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Ground Venison Recipes

Explore ten easy and flavorful ground venison recipes that transform this lean meat into tender and delicious dishes, perfect for wild game lovers.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Wild Game
Calories: 140

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2-3 pounds ground venison (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio preferred) Freshly processed
  • 1 pound mixed ground meat blend (ground pork or beef fat for binding) Optional for binding
  • 1-2 pieces yellow onions Fresh aromatics
  • 4-5 cloves garlic Fresh aromatics
  • 1 inch fresh ginger Fresh aromatics
  • 2-3 pieces shallots Fresh aromatics
  • 1 cup mixed fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage, parsley, cilantro, basil) Herb collection
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika Spice essential
  • 1 tablespoon cumin Spice essential
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder Spice essential
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds Spice essential
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper Spice essential
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Pantry staple
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce Pantry staple
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce Pantry staple
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste Pantry staple
  • 1 cup beef broth Pantry staple
  • 1-2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots, celery, zucchini, tomatoes) Vegetables
  • 1 cup wild rice or quinoa Grains and starches
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs or pasta Grains and starches
  • 1 cup potatoes Grains and starches
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar or mozzarella Dairy components
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or heavy cream Dairy components
  • 1 tablespoon juniper berries Specialty item
  • 1 cup red wine Specialty item
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar Specialty item
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup Specialty item

Method
 

Venison Chili with Wild Rice
  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown 1 pound ground venison, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
  2. Add diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic, cooking until vegetables soften, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, cooking until fragrant.
Mediterranean Venison Meatballs
  1. Combine ground venison with breadcrumbs soaked in milk, minced garlic, fresh herbs, and beaten eggs.
  2. Form into 1.5-inch meatballs and sear in a hot skillet until golden brown on all sides.
  3. Transfer to a simmering tomato sauce infused with oregano, basil, and red wine for final cooking.
Asian-Inspired Venison Lettuce Wraps
  1. Sauté ground venison with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce until cooked through.
  2. Add water chestnuts, mushrooms, and green onions for texture contrast.
  3. Serve in crisp butter lettuce cups with sriracha and lime wedges.
Venison Shepherd's Pie
  1. Create a rich venison base with onions, carrots, and peas in savory gravy.
  2. Top with creamy mashed potatoes and bake until golden brown.
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Venison
  1. Hollow out bell peppers and stuff with a mixture of seasoned ground venison, wild rice, diced tomatoes, and cheese.
  2. Bake until peppers are tender and filling is heated through.

Notes

Use 85/15 ground beef mixed with Worcestershire sauce as a substitute for venison if necessary. Transform dishes into healthier options by using ground oats or almond flour instead of breadcrumbs, and Greek yogurt in place of heavy cream.