Fuel your body with high protein dinner recipes that are easy, delicious, and family-friendly. Each recipe packs 20g+ of protein to keep you satisfied and energized.

IS VENISON A GOOD SOURCE OF PROTEIN?

You better believe it is! Venison is an incredibly source of protein. It’s lean and packed with protein – perfect for building and maintaining muscle.

Venison is also nutrient dense. It is full of iron, B vitamins and other essential nutrients that support your energy, metabolism, and overall health. This is why I love recipes like meatballs, tacos, chili, or power bowls because they aren’t only high in protein, but also loaded with flavor.

Venison makes for a delicious healthy dinner and also pairs so well with your favorite veggies such as peppers, asparagus, spinach, brussels sprouts, green beans and/or mushrooms. You don’t also have to, but venison pairs well with carbs such as quinoa, pasta or white or brown rice. The options are endless, but I have some go-to recipes that take the thought process out of the decision making for you!

WHY IS PROTEIN IMPORTANT?

Protein has been such a game changer for me when it comes to my postpartum journey. Listen, I hear you, we need dinners for busy weeknights that are going to keep us fueled. Once I started paying attention to how much I was actually eating, I realized I wasn’t getting nearly enough—and that’s why I was always hungry an hour after meals. Adding more protein has helped me feel satisfied, keep my energy steady throughout the day, and recover so much faster after workouts. It’s also made a big difference in building and maintaining muscle, which is important to me.

Beyond fitness, protein plays a role in so many little things we don’t always think about—like healthy hair, skin, and nails, or even hormones and immune function. It’s not just about eating broccoli and chicken breast every night either. There are so many delicious ways to get protein in (i.e venison, pork, salmon, shrimp, elk, etc.), from cozy casseroles and soups to easy skillet meals and fun bowls. Once I started being intentional about it, I noticed my meals felt more complete and I wasn’t constantly reaching for snacks to fill me up.

KEY INGREDIENTS TO HAVE ON HAND WHEN COOKING WILD GAME

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, thyme, rosemary, chili powder, 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!

LET’S GET COOKING