Top 5 Deer Venison Recipes the Whole Family Will Love
If you are like me you about pass out walking down the meat aisle at a grocery store and more than ever I’m thankful I’m a hunter and much of our meat comes from what we harvest. And as a busy family of 6 that is constantly moving with kids activities, school, sports and more I wanted to share some super easy and super good recipes that I think your family will love as well.
Venison is one of the most flavorful, lean, and nutritious meats you can put on the dinner table. When prepared correctly, deer meat is tender, rich, and surprisingly versatile—perfect for family meals that feel hearty without being heavy.
Whether you’re new to cooking venison or looking for fresh ideas, these five tried-and-true venison recipes are easy to make and crowd-approved by kids and adults alike. At least that’s the case in my house!
1. Classic Venison Chili
A comforting, slow-simmered chili is one of the best ways to introduce venison to the family. The spices mellow the gamey flavor while keeping the meat juicy and tender.
Ingredients
1 lb ground venison
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can kidney or black beans (drained)
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: shredded cheese and sour cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add onion and garlic; cook until soft and fragrant.
Add ground venison and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Stir in tomatoes, beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve hot with cheese or sour cream on top.
2. Pan-Seared Venison Steaks with Garlic Butter
This recipe keeps things simple and lets the natural flavor of venison shine—perfect for a special family dinner.
Ingredients
4 venison steaks
Salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Remove steaks from the fridge and let them rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.
Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add butter.
Once melted, add garlic and herbs.
Place steaks in the pan and sear for 2–3 minutes per side (medium-rare is best).
Remove steaks and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
3. Venison Sloppy Joes
A kid-friendly twist on a classic comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
1 lb ground venison
1 small onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Hamburger buns
Step-by-Step Instructions
Brown venison in a skillet over medium heat; drain excess liquid if needed.
Add onion and bell pepper; cook until soft.
Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
Simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Spoon onto toasted buns and serve warm.
4. Slow Cooker Venison Roast
Low and slow cooking transforms venison into melt-in-your-mouth perfection—ideal for Sunday dinners.
Ingredients
2–3 lb venison roast
1 packet onion soup mix
3 carrots, chopped
3 potatoes, cubed
1 cup beef broth
Step-by-Step Instructions
Place carrots and potatoes in the bottom of a slow cooker.
Season venison roast with onion soup mix.
Place roast on top of vegetables.
Pour beef broth over everything.
Cover and cook on low for 8–9 hours.
Shred or slice and serve with the cooked vegetables.
5. Venison Tacos
A fun, build-your-own meal that gets everyone involved at the table.
Ingredients
1 lb ground venison
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
½ cup water
Taco shells or tortillas
Toppings: lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, sour cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
Brown venison in a skillet over medium heat.
Add taco seasoning and water; stir to combine.
Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
Warm taco shells or tortillas.
Fill with venison and favorite toppings.
Serve and let everyone customize their tacos.
Venison doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right recipes and cooking methods, it can become a regular, family-approved staple in your kitchen. From cozy chili nights to fun taco dinners, these recipes prove that deer meat can be just as comforting and delicious as any traditional protein. hope your family enjoys it as much as mine!