If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying meal that’s rich in flavor, this Easy Ground Venison Dinner Recipe is just what you need. With its earthy, savory taste and simple preparation, it’s a great way to enjoy the unique flavors of venison. Perfect for weeknights or any time you want to try something a little different, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Steps
- Start by preparing your ground venison. If grinding your own, mix in your choice of fat, such as pork or beef fat, to enhance flavor and texture. Alternatively, use pre-ground venison from a processor, which may already have added fat.
- For venison burgers, mix ground venison with seasonings and your preferred fat. Shape the mixture into patties and cook them on a grill or skillet until desired doneness.
- To make venison meatballs, combine ground venison with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings. Form into balls and bake or fry until thoroughly cooked.
- For venison ragu, brown the ground venison in a skillet, then simmer with tomatoes, herbs, and vegetables to create a rich pasta sauce.
- Craft venison meatloaf by blending ground venison with breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices. Shape into a loaf and bake until fully cooked.
- For venison chili, sauté onions and garlic, then brown the venison. Add beans, tomatoes, and chili spices, and simmer until flavors meld.
- Make venison potstickers by mixing ground venison with scallions and ginger. Wrap in dumpling wrappers and cook by searing and steaming.
- Prepare venison jerky by seasoning ground venison and drying it in a dehydrator or oven at a low temperature until preserved.
- Create Mexican picadillo using ground venison, sautéing it with onions and spices. Use this flavorful mixture as a taco filling or over rice.
- For no-fat recipes, use pure ground venison in dishes like chili and ragu, where the absence of fat doesn’t compromise flavor or texture.
Ingredients
- Ground venison (1 pound or as needed)
- Beef fat or pork fat (optional, for mixing with venison)
- Bacon ends (optional, for flavor)
- Green chiles (for Green Chile Elk Burger)
- Onions (for Oklahoma Onion Burger)
- Chorizo (beef or pork, for Chorizo Burger)
- Mushrooms (for Mushroom Swiss Burger)
- Italian seasoning (for Venison Meatballs)
- Chipotle chilis (for Mexican Albondigas en Chipotle)
- Cumin (for Mexican Albondigas en Chipotle)
- Teriyaki sauce (for Teriyaki Meatballs with Venison)
- Swedish meatball spices (for Venison Swedish Meatballs)
- Herbs (for Norwegian and Greek Meatballs)
- Bulgur wheat (for Greek Venison Meatballs)
- Oats (for British Venison Meatballs)
- Scarborough Faire herbs (for British Venison Meatballs)
- Caul fat or bacon (for wrapping British Venison Meatballs)
- Tomatoes or tomato sauce (for Venison Ragu)
- Classic Bolognese spices (for Venison Ragu)
- Cheese (for Not My Mum’s Venison Lasagna)
- Pastry dough (for Venison Meat Pies and Pasties)
- Chili spices (for The Best Venison Chili)
- Curry powder and chutney (for South African Bobotie)
- Eggs (for topping South African Bobotie)
- Scallions (for Venison Potsticker Dumplings)
- Ginger (for Venison Potsticker Dumplings)
- Dumpling wrappers (for Venison Potsticker Dumplings)
- Picadillo spices (for Mexican Picadillo)
- Native American pemmican spices (for Ground Venison Jerky)
FAQ
- What types of fat can be added to ground venison, and how do they affect the flavor?
- You can mix beef fat, pork fat, or lamb fat into ground venison. Beef fat gives it a flavor closer to ground beef, while pork fat is lower in saturated fat and lets the venison’s natural taste shine through. Lamb fat is less commonly used but can add a unique flavor.
- Can ground venison be used in recipes that typically call for ground beef?
- Yes, ground venison can be used in any recipe that calls for ground beef. The cooking process is largely the same, although you might need to adjust for the leaner quality of venison if no fat is added.
- Is it necessary to add fat to ground venison?
- It’s not necessary, but adding fat can enhance the flavor and texture. If you prefer no-fat ground venison, it can still be used effectively in recipes like chili, ragu, and jerky, where the absence of fat can be beneficial.
- What are some popular recipes that feature ground venison?
- Popular ground venison recipes include venison burgers, meatballs, chili, and ragu. These dishes often highlight the venison’s rich flavor and can be adapted to different cuisines.
- How can you tell if the natural fat from venison is suitable for grinding without added fat?
- To determine if the natural fat is suitable, fry a small piece and taste it. If it smells and tastes good, you can use it. If not, it’s best to trim the fat and use domestic fat instead.
Tips
- Add Fat for Flavor and Texture: When grinding your own venison, consider mixing in pork or beef fat. Pork fat, especially backfat, enhances the venison’s flavor while reducing saturated fat content. For a smoky taste, bacon ends are a great addition.
- Experiment with No-Fat Options: If you prefer a leaner option or have venison with enough natural fat, try recipes that work well without added fat, such as venison chili or ragu. These dishes can handle the lean texture and still deliver robust flavors.
- Test Natural Fat Quality: Occasionally, your venison may have sufficient natural fat. Before using it, fry a small amount to test its flavor. If it tastes good, you’re set; otherwise, trim it off and use domestic fat.
- Consider Versatile Recipes: Venison can be used in a variety of recipes that typically use ground beef, including burgers, meatballs, and chili. Explore different cuisines, like Mexican picadillo or South African bobotie, to experience venison’s versatility.
Equipment
- Meat Grinder – Essential if you plan to grind your own venison and add fat yourself.
- Pressure Canner – Useful if you’re considering canning venison, such as making venison spaghetti sauce.
- Caul Fat – Used in certain recipes like British venison meatballs; this might not be easily found in a regular grocery store.
- Food Dehydrator – Helpful for making ground venison jerky.
- Burger Press – To shape consistent venison burger patties.
- Dumpling Maker – Useful if you’re planning to make venison potsticker dumplings.
