Calling all meat lovers—this one’s for you! These 25 venison recipes are hearty, mouthwatering, and super easy ways to cook up your next batch of wild game.
When done right, venison—whether it’s whitetail or another game meat—can be tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. And with these recipes, even the pickiest eaters (or your most seasoned big game hunting buddies) will be asking for seconds.
Venison is also low in fat and high in protein, so it keeps you feeling full without weighing you down. Whether you’re a venison pro or just starting out, this list has tons of creative ideas to bring some variety to your kitchen.
We’re talking everything from classic meatloaf and rich bourguignon to bold, spicy venison barbacoa. You’ll even find some crock pot and slow cooker recipes that let the flavors marinate low and slow until they’re just right.
So grab that marinade, fire up your slow cooker, and let’s take a tasty trip through venison recipes from all over the world. You just might find your new favorite wild game dinner!
Contents
25. Fall-apart Red Wine Roast Venison Chunks
There are definitely some great perks to having hunters in the family—and this recipe is one of them. I’m lucky to often cook with venison, moose, wild hog, and even rabbit.
And let me tell you, this venison roast is as good as it gets when it comes to hearty, soul-warming comfort food.
With the cold weather and snow rolling in, I find myself craving cozy meals more than ever. And for me, slow-braised meat served over creamy mashed potatoes is the definition of comfort.
There are plenty of ways to make a great venison roast, and a lot depends on what you have on hand and what flavors you’re going for. Luckily, venison is super versatile and takes well to all kinds of herbs, aromatics, and braising liquids.
24. Smoked Venison Backstrap Popular Recipe
Smoked venison backstrap is one of the best ways to prepare this incredibly tender cut of meat, but it’s also surprisingly easy to mess up.
I’ve had quite a few people ask why their backstrap turns out dry, and the usual culprits are too much heat in the smoker, a lack of seasoning prep, or both.
In my experience, the key to juicy, flavorful smoked backstrap starts with a good salty rub applied ahead of time. Think of it as a dry brine—it helps the meat retain moisture during cooking and allows it to absorb the smoke more effectively.
Another game-changing method I swear by is to sear the backstrap first over high heat to create a rich, savory crust, then finish it low and slow in the smoker.
It’s like reverse pan-roasting, and the result? A beautifully smoky, juicy, tender steak that’s bursting with wild flavor.
23. Pan Seared Deer Tenderloin
This pan-seared venison tenderloin with garlic herb butter is easily one of our all-time favorite ways to enjoy deer meat. These tender, juicy steaks are seasoned simply, then seared to perfect medium-rare in a hot cast iron skillet.
Follow this method, and you’ll never end up with gamey-tasting venison—it’s foolproof.
Honestly, I’d put venison tenderloin right up there with, if not above, beef tenderloin. It’s incredibly flavorful and works beautifully in recipes that typically call for beef—like my go-to Venison Wellington.
This recipe is a perfect example of how versatile and delicious deer steaks can be with the right technique and just a few ingredients. Cooked right, venison melts in your mouth—and that garlic herb butter? It takes things to a whole new level.
22. Venison Recipe: How to Cook a Cut of Meat
Whether you’re a seasoned deer hunter or just figuring out how to cook the venison your partner brought home, I’m here to share my go-to tips and favorite recipes to help you make the most of this flavorful meat.
Whether you want to highlight venison’s bold, rich flavor or you’re looking for ways to tone down that signature “gamey” taste, there’s something here for you.
From slow-cooked roasts and hearty stews to perfectly seared steaks, I promise you’ll find at least one venison recipe you’ll fall in love with—maybe even more!
21. Simple German Venison Schnitzel
If you’ve never tried your hand at authentic schnitzel, this easy venison schnitzel recipe is the perfect place to start.
Inspired by German and Austrian traditions, this crispy, golden breaded venison cutlet pairs beautifully with just about any side—from mashed potatoes to simple salads or roasted veggies.
And don’t skip the final touch: a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice right after pan-frying takes the flavor to the next level. It adds just the right brightness to balance the richness—an absolute must!
20. Make Venison Jerky in Your Oven
Making delicious venison jerky at home is easier than you think — and you don’t even need a dehydrator or smoker! This oven-friendly recipe proves that you can still get flavorful, tender jerky with just a few simple steps.
One of the best parts? You can customize the seasonings to your liking. We personally love the sweet heat combo of brown sugar and chili powder, but feel free to experiment with your favorite spices and marinades.
If you’re making a big batch, be sure to store the jerky in an airtight container — that way, it’ll stay fresh and tasty for weeks (if it lasts that long!).
19. Chicken Fried Venison with Buttermilk
Chicken fried venison is one of those recipes that instantly earns a spot in your regular rotation—after just one bite, you’ll see why!
What makes it even better is that you don’t need a premium cut like backstrap or loin. This recipe is perfect for using tougher cuts from your deer harvest.
The buttermilk coating not only helps tenderize the meat but also pairs beautifully with the rich flavor of venison.
And here’s a pro tip: if your venison tastes a bit too gamey, try soaking it in buttermilk for a few hours before tenderizing. It works wonders in mellowing the flavor while keeping the meat juicy and tender.
18. Fantastic Venison Barbacoa
Some folks say the seasonings make the best barbacoa, while others swear it’s all about the meat—but honestly, this venison barbacoa recipe proves you can have the best of both worlds.
It’s rich, flavorful, and fall-apart tender, with just the right balance of spice and depth.
At our place, we love piling it high on crispy corn tortillas, tostada-style, but this shredded venison is so versatile you can serve it in tacos, burritos, bowls, or even on top of rice.
No matter how you enjoy it, one thing’s for sure — this recipe is a keeper!
17. Delicious Venison Swedish Meatballs
As much as I enjoy a good Italian meatball, I have to admit — Swedish meatballs win the top spot for me every time.
And this venison version? Absolute comfort food heaven. It may not be the lightest dish in the lineup, but it’s definitely one of my go-to favorites when I’m craving something cozy and satisfying.
For a fun twist, I like to serve these creamy venison Swedish meatballs over mashed potatoes or rice pilaf instead of the usual egg noodles. It’s a simple change that makes the whole meal feel fresh and a little more special.
16. Venison Mushroom Pappardelle Topped with Parmesan
If you’re a fan of easy, hearty, and soul-warming dinners, this one’s a must-try.
Tender venison ragu meets classic pappardelle pasta in a rich, savory dish that’s as comforting as it gets.
Top it off with a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese, pour yourself a glass of bold red wine, and you’ve got a dinner that feels both rustic and elegant — the kind of meal that fills your belly and your soul.
15. Healthy Venison Bolognese
Unlike your typical sauce-with-meat dishes, bolognese is all about the meat — with just enough sauce to bring it all together.
My family absolutely loves this venison bolognese. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and packed with veggies and lean, healthy venison, making it a wholesome option we come back to often.
Serve it over your favorite pasta, or go with spaghetti squash for a low-carb, high-protein twist.
Want to make it a full Italian-inspired meal? Start with a fresh Caprese salad and let your venison bolognese steal the show — it’s comfort food with a rustic, refined touch.
14. Juicy Venison Burgers
Think of these venison burgers as a next-level meatloaf in burger form — juicy, full of flavor, and downright delicious no matter how you like yours cooked.
The best part? They’re so tasty on their own that you won’t even need to drown them in condiments. Just serve them on a toasted bun with your favorite fresh veggie toppings and let the flavors shine.
For the perfect texture and richness, make sure you’re using ground venison with added fat. We love an 80/20 blend with pork fat — it gives just the right amount of moisture and that classic burger feel.
13. Venison Meatloaf for The Cowboy‘s Lunch
Unlike many traditional meatloaf recipes, this one is crafted specifically to highlight the rich, earthy flavor of venison.
One simple addition — sage — takes it to the next level, enhancing the meat’s natural depth and making this dish truly unforgettable.
Serve it alongside a fresh green salad and some crispy roasted potatoes, and you’ve got yourself a plate-cleaning, no-leftovers kind of dinner. This is comfort food done right, with a wild twist!
12. Flavorful Venison Chili
This hearty venison chili is a regular in our kitchen — it hits the menu at least once a month. With its cozy flavors and easy, flexible prep, it’s perfect whether you’re making it ahead of time or throwing it together in a pinch.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy it? Piled high on a baked potato — total comfort in a bowl.
Top it your way: go classic with cheddar, sour cream, and scallions, or get creative with oyster crackers, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, or a crunchy handful of Fritos. However you serve it, one thing’s for sure: this chili is made to be loaded up!
11. Pretty Venison Tuscan-Inspired Soup
This soup completely blew me away the first time I tried it — and I have a feeling it’ll do the same for you!
It’s a hearty, Tuscan-inspired bowl made with venison, white sweet potatoes, kale, onions, and a rich, savory broth that brings everything together in the most comforting way.
I’ve also made it using elk, and it was just as delicious — so feel free to swap in your favorite game meat if that’s what you have on hand. I love sharing recipes like this to show how flexible wild game cooking can be.
Serve it up with some toasted crostini on the side, and you’ve got a soul-warming meal that’s sure to impress.
10. Easy to Make Venison Goulash
Goulash is a staple in our house — it’s quick, comforting, and the perfect way to use up that venison in the freezer without a trip to the store.
One of the things I love most about this dish is how versatile it is. Whether you’re tossing in extra veggies, dialing up the spice, or keeping it simple and classic, venison goulash easily adapts to your tastes.
It’s one of those meals that feels nostalgic yet endlessly customizable — a cozy favorite you’ll keep coming back to!
9. Savory Farmer (or Hunter’s) Casserole With Ground Venison
This savory venison casserole takes me right back to childhood — whether you call it a farmer’s casserole or a hunter’s casserole, I’m always game for this kind of easy, comforting dinner.
Some meals just don’t need to change, and this is one of them. It’s a family favorite for good reason — simple to make, endlessly satisfying, and always a hit at the table.
With a hearty mix of ground venison, tender potatoes, and melty cheese, this dish checks all the boxes for anyone who loves classic comfort food with a wild twist. If that sounds like you, this one’s a keeper!
8. Pulled Venison with Barbecue Sauce and Red Cabbage
Pulled venison in the pressure cooker? Yes, please! It’s incredibly easy, tender, and absolutely packed with flavor.
Toss it with a homemade barbecue sauce and some crisp red cabbage, and you’ve got a meal that works any way you want it — pile it onto a bun, tuck it into a tortilla, scoop it up with chips, or just eat it straight from the bowl (no judgment here).
I’ve swapped venison for beef in just about every recipe, and honestly, I don’t miss a thing. It’s leaner, just as delicious, and often even healthier — especially if your deer lived wild and free before hitting the plate.
7. Venison Marsala with a Wine Reduction Sauce
This rich, buttery mushroom sauce draped over tender, pan-seared venison is nothing short of unforgettable.
It’s a wild twist on the classic Italian scaloppine — a timeless method where thin slices of meat are lightly floured, sautéed, and finished with a wine reduction sauce. Traditionally made with veal, pork, or chicken, this version with venison truly shines.
Once you’ve tasted this, you might just leave chicken marsala in the dust. It’s rustic, elegant, and an absolute showstopper for any dinner table.
6. Venison Steak (use Tenderloins or Backstraps)
No venison recipe collection would be complete without a go-to venison steak — simple, reliable, and incredibly satisfying.
Whether you’re working with tenderloin or backstrap, this method has never failed me. It delivers juicy, flavorful steaks every time.
The key? Let the meat rest at room temperature before it hits the pan. That little step helps ensure a beautiful, even cook all the way through — no overdone edges or cold centers, just perfect steak from edge to center.
5. Venison Cream Cheese-Stuffed Crescent Rolls with Blackberry Sauce
These flaky, savory little pockets are an absolute gem when it comes to using ground venison — easy to make and bursting with flavor.
Simply brown the venison, stir in chopped veggies and cream cheese for a rich, creamy filling, then spoon it onto crescent roll dough and wrap them up.
I like to add a few jalapeños for a kick and serve them with a sweet-tart blackberry sauce — the combo is unreal. My whole family devoured them and immediately asked for more. These are a hit for dinner, parties, or even as a hearty snack!
4. Make Venison Breakfast Sausage Gravy
I know I’m not the only one who grew up with a deep love for country sausage gravy — it’s pure comfort on a plate!
This version swaps traditional pork for ground venison sausage, and let me tell you, it’s absolutely next level. The richness of the venison combined with creamy gravy is everything.
One standout touch? A pinch of marjoram. It adds an aromatic depth that takes the flavor from familiar to unforgettable.
Serve it over homemade buttermilk biscuits with a piping hot cup of coffee, and you’ve got yourself the kind of breakfast that puts a big ol’ grin on your face.
3. Venison Stroganoff – Comfort Food Meat Recipe
Stroganoff has always been a comfort classic in my home, but this version? It takes things up a notch — thanks to the homemade spätzle replacing the usual egg noodles. The result is rich, cozy, and totally satisfying.
If you’re new to the stroganoff game, just know that while there are tons of variations, a few elements are non-negotiable: you need thinly sliced red meat (like venison, elk, beef, or lamb), mushrooms, onions, sour cream, and yes — plenty of butter.
This dish is the kind of hearty, old-world comfort that fills your belly and warms your soul.
2. Cook Venison Bourguignon
This recipe adds a refined French flair to a cozy, rustic classic — combining the depth of slow cooking with the luxurious richness of red wine.
Traditionally made with beef, Bourguignon is a dish where red meat is gently braised in a robust red wine sauce until it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
But if you’ve got some venison on hand — maybe gifted from a generous neighbor or friend — it makes an incredible substitute.
The gamey richness of venison pairs beautifully with the wine, aromatics, and slow simmer, creating a stew that’s both comforting and elevated. A true crowd-pleaser with a gourmet twist!
1. Classic Venison Stew Recipe
Here’s a hearty comfort food classic — with a wholesome upgrade! This venison stew is rich, cozy, and packed with flavor, but also offers a leaner, healthier twist thanks to the naturally low-fat venison.
The best part? The meat turns out incredibly tender, especially when slow-cooked to perfection. But if you’re short on time, don’t worry — this recipe works beautifully in the Instant Pot, too.
Below, you’ll find all my favorite tips and tricks to help you get that fall-apart tenderness every single time. I hope your family enjoys this stew as much as mine does — it’s one we keep coming back to, season after season!
25 Best Venison Recipes: Delicious Deer and Elk Dishes to Try Today
Discover 25 mouthwatering venison recipes featuring deer and elk, organized by cut of meat. From savory backstrap to hearty roasts!
Ingredients
- Fall-apart Red Wine Roast Venison Chunks
- Smoked Venison Backstrap Popular Recipe
- Pan Seared Deer Tenderloin
- How to Cook a Cut of Meat
- Venison Schnitzel
- Venison Jerky
- Chicken Fried Venison
- Venison Barbacoa
- Venison Swedish Meatballs
- Venison Mushroom Pappardelle
- Venison Bolognese
- Venison Burgers
- Venison Meatloaf
- Venison Chili
- Venison Tuscan-Inspired Soup
- Venison Goulash
- Hunter’s Casserole With Ground Venison
- Pulled Venison
- Venison Marsala
- Venison Steak
- Venison Cream Cheese-Stuffed Crescent Rolls
- Venison Sausage Gravy
- Venison Stroganoff
- Venison Bourguignon
- Venison Stew
Instructions
- Choose any Venison Recipes from the post that you like
- Click on the link below the photo to get the full recipes and instructions.
- Try the best Venison Recipes and share your photo under my pin on Pinterest!
I’m Anastasia and I’m a full-time blogger, online entrepreneur, and Pinterest marketing strategist. I help digital entrepreneurs and bloggers drive targeted traffic from Pinterest either through my online courses or through Pinterest consultancy.