23 Best Ground Venison Recipes From Burgers to Jerky

These ground venison recipes are a welcome alternative to beef, chicken, and pork.

This lean and delicious meat is perfect for making savory meatballs, hearty chili, or even a juicy venison burger. 

Don’t be intimidated by the idea of deer meat. Ground venison is lean, flavorful, and adds a new spin to your favorite recipes.

These dishes will satisfy any wild game cravings while delivering a taste of the great outdoors. Let’s embark on a delicious adventure!

1. Mexican Venison and Eggs Breakfast Skillet

Are you tired of the same old boring breakfast routine? Mix things up with this savory breakfast skillet! This blend of tender venison, eggs, and vibrant vegetables will leave you delighted.

The deer meat is browned to perfection. And the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce give it just the right kick.

This is a recipe you’ll jump out of bed for!

2. Cozy Shepherd’s Pie

This recipe is like a hug in a dish. It has layers of savory meat, hearty vegetables, and mashed potatoes. The venison gives it a nice touch of gamey flavor.

Sheperd’s pie is classic comfort food at its finest.

Don’t forget to serve it with a big glass of red wine. Trust me, it’s like the cherry on top of this already perfect meal.

3. Juicy Venison Burger with Smoky Aioli

This juicy venison burger is topped with smoky aioli and all the fixings.

The meat is tender enough as it is. But this recipe has bacon thrown into the mix, which truly takes the flavor to new heights.

Serve it on a toasted bun with a side of sweet potato fries.

4. Ground Venison Stroganoff

If you’re looking for a way to spice up classic stroganoff, look no further than ground venison. This gamey twist on a traditional recipe packs a flavor punch. It’ll leave you begging for more.

There’s a wonderful combination of tender beef broth, tangy red wine, and savory mushrooms to complement the meat.

5. Venison Chili

Venison chili is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for chilly nights or as a game-day snack. 

This recipe combines the rich, earthy flavor of ground venison with aromatic spices like cumin and chili powder. It also features tomato puree, kidney beans, and onions. 

It’ll fill your belly and warm your soul!

6. Venison Meatballs

Venison meatballs are a savory treat you won’t want to miss. These perfectly seasoned balls of goodness are a unique twist on traditional beef meatballs. 

The combination of venison and aromatic spices creates an earthy, rich flavor. You won’t be able to stop at just one!

Serve them with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal.

7. Hunter’s Queso Dip 

Here’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing dip for any gathering. Queso is always a hit, and adding ground venison makes it even better.

The dip starts with a base of melted cheese, which adds a bold, creamy flavor. To balance it out, onions, cumin, and spicy jalapeños are added, giving it a tangy kick.

Serve this with your favorite chips and be prepared to get addicted!

8. Gluten-Free Venison Enchiladas

The recipe brings together tender venison meat with the traditional flavors of enchiladas. The aromatic spices and herbs blend perfectly in this dish.

As a bonus, they’re gluten-free, so they cater to people with dietary restrictions.

These enchiladas are wonderful with a side of mango salsa or a fresh salad.

9. Venison Goulash

There’s nothing quite like the hearty goodness of a big pot of goulash. And this venison version is truly one of a kind!

This traditional dish is made with braised venison. It’s simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce. It’s flavored with chili powder and other aromatic spices. 

It’s perfect over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. Be sure to pick up a loaf of crusty bread as well to soak up the juices.

10. Venison Pizza

This unconventional recipe combines the rich flavor of venison with the chewy texture of naan bread. Deer meat on pizza might sound odd, but trust me, it works!

The seasoning of the venison blends perfectly with the herbs and spices sprinkled on the naan. 

The combination of tender meat and crisp bread creates an unparalleled taste and texture.

11. Venison Mushroom Pappardelle

The recipe features tender cuts of venison infused with earthy, umami flavors from the mushrooms. 

The pappardelle noodles are a perfect match for this dish. They provide a comforting base to soak up all the rich flavors. 

The combination of these ingredients makes for a hearty, yet elegant meal. It’s guaranteed to impress the most discerning guests.

12. Venison Taco

Venison tacos are a unique and savory twist on traditional tacos. They’re made the same way, and you can serve them with whatever fixings you like.

However, the meat is bolder and more flavorful than ground beef. Top them with sharp cheddar cheese, fresh salsa, and tangy sour cream. 

These tacos also pair well with a cold beer or margarita.

13. Venison Burger Bowls 

This recipe brings a unique twist to traditional burgers by using lean, gamey venison meat. Plus, it’s a deconstructed version served up in bowls.

Top them with caramelized onions, mushrooms, and your favorite cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

Burger bowls are perfect for low-carb lovers!

14. Spicy Korean-Inspired Venison

Korean-inspired venison is such a delectable dish. The marinade for the meat is a fusion of Asian ingredients. They work perfectly together. There’s umami from the soy sauce and a subtle nuttiness from the sesame oil. You also get a kick from the red pepper flakes. 

The dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.

15. Ground Venison Meat Pies

This recipe is easy to make. It features a perfectly balanced combination of flavors and will remind you of being in your grandma’s kitchen.

The ground venison is beautifully seasoned with herbs and spices, which pair perfectly with the flaky pastry. 

Each bite is a scrumptious mouthful of meaty goodness. You won’t be able to resist these meat pies!

16. Venison Egg Roll in a Bowl 

If you’re a fan of egg rolls, you’ll flip for this recipe! It’s exploding with delicious flavors. 

It’s made with ground venison cooked to perfection. The meat is blended with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and other seasonings. 

Mix in shredded cabbage, carrots, and onions, for the finishing touch. It’s the perfect dish to enjoy when you’re craving takeout.

17. Ground Venison Jerky

You’ll never buy store-bought jerky again once you try this homemade version!

It highlights the bold taste of venison. There’s also a hint of sweetness from the sugar and a kick from dried cranberries. Plus, the nutmeg and smoked paprika add a delicious smoky and earthy flavor.

This jerky is a crowd-pleaser. It’s ideal for entertaining guests or as a solo snack.

18. Venison Bolognese 

Venison Bolognese is a game-changer for pasta nights! This luxurious recipe takes a classic Italian dish to the next level. Swapping beef for venison is such a tasty upgrade.

The meat is simmered in a rich and savory sauce. It’s perfectly balanced by the addition of white wine and herbs.

Be sure to pick up a loaf of garlic bread to go along with this fantastic meal.

19. Instant Pot Venison Spanish Rice 

This Instant Pot recipe is quick, easy, and delicious! The fragrant and savory aroma of the venison will fill your kitchen. And the spicy kick from the rice creates an unforgettable experience for your senses. 

Serve this dish as a meal on its own, or use it to stuff tacos, burritos, and the like.

20. Venison Meatloaf

Put away your tried-and-true meatloaf recipe and give this venison version a whirl! You’ll be shocked by what a pleasant taste deer meat lends to this comforting dish.

The brown sugar-vinegar glaze adds a touch of sweetness, and breadcrumbs help bind everything together. It’s a meal fit for a king!

21. Ground Venison Lettuce Wraps

The flavors in these wraps are a perfect blend of bold and rich. They’re filling, crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying!

There’s a wide variety of vegetables and spices in the filling mixture. Every bite is packed with flavor and nutrition.

Pair them with a side of rice or beans for an easy weeknight meal.

22. Venison Chili Cornbread Casserole

Cornbread casserole with ground venison is so easy to make. Plus, it’s delicious and satisfying. Think of it as a mashup between chili and cornbread, which always go hand in hand!

Serve it hot with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.

23. Venison Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

This recipe is a creative take on two classics: Philly cheesesteak sandwiches and sloppy Joes. Instead of beef, you use venison!

Since it’s much leaner than beef, it offers a healthy twist on these two favorites. And putting them together into one delectable recipe is such a treat!

Feel free to add a side of fries as a small indulgence. It’s the reward you get for choosing a healthier meat!