10+ Venison Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

Venison is a versatile and flavorful option for your meals, providing a unique taste that many find irresistible.

Whether you’re looking for easy weeknight dinners or impressive dishes for special occasions, venison recipes can offer a variety of satisfying choices.

From savory roasts to tasty ground meat options, there are countless ways to prepare this lean protein. Exploring different recipes can help you discover new favorites and elevate your cooking skills in the kitchen.

1) Grilled Venison Backstrap

Grilling venison backstrap is a great way to enjoy this tender cut of meat. You want to aim for a medium-rare temperature, which is 120-125°F (49-52°C). Cooking it too long can make it tough.

To start, gather your ingredients. A simple marinade can enhance the flavor. Olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and a bit of garlic work well.

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
• 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix marinade ingredients in a bowl.
2. Soak the backstrap in the marinade for at least an hour or overnight.
3. Preheat your grill to high heat.
4. Grill the backstrap for 4-5 minutes on each side.
5. Let it rest before slicing. Enjoy!

2) Venison Chili with Beans

Venison chili with beans is a hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly days. The rich flavors of ground venison pair nicely with a mix of beans and spices. You can easily make this in one pot, which simplifies cleanup.

Start by browning the ground venison in a large pot. Then, add chopped onions and garlic for extra flavor. When those soften, mix in your choice of beans and diced tomatoes.

Spice it up with chili powder and cumin. Let everything simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Enjoy it with some bread or over rice.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds ground venison
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 (15.5 ounce) cans of chili beans
• 2 (15 ounce) cans of diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the ground venison in a large pot over medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C).
2. Add chopped onions and minced garlic; cook until soft.
3. Stir in the chili beans and diced tomatoes.
4. Mix in chili powder and cumin; season with salt and pepper.
5. Cover and let it simmer for 30 minutes on low heat.
6. Serve hot.

3) Bacon-Wrapped Venison Tenderloin

Bacon-wrapped venison tenderloin is a delicious way to enjoy this lean meat. The bacon adds flavor and moisture, making each bite juicy and rich.

To get started, you will need fresh venison tenderloin. A well-seasoned tenderloin wrapped in bacon complements the gamey taste of the venison well.

Cooking this dish is simple. Just roast in the oven until the bacon is crispy and the meat reaches a safe internal temperature. For best results, aim for around 145°F (63°C).

Ingredients

• 2 lbs venison tenderloin
• ½ lb bacon (preferably thin-sliced)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the venison with salt and pepper.
3. Wrap each tenderloin with bacon slices.
4. Heat olive oil in a pan and sear the bacon-wrapped tenderloin until golden.
5. Transfer to the oven and roast until cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.

4) Venison Stew with Root Vegetables

This venison stew is a comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Tender pieces of venison combine with hearty root vegetables to create a warm meal.

For this recipe, you’ll need ingredients like potatoes, carrots, and parsnips. The slow cooking process makes the meat fall-apart tender and blends the flavors beautifully.

Feel free to add herbs like thyme and bay leaves for extra flavor. Serve this stew with some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds venison, cut into cubes
• 3 medium potatoes, diced
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 2 parsnips, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Brown the venison cubes on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, sauté onions until soft.
4. Add the venison back to the pot along with potatoes, carrots, and parsnips.
5. Stir in beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaves.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2–3 hours.
7. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

5) Venison Sausage Pasta

Venison sausage pasta is a delicious and simple dish to prepare. It combines the rich flavors of venison with pasta, making for a hearty meal. You can enjoy it on a busy weeknight or for a special dinner.

To make this dish, start by cooking the pasta according to package directions. While that cooks, prepare the venison sausage in a skillet until browned.

Add chopped tomatoes, garlic, and any spices you like. Let everything simmer together. Once the pasta is ready, mix it in with the sauce, and enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 pound venison sausage
• 12 ounces pasta
• 3 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente.
2. In a skillet, brown venison sausage over medium heat.
3. Add chopped tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
4. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Mix pasta with the sauce and serve warm.

6) Venison Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Making venison meatballs in tomato sauce is simple and delicious. Start by mixing ground venison with your favorite seasonings. You can blend it with pork or beef for added flavor.

Shape the mixture into meatballs. Cook them in a skillet until they are browned. Then, pour in the tomato sauce and let everything simmer. This helps the meatballs soak up the sauce and become juicy.

Serve the meatballs over pasta or with crusty bread. They make a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy. You can even store leftovers for a quick lunch later.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground venison
• 1 pound ground pork or beef (optional)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your skillet over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, mix the ground venison, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape into meatballs.
4. Cook meatballs in the skillet until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Pour tomato sauce over meatballs and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Serve with pasta or bread.

7) Smoked Venison Jerky

Making smoked venison jerky is an exciting way to enjoy this meat. The process allows the flavors to deepen while keeping the jerky chewy and tasty.

To start, slice your venison into thin strips. Aim for even slices, which helps with cooking consistency.

Next, you’ll want to marinate the meat. Common ingredients include soy sauce, brown sugar, and spices like black pepper or cayenne for a kick. Let it soak for several hours for the best flavor.

After marinating, arrange the strips in your smoker. Keep the temperature around 160°F (71°C). Smoke them until they reach your desired dryness, which usually takes a few hours.

Enjoy your homemade jerky on its own or as a tasty snack during outdoor adventures!

Ingredients

• 2 ½ – 3 lb. venison roast
• 1 cup soy sauce
• ½ tsp. Prague powder #1
• 3 tbsp. brown sugar
• 1 tbsp. black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice venison into thin strips.
2. Mix marinade ingredients and soak meat for several hours.
3. Preheat your smoker to 160°F (71°C).
4. Arrange marinated meat in the smoker.
5. Smoke for a few hours until dry.

8) Venison Burgers with Cheese

Making venison burgers with cheese is a fun way to enjoy this lean meat. Adding cheese makes the burgers juicy and flavorful. You can use cheddar, pepper jack, or your favorite cheese.

Start by mixing ground venison with your choice of spices. Form patties and place a small piece of cheese in the middle. Seal the edges so the cheese stays inside.

Grill the patties over medium heat at about 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes per side. Make sure to cook them to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

These burgers are delicious served on a bun with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground venison
• 4 oz. cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or your choice)
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix ground venison with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Form patties and place a piece of cheese in the center of each.
3. Seal the edges tightly.
4. Preheat the grill to 375°F (190°C).
5. Grill patties for 5-7 minutes on each side.
6. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
7. Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.

9) Venison Stroganoff

Venison stroganoff is a hearty dish that combines tender venison with creamy sauce. This recipe uses mushrooms and onions for added flavor. You can serve it over egg noodles for a comforting meal.

One great thing about venison stroganoff is its versatility. You can adjust the spices to suit your taste. The creamy sauce makes every bite delicious and satisfying.

To make it even easier, you can prepare it in a slow cooker. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds lean venison, cubed
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons canola oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onions and mushrooms; sauté until soft.
3. Stir in the cubed venison and cook until browned.
4. Sprinkle flour over meat; mix well.
5. Add beef broth and bring to a simmer.
6. Stir in sour cream and season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve over cooked egg noodles. Enjoy!

10) Spicy Venison Tacos

If you want a delicious dinner, try making spicy venison tacos. They are tasty and perfect for a weeknight meal. You’ll enjoy the blend of flavors that the ground venison brings to the table.

To make these tacos, you’ll need fresh ingredients. Ingredients like chili powder and cumin add the right kick. Don’t forget lime juice for that zesty touch!

These tacos cook up quickly, making them a great choice for busy evenings. Serve them with your favorite toppings like avocado or cheese for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground venison
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 lime, juiced
• 8 corn tortillas
• Toppings (cheese, avocado, salsa)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a skillet, brown the ground venison over medium heat (350°F/175°C).

2. Add chili powder, cumin, and lime juice. Stir well.

3. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until fully cooked.

4. Warm the tortillas in another skillet.

5. Fill tortillas with venison mixture and add toppings.

6. Enjoy!