Here’s what to make if you have an abundance of deer meat (or elk, antelope, moose) in your freezer. You’ll love these ground venison recipes!
Ah, ground venison recipes. If there’s one thing every hunter has after a harvest its ground venison, or “deer hamburger” as my husband would say. I’m curious, do you call ground meat “ground (whatever meat it is)” or “hamburger”? Anyway.
So, you have a bunch of ground deer meat (or elk, antelope, moose) on hand. And I’m here to give you some inspiration for what to do with it! The same old recipes your grandmother made can feel tired and dowdy and I know I even need to check this list to refresh my meal rotation. And as much as well all love venison stew, fresh ideas are always needed! This a list of my tried and true (and healthy) ground venison recipe dish ideas and resources!
WHAT ABOUT THE GAMEY TASTE? HOW DO YOU GET THE GAME TASTE OUT OF GROUND VENISON?
The thing I want you to know is that if you follow any of these recipes, you won’t have any of that “gamey” flavor some people complain about. Yes, venison tastes differently than beef. And especially if the meat your eating is from a large, trophy buck in rut, the meat will have a stronger flavor if you’re used to commercially purchased meats. But, if you prepare venison correctly it is delicious.
HOW DO YOU MAKE GROUND VENISON TASTE GOOD?
The thing to do with venison is to prepare it properly. That means proper seasoning, adding some sort of acidic component AND if you’re making a burger, don’t cook it so that resembles a hockey puck. Stick to the recipes and you’ll learn a few tips and tricks that will have you clearing out that freezer in NO time!
CAN I SUBSTITUTE GROUND VENISON FOR GROUND BEEF?
Here’s why I don’t recommend directly subbing venison for ground beef: you’re wanting it to taste like beef! If you use a recipe you’re familiar with and sub venison, you will notice a difference. Venison and beef aren’t the same, deer are different animals than cows. Som folks are OK with this, but when someone tells me they don’t like deer meat, it’s probably because they’re using dated or beef specific recipes.
WHAT SHOULD I MIX WITH GROUND VENISON? (ADDING FAT)
People always ask me – “Allie, do you cut your deer meat with fat or anything else?”. My answer: yes! I usually cut my deer meat with about 10% beef or pork fat. It really depends on your animal. If you have a particularly plump deer you’re processing, use all deer and see what you think. But I’m not ashamed to admit that I do use other animal fats in my meat.
KEY INGREDIENTS & KITCHEN TOOLS TO HAVE ON HAND WHEN COOKING WILD GAME & VENISON ROAST
When preparing venison recipes, there are key ingredients that I like to keep in my pantry and fridge so that I can always whip something delicious up when I defrost deer meat from my deep freezer. Here’s what I like to have on hand:
1. Venison: The star of the show, ensuring you have fresh and high-quality cuts is essential. You can also use a variety of game meat for these recipes as well, elk, moose, antelope and so much more!
2. Herbs and Spices: My staples include Italian seasoning, herbs de Provence, curry powder, garlic powder, onion powder, bay leaves, and fresh herbs such as fresh rosemary, sprigs of fresh thyme kosher salt and black pepper. My cookbook has a whole list!
3. Marinades: A good marinade can tenderize the meat and bring out its natural flavors. Consider using red wine, Worcestershire sauce, or balsamic vinegar as a base for your marinades. I also have an incredible All-Purpose Marinade that is perfect for any cut of meat.
4. Stock or Broth: Stock or broth (chicken, vegetable, or beef broth all work) is the perfect liquid ingredient to have on hand to add to recipes, it helps keep the meat moist and intensifies the overall taste. Check out my Homemade Venison Stock recipe!
5. Butter or Olive Oil: These fats are perfect for cooking venison as they add richness and prevent it from drying out.
6. Vegetables: Pairing your venison with vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and garlic cloves, not only adds color to your plate but also complements its earthy flavors. Diced tomatoes and tomato paste are also great ingredients to have on hand for a pop of flavor!
By having these key ingredients on hand, you’ll be well-equipped to create delicious and memorable venison dishes that are sure to be a hit!
Kitchen Tools
There are quite a few kitchen essentials that I always have on hand when cooking with Venison. Whether you are cooking your meat in a smoker, a large skillet, a crockpot, or baking pan, it is always important to make sure you have the best quality equipment to help your meat cook evenly and properly. I also recommend a sharp knife for cutting your meat and a good quality cutting board. Having a serving platter on hand is always a good idea when you are feeding a big crowd. Lastly, I always have my meat thermometer on hand to make sure my venison reaches the proper internal temp. This also makes for a great gift!
Want more recipe ideas, tips and tricks? Go grab a copy of my cookbook Venison Every Day! There are SO many recipes that use ground venison, like sausage gravy, Asian chop salad, and pasta fagioli.
My award winning venison chili formula guaranteed to win that church cook-off. This hearty venison chili recipe is viral for a reason! You can do this in the slow cooker, just reduce the liquid quantity by half.
This is a classic, easy to pull together meat sauce that’s perfect for pasta night. Make a double batch and freeze half!
Crazy Good Ground Venison Tacos
Fresh citrus and classic tacos seasoning flavors bring these viral venison tacos together. If you’re searching “What spices cover gamey taste?”, you HAVE to check this recipe out. They spices don’t really cover the flavor, but they enhance the natural deliciousness and are balanced out with the addition of lime and orange.
An updated & fresh take on meatloaf -with wild game! It comes out of the oven so tender and juicy!
My FAVORITE for Mexican night! Make some guac and get out your favorite toppings. Another one that freezes well, see post for directions.
A quick and healthy weeknight meal idea with TONS of flavor. Totally healthy & meal prep friendly!
Wondering – “How do you make deer meat taste like hamburger?” Check out this post! These burgers are exactly as the post reads. Perfect, juicy burgers! I’ve got a method and a secret ingredient!
The combination of onion, garlic, and my sweet & savor Sloppy Joe sauce is a match made in heaven for venison meat. Serve in a bun or over potatoes!
Classic, Italian style stuffed peppers. Comfort food to the MAX.
Cheesy & meaty pasta bake that’s majorly toddler approved. Add herbs, spices, salt, and cheese to your liking!
This is the ultimate comfort food meal packed with a hearty filling and golden brown puff pastry, we simply can’t get enough of this one!
A delicious twist on a classic family favorite. This dish is packed with flavor and the best way to use up ground venison.
Smokey, juicy meatballs covered in a sweet and spicy sauce. Great as an appetizer or main!
Healthier Ground Venison Stroganoff
A lightened up version of a classic, hearty meal. Worcestershire sauce is the secret to a savory broth. A fan favorite right here! This dish is insane when paired with egg noodles and fresh cracked black pepper.
All of the makings of Shepherd’s Pie…in soup form!
These protein packed, meal prep friendly bowls are one of my favorite weeknight meals. I serve the ground venison seasoned with plenty of spices over rice, beans, sour cream, pico de gallo, cheese and all of the fixings!
Classic lasagna with ground deer meat and a rich, homemade tomato sauce. Layers and layers of flavor with ooey, gooey mozzarella cheese.
Classic meatloaf made with venison and kissed with smoke.
Beer makes the perfect partner for venison in this balanced and flavorful chili. Take it up a notch!
A twist on traditional stuffed peppers. Taco flavors!
Elk Taco Salad (can be made with deer)
Throw all of your favorite taco toppings onto lettuce for a healthy but NOT boring meal with wild game!
No one will even know this one is deer meat! It’s such a crowd pleasing appetizer.
My tried and true meatball recipe. I always like to have a batch in the freezer!
Whole30 Venison Burgers with Special Sauce
Doing a Whole30 or love paleo recipes? These burgers are juicy and flavorful and they use sweet potato buns!
Ground Venison Recipes From Other Creators I Love
I’m not the only venison recipe creator in the game, check out these fantastic ideas from friends of mine!
Oklahoma Onion Burgers by Hank Shaw
Crockpot Pinto Beans (with Venison) from The Cagle Diaries
Mexican Albondigas En Chipotle by Hank Shaw
Venison Meatballs with Sweet & Sour Sauce from Winding Creek Ranch
British Venison Meatballs by Hank Shaw
Venison Breakfast Sausage from A Ranch Mom
Venison Meat Pies by Hank Shaw
Dirty Cauliflower Rice (with Venison) from Joy Filled Eats
Venison Potsticker Dumplings by Hank Shaw
How is venison best served? Try one of these amazing ground venison recipes and see for yourself!
It is such a gift to be able to share these ground venison recipes with all of you! I hope you’ll find a favorite and the next time you ask yourself “What is best to add to ground venison?”…you know where to go!
Want more recipe ideas, tips and tricks? Go grab a copy of my cookbook Venison Every Day! There are SO many recipes that use ground venison, like sausage gravy, Asian chop salad, and pasta fagioli.
This post was published in January 2021 was updated in April 2024.
Hi. I am loving all these venison recipes! I am also wondering if you have one for deer sausage? We have tried to make it a couple of different times and can’t seem to get the meet to fat ratio quite right. I’d love to hear any tips or advice you might have.
Your venison enchiladas were the first venison recipe I made with our deer. Delicious!! I promptly ordered your cookbook and have been enjoying your recipes and tips. So happy I have found your blog!
What an honor! Thank you, Emily!
The freezer meatloaf. Does it have to be frozen or can you just skip that step (and the Saran Wrap) and cook it? Thank you 😊
You sure can!
This is really helpful post and very educational there is no doubt it.
I was wondering if I could have your taco stuffed peppers recipe? When you click for the recipe it takes you to the venison stuffed peppers one instead.
Hi Amanda – Thanks so much for catching this, here is the taco stuffed pepper recipe! Enjoy!