10+ Ground Deer Recipes to Savor This Season

Ground deer meat, also known as venison, offers a tasty and healthy option for your meals. You can easily create delicious dishes using ground deer, making it a versatile choice for hunters and home cooks alike. Whether you’re looking to prepare burgers, chili, or meatballs, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this lean protein.

Incorporating ground deer into your recipes not only adds unique flavors but also provides nutritional benefits. With a bit of creativity, you can transform this game meat into satisfying meals that your family and friends will love.

1) Juicy Venison Burgers

Juicy venison burgers are a delicious way to enjoy ground deer meat. They are easy to make and full of flavor. You can create a burger that is tender and juicy with just a few ingredients.

Start by mixing ground venison with seasonings like garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce. This adds a nice taste to the meat. You can also fold in finely chopped bacon for extra richness.

Form the mixture into patties and cook them on a grill or stovetop. Aim for a cook temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safe eating. Serve your burgers on a bun with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, and cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground venison
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Optional: 1/4 cup finely chopped bacon

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine ground venison, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Mix in chopped bacon if using.
3. Form into patties.
4. Cook on a grill or stovetop until they reach 160°F (71°C).
5. Serve on a bun with toppings of your choice.

2) Venison Meatloaf Delight

Venison meatloaf is a tasty twist on a classic dish. You will enjoy the rich flavors and the healthy benefits of using ground deer meat. It’s easy to make and becomes a favorite at any meal.

To start, gather your ingredients. Mixing ground venison with breadcrumbs, onion, and spices creates a delightful texture and taste. The addition of a sweet glaze on top adds that special touch.

This recipe is perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Once baked, slice it up and serve it with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or green beans.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground venison
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the ground venison, onion, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
4. In a small bowl, mix ketchup and brown sugar, then spread it over the meatloaf.
5. Bake for 1 hour or until cooked through.
6. Let it rest before slicing and serving.

3) Spicy Venison Chili

Spicy venison chili is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for cool nights. It combines ground venison with spicy seasonings and vegetables. You can enjoy this dish with friends or family for a cozy meal.

Start by sautéing chopped onions and bell peppers in olive oil. Then add your ground venison and cook until browned. Stir in chili powder, beans, and diced tomatoes.

Let it simmer to blend the flavors. Serve it hot with your favorite toppings like cheese or sour cream.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 onions, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• ¼ cup chili powder
• 2 cans of diced tomatoes
• 1 can of beans (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add onions and bell pepper; sauté until soft.
3. Stir in ground venison; cook until browned.
4. Mix in chili powder and diced tomatoes.
5. Add beans, if using. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

4) Savory Deer Meat Tacos

Savory deer meat tacos are a delicious way to enjoy ground venison. This recipe is easy to follow and brings out the rich flavor of the meat.

Start by heating oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until it’s soft, which takes about 2 minutes. Then, add your ground venison and cook until it’s crumbly, usually around 8 minutes.

Next, season the meat with your favorite spices. You can use cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder for a tasty kick. Serve in warm tortillas with your choice of toppings, like lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground venison
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Tortillas
• Toppings (lettuce, tomatoes, cheese)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until softened.
3. Add ground venison and cook until crumbly.
4. Stir in seasonings and mix well.
5. Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.

5) Hearty Venison Stew

Hearty venison stew is a delicious way to enjoy ground deer meat. It’s packed with flavor, vegetables, and warmth, making it perfect for chilly evenings. You can easily make it in a slow cooker or on the stove.

Start by browning the ground venison. Then, add in carrots, potatoes, and onions for a healthy touch. Pour in some broth and seasonings to make it even more tasty.

Let everything cook until the vegetables are tender. If you want, you can add a splash of red wine for extra flavor. This stew is nutritious and comforting.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground venison
• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup diced onions
• 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Herbs (like thyme or rosemary)

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the ground venison in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add diced potatoes, chopped carrots, and onions.
3. Pour in the broth and optional red wine.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
5. Let simmer until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes.

6) Ground Venison Lasagna

Ground venison lasagna is a delicious twist on a classic dish. It brings rich flavors and a hearty texture to your table. You’ll enjoy every layer of noodles, meat, and cheese.

To make this lasagna, you’ll use ground deer meat cooked in a savory tomato sauce. The crumbly texture of venison pairs well with creamy ricotta cheese and gooey mozzarella.

This recipe is perfect for family dinners and gatherings. Serve it with a side salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground venison
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 12 lasagna noodles
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, cook the onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add the ground venison and cook until browned.
4. Stir in marinara sauce and seasonings. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a baking dish, layer noodles, meat sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella.
6. Repeat layers, finishing with mozzarella on top.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until bubbly. Enjoy!

7) Venison Sloppy Joes

Venison sloppy joes are a tasty and hearty meal that’s perfect for any night. Using ground venison gives this dish a unique flavor. Plus, it’s an easy way to enjoy game meat.

You start by sautéing chopped onions and bell peppers in a bit of oil. Then, add the ground venison and cook until browned. Mixing in ketchup and spices gives it that classic sloppy joe taste.

Serve it on toasted buns for a messy, delicious treat. You can even add cheese or pickles on top for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground venison
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Buns for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pan, heat oil over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
2. Add diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté until soft.
3. Add ground venison and cook until brown.
4. Stir in ketchup, garlic, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Serve on toasted buns.

8) Cheesy Venison Meatballs

Cheesy venison meatballs are a delicious way to enjoy ground deer. They’re juicy, flavorful, and perfect as an appetizer or main dish. You can use them for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.

To make these meatballs, mix ground venison with cheese and seasonings. The melted cheese inside adds a tasty surprise. They’re easy to cook and bring comfort to any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground venison
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix ground venison, breadcrumbs, cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Form the mixture into small meatballs.
4. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.
5. Enjoy your cheesy venison meatballs warm!

9) Venison Shepherd’s Pie

Venison shepherd’s pie is a comforting dish that brings a twist to the classic recipe. You can use ground deer meat, which adds a rich flavor.

Start with a mixture of ground venison and veggies like carrots, peas, and onions. Cooking these together adds depth to the dish.

Once you have the meat and veggies ready, layer them in a baking dish. Top everything with creamy mashed potatoes for that perfect finish.

Bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden brown and bubbly. It’s a warm, hearty meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground venison
• 2 lbs potatoes
• 1 medium onion
• 2 carrots
• 1 cup peas
• 1 cup corn
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp fresh thyme
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the ground venison with diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil until browned.
3. Add carrots, peas, and corn. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
4. Boil potatoes until soft, then mash with butter and milk.
5. Layer the meat mixture in a baking dish and top with mashed potatoes.
6. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden.

10) Tater Tot Casserole with Venison

Tater Tot Casserole with venison is a fun and hearty dish. It combines the savory taste of ground deer with crispy tater tots on top. This meal is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends.

To start, you’ll mix ground venison with some veggies and creamy soup. Then layer it in a baking dish. Finally, top it off with a generous layer of tater tots and cheese.

You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite seasonings or vegetables. This dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters!

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground venison
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cans (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
• 2 cups shredded cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, cook the ground venison and onion until browned.
3. Mix in the cream of mushroom soup and stir well.
4. Layer the venison mixture in a baking dish.
5. Top with tater tots and shredded cheese.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the tots are golden brown.