Summer was all about grilling, and that meant juicy Wagyu beef rib eyes, grass fed beef burgers and bison hot dogs. Now fall is here, and it’s time to experiment with the other red meat: venison. What we love most about venison – besides, you know, the fact that it tastes great and is super-healthy – is its versatility. You can cut it into rich, hearty steaks, slice it thin for an Asian stir fry or curry, make it into jerky, or ground it into meat for burgers, sausages, chilis, meatballs and tacos. The possibilities with this lean, natural meat are endless, and the results often fantastic. So here’s a rundown of what we consider the best venison recipes, each festive, delicious and easy to make.
Our venison chili is a great place to start if you're new to venison, in part because of its simplicity but also because Italian sausage contributes extra juicy fat that keeps the venison flavor from being overwhelming. Meanwhile, seasonings like chili and paprika give it a nice spicy bite without burning your mouth out. Overall, a real crowd-pleaser, and something to bring to your next holiday season get-together.
View Ground Chili Venison Recipe online.
This elegant recipe takes silky-smooth, ultra-lean venison tenderloin and raises it to a sweet, winey crescendo thanks to a red wine sauce loaded with peppercorns, not to mention a sprinkling of prosciutto di Parma. Serve with roast potatoes, carrots and parsnips for a masterwork in autumn cuisine!
View or buy Seared Venison Tenderloin in Peppercorn Sauce Recipe online.
A sumptuous mixture of venison and sausage meat are held together with breadcrumbs and onions, densely seasoned and molded into loaves, wrapped in a blanket of bacon slices and drizzled with Merlot red wine sauce for the perfect finish. Just what you didn't know you were craving all these years!
View or buy Mini Venison Meatloaf Recipe online.
Don’t hide that grill away just yet. This venison burger is a feast for the lips as well as the eyes, crammed with rich, mouthwatering venison meat that practically bursts out of the bun. Juicy Portobello mushrooms, zucchini, tomatoes, onions and mayo perfectly complement this lean, mean classic.
View or buy Venison Burger Recipe online.
This is one for those cold evenings when you just want to snuggle up by the fire with some hearty comfort food. It doesn't get much heartier than a rich venison stew packed with carrots, mushrooms, onions and celery in a beef-broth-and-Worstershire sauce, plus blueberries for added tart sweetness. Best served with a steady supply of rustic bread for dipping.
View or buy Hearty Venison Stew Recipe online.
These meatballs are big, moist and rustic in flavor, thanks not only to the venison but also the creamy white sauce brimming with mustard, butter and seasonings. Add some sliced button mushrooms for extra softness in each bite, then pour over some rice or pasta and you're ready to go!
View or buy Creamy Venison Meatballs Recipe online.