oil in a skillet to about 350°F (175°C). Place the cutlets in the pan without crowding them. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.

Ingredients

• Venison cutlets
• Flour
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs
• Seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic powder)

Cooking Instructions

1. Trim and pound the venison cutlets.
2. Set up your breading station with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
3. Dip each cutlet in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
4. Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry cutlets for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

10) Venison Burgers with Cheese

Making venison burgers with cheese is a delicious way to enjoy this lean meat. Start with ground venison, which has a unique flavor and is healthier than regular beef.

To keep your burgers juicy, mix in cheese directly into the meat or place cheese slices on top while cooking. A good choice is cheddar or pepper jack for added flavor.

When cooking, aim for medium-rare. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C). This helps prevent the burgers from becoming dry.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground venison
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• Burger buns
• Optional toppings (lettuce, tomato, onion)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the ground venison, cheese, salt, and pepper.
2. Form the mixture into burger patties.
3. Preheat your grill or skillet.
4. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side.
5. Check the temperature and serve on buns with your favorite toppings.

11) Ground Venison Bolognese Sauce

Ground venison bolognese sauce is a hearty and flavorful dish. It’s perfect for pasta lovers looking for something different. The rich tomato sauce pairs wonderfully with the gamey taste of venison.

To start, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Cook the ground venison until browned, then add onions, garlic, and carrots. Stir in crushed tomatoes and herbs for added flavor. Let it simmer for a while to meld the tastes together.

This dish works great with spaghetti or any pasta of your choice. Top it off with grated cheese for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground venison
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
2. Add diced onions and cook until soft.
3. Stir in minced garlic and diced carrot; cook for 3 minutes.
4. Add ground venison; cook until browned.
5. Mix in crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
6. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
7. Serve over cooked pasta and garnish with basil or parsley.

12) Venison Shepherd’s Pie

Venison shepherd’s pie is a comforting dish perfect for any season. It combines savory ground venison with vegetables and a creamy mashed potato topping. This hearty meal is sure to please your family and friends.

To start, you will want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large pan, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your ground venison and cook until browned.

Next, add chopped onions, carrots, and peas to the pan. Cook until the vegetables are soft. Season the mixture with salt and pepper for flavor.

Spread the meat and vegetable mix in a baking dish. Top it off with mashed potatoes, smoothing them out with a fork. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden.

Ingredients:

• Ground venison
• Oil
• Onion
• Carrots
• Peas
• Mashed potatoes
• Salt
• Pepper

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
3. Brown the ground venison in the pan.
4. Add chopped onion, carrots, and peas; cook until soft.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Spread the mixture in a baking dish.
7. Top with mashed potatoes.
8. Bake for 25 minutes until golden.

13) Spicy Venison Stir-Fry

Spicy venison stir-fry is a quick and tasty dish that brings bold flavors to your table. Start by slicing the venison into thin strips. This keeps the meat tender when cooking.

Marinate the venison in a mix of soy sauce and chili garlic sauce for added flavor. You can also toss in some veggies like bell peppers and snap peas for a healthy touch.

Heat your skillet over medium-high heat before adding the meat. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until browned. Then, add the vegetables and stir until they soften.

This dish pairs well with rice or noodles. Enjoy the rich taste and spicy kick!

Ingredients

• 1 lb venison, sliced into thin strips
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
• 1 cup sugar snap peas
• 2 tablespoons oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate venison in soy sauce and chili garlic sauce for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add marinated venison and stir-fry for 5 minutes.
4. Add vegetables and cook until tender.

14) Venison Parmesan with Marinara

Venison Parmesan is a delightful dish that combines tender venison with rich marinara sauce and melted cheese. It’s simple to make and great for dinner or gatherings.

To start, you’ll want to prepare your venison by tenderizing it and seasoning it well. This helps enhance the flavor. Next, coat it in a mix of flour and egg to create a nice crust when cooked.

Fry the venison in olive oil until golden brown. Then, layer it in a baking dish with marinara sauce and parmesan cheese. Bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve your Venison Parmesan with pasta or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy this hearty dish with family or friends!

Ingredients

• 4 venison steaks, tenderized
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 cup cooking oil
• 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the venison by tenderizing and seasoning it.
3. Coat venison steaks in flour, then dip in beaten eggs.
4. Heat oil in a pan and fry the venison until golden.
5. In a baking dish, layer the venison with marinara sauce and parmesan cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly.
7. Serve warm.

15) Slow Cooker Venison Roast

A slow cooker venison roast is a delicious and easy way to prepare this meat. With minimal prep, you can set it and let it cook, filling your home with wonderful aromas.

Start by seasoning your venison roast with salt and pepper. Place it in your slow cooker and cover it with sliced onions. Pour in some soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce for added flavor.

Cooking times vary. You can cook it on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. This method ensures the meat becomes tender and full of flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 to 3 pounds venison roast
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the venison roast with salt and pepper.
2. Place the roast in the slow cooker.
3. Add the sliced onions on top of the roast.
4. Then, pour soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce over the meat.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.