14 Best Ground Venison Recipes You Need to Try 2025

Ground venison offers a lean, flavorful alternative to traditional meats. This collection of 14 recipes transforms it into easy, delicious dishes.

From burgers to enchiladas, each recipe includes a short description, all required ingredients, and clear step-by-step instructions.

Whether you’re a venison fan or trying it for the first time, these meals deliver satisfaction. Let’s dive into the recipes and get started!

Venison Burger

This venison burger delivers a juicy, hearty bite. It uses ground venison for a leaner patty that’s still packed with flavor. Perfect for a quick dinner or a backyard cookout.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground venison
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 4 burger buns
• 4 slices cheddar cheese
• 1 tomato, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 4 lettuce leaves

Instructions

1. Mix ground venison, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl.
2. Shape the mixture into 4 equal patties.
3. Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Cook patties for 4 minutes on one side.
5. Flip patties and cook for 4 more minutes.
6. Add cheddar cheese slices on top during the last minute.
7. Toast burger buns on the grill for 1 minute.
8. Place patties on buns.
9. Add tomato, onion, and lettuce.
10. Serve hot and enjoy.

Venison Meatballs

These venison meatballs offer a tender, savory option for pasta or subs. They’re easy to make and freeze well for later. A family favorite you’ll want to keep on repeat.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground venison
• 1 egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups marinara sauce

Instructions

1. Combine ground venison, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Roll mixture into 1-inch balls.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Add meatballs to the skillet.
5. Cook meatballs for 8 minutes, turning occasionally.
6. Pour marinara sauce over meatballs.
7. Simmer for 10 minutes.
8. Stir gently to coat meatballs.
9. Serve with pasta or on a sub roll.

Venison Chili

This venison chili warms you up with bold spices and rich flavor. It’s a one-pot meal that’s simple to prep. Great for chilly nights or game-day gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground venison
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add ground venison and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in onion and garlic.
4. Cook for 3 minutes until onion softens.
5. Add kidney beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
6. Stir everything together.
7. Bring mixture to a boil.
8. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
9. Stir occasionally.
10. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Venison Tacos

These venison tacos pack a punch with seasoned meat and fresh toppings. They’re quick to whip up and fun to customize. Taco night just got a wild upgrade!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground venison
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 8 taco shells
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• ½ cup shredded cheese
• ¼ cup sour cream

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add ground venison and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in taco seasoning and salt.
4. Cook for 2 more minutes.
5. Warm taco shells in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.
6. Spoon venison into taco shells.
7. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream.
8. Serve immediately.

Venison Shepherd’s Pie

This venison shepherd’s pie layers savory meat with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s a comforting dish that fills you up. A cozy classic with a wild twist.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground venison
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add ground venison and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in onion, peas, carrots, salt, and pepper.
5. Cook for 5 more minutes.
6. Spread venison mixture in a baking dish.
7. Cover with mashed potatoes.
8. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.
9. Bake for 20 minutes.
10. Serve warm.

Venison Sloppy Joes

These venison sloppy joes bring a tangy, messy joy to the table. They’re fast to make and full of flavor. Kids and adults alike will dig in happily.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground venison
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 buns

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add ground venison and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in onion and cook for 3 minutes.
4. Add ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and salt.
5. Stir well.
6. Simmer for 10 minutes.
7. Spoon mixture onto buns.
8. Serve hot.

Venison Lasagna

This venison lasagna stacks layers of meaty goodness with cheese and pasta. It’s a hearty meal that feeds a crowd. A wild spin on an Italian favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground venison
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 9 lasagna noodles, cooked
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add ground venison and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in onion and cook for 3 minutes.
5. Add marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Layer 3 noodles in a baking dish.
7. Spread half the venison mixture over noodles.
8. Add half the ricotta and mozzarella.
9. Repeat layers, ending with cheese.
10. Sprinkle Parmesan on top.
11. Bake for 30 minutes.
12. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Venison Meatloaf

This venison meatloaf stays moist and flavorful with a simple glaze. It’s a filling dish that pairs well with veggies. A weeknight winner you’ll crave again.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground venison
• 1 egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix ground venison, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl.
3. Shape mixture into a loaf.
4. Place loaf in a baking dish.
5. Combine ketchup and brown sugar in a small bowl.
6. Spread glaze over meatloaf.
7. Bake for 45 minutes.
8. Let rest for 5 minutes.
9. Slice and serve.

Venison Stuffed Peppers

These venison stuffed peppers burst with flavor and color. They’re easy to prep and look great on the plate. A healthy option that doesn’t skimp on taste.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground venison
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 bell peppers, tops removed
• 1 cup shredded cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add ground venison and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in onion and cook for 3 minutes.
5. Mix in rice, salt, and pepper.
6. Stuff mixture into bell peppers.
7. Place peppers in a baking dish.
8. Sprinkle cheese on top.
9. Bake for 25 minutes.
10. Serve hot.

Venison Spaghetti

This venison spaghetti upgrades a classic with lean, tasty meat. It’s quick to cook and fills the house with a great smell. A go-to for pasta lovers.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground venison
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 12 ounces spaghetti, cooked

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add ground venison and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in onion and garlic.
4. Cook for 3 minutes.
5. Add marinara sauce, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer for 10 minutes.
7. Toss sauce with cooked spaghetti.
8. Serve hot.

Venison Breakfast Sausage

This venison breakfast sausage starts your day with a savory kick. It’s easy to mix and fry up fresh. Pair it with eggs for a hearty morning meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground venison
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sage
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Mix ground venison, salt, pepper, sage, and thyme in a bowl.
2. Shape mixture into 8 small patties.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Add patties to the skillet.
5. Cook for 4 minutes on one side.
6. Flip patties and cook for 4 more minutes.
7. Serve hot with eggs or toast.

Venison Nachos

These venison nachos layer crunchy chips with spiced meat and melty cheese. They’re a fun snack or party dish. Everyone will grab a handful!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground venison
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 1 bag tortilla chips
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• ½ cup diced tomatoes
• ¼ cup sliced jalapeños

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add ground venison and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in taco seasoning.
5. Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet.
6. Spoon venison over chips.
7. Sprinkle cheese on top.
8. Bake for 10 minutes.
9. Top with tomatoes and jalapeños.
10. Serve immediately.

Venison Stroganoff

This venison stroganoff blends creamy sauce with tender meat over noodles. It’s a warm, filling dish for any night. A wild take on a cozy classic.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground venison
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 12 ounces egg noodles, cooked

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add ground venison and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in onion and mushrooms.
4. Cook for 5 minutes.
5. Pour in beef broth.
6. Simmer for 10 minutes.
7. Stir in sour cream, salt, and pepper.
8. Cook for 2 more minutes.
9. Serve over egg noodles.

Venison Enchiladas

These venison enchiladas wrap spiced meat in soft tortillas with a zesty sauce. They’re baked to cheesy perfection. A fun, flavorful meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground venison
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 8 tortillas
• 2 cups enchilada sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add ground venison and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in onion, chili powder, and salt.
5. Cook for 3 minutes.
6. Spoon venison mixture into tortillas.
7. Roll tortillas and place in a baking dish.
8. Pour enchilada sauce over tortillas.
9. Sprinkle cheese on top.
10. Bake for 20 minutes.
11. Serve hot.

Conclusion

These 14 ground venison recipes prove that simple ingredients can create amazing meals. Each dish brings out the unique flavor of venison in a way that’s easy and enjoyable. Try one tonight or save them all for later—either way, you’re in for a treat. Happy cooking!