Slow Cooker Ground Venison Recipes – A Healthy Twist on a Classic

I hope you’re still soaking up every bit of this season, which I secretly wish could stretch on for another few weeks. I’ve discovered that I’m getting quite good at taking it easy – relaxing, reading for hours, maybe moving to the couch or a rocking chair, and occasionally whipping up a smoothie or two. 

Since it is a slow morning, let me tell you about this one: ground venison recipes. A one-pot wonder that comes together in no time – just 2 minutes from start to finish. The ingredients? Super simple, and you probably have them sitting in your fridge already. I used some leftover rice, but feel free to swap in whatever you’ve got on hand. Whether it’s brown rice, white rice, quinoa, or even beans like black beans, butter beans, or chickpeas, anything works.

Another perfect choice for your meal: Spicy Camarones a la Diabla Recipe

Unique Venison Dishes for Your Culinary Repertoire

Ground venison recipes are a delightful way to enjoy venison’s lean, robust flavors. Unlike traditional red meat, venison meals offer a rich taste profile with fewer calories and fat, making them a popular choice among health-conscious eaters. From venison tacos to spiced venison chili, these venison dishes highlight the meat's earthy flavor while providing endless versatility for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings.

A key feature of ground venison​ is its adaptability. It seamlessly absorbs the spices and seasonings of any dish, whether you’re making meatballs, stir-fries, or a savory shepherd’s pie. Each recipe brings out venison's unique texture and taste, allowing you to explore creative meals with minimal preparation.

Ground Venison Recipes

Ingredients

For 6 Servings

Author: Chris
Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground venison
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish

Steps

  1. Brown the venison: In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground venison, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Combine ingredients in the slow cooker: Transfer the browned venison to your slow cooker. Add the diced onion, garlic, bell pepper, beans, diced tomatoes, broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir everything together until well combined.
  3. Slow cook: Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chili is thickened and the flavors are well developed.
  4. Serve and enjoy: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for brightness. This chili pairs perfectly with a side of cornbread or a light green salad.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute one can of beans with chopped zucchini or mushrooms for added vegetables.
  • Venison is naturally lean, so you don’t need to drain excess fat. It’s a great option for those looking for slow cooker venison ground meat recipes that don’t sacrifice flavor.
  • If you prefer a thicker chili, leave the lid off during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.

Steps

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 410mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Perfect Pairings for a Wildly Delicious Ground Venison Meal

Ground venison, with its lean profile and unique flavor, offers a fantastic alternative to traditional ground beef. However, to truly showcase its potential, it’s essential to choose the right accompaniments that complement and enhance its taste.

Earthy and Fruity Flavors

  • Cranberry Sauce: The tart sweetness of cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of venison, creating a harmonious balance.
  • Mushroom Gravy: Earthy mushrooms perfectly complement the gamey notes of venison, while the gravy adds moisture and depth.
  • Juniper Berries: These aromatic berries bring a subtle piney flavor that enhances the wild character of venison.

Bold and Savory Pairings

  • Bacon: Adding a touch of bacon to your ground venison dishes adds a smoky, savory element that complements the lean meat beautifully.
  • Blue Cheese: The strong, pungent flavor of blue cheese pairs well with venison’s earthiness, creating a complex and satisfying taste.
  • Red Wine Reduction: A rich red wine reduction sauce adds depth and complexity, elevating your venison dish to a gourmet level.

Comforting and Classic Sides

  • Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base for ground venison dishes like shepherd’s pie or meatballs.
  • Roasted Root Vegetables: The sweetness of roasted root vegetables, like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, complements the richness of the meat.
  • Polenta: Creamy polenta offers a hearty and satisfying side that soaks up the flavorful juices of venison dishes.

Fresh and Zesty Accents

  • Arugula Salad: The peppery bite of arugula cuts through the richness of venison, providing a refreshing contrast.
  • Pickled Onions: The tangy sweetness of pickled onions adds a bright and acidic note that enhances the flavor of the meat.
  • Citrus Glaze: A simple glaze made with orange or lemon zest and juice adds a touch of brightness and acidity.

#GroundVenisonRecipes #SlowCookerVenison #HealthyVenisonRecipes #TalesOfAKitchen

Yearning for more flavor adventures like these ground venison recipes? Embark on a culinary journey with Tales Of A Kitchen, where we turn restaurant magic into everyday meals.

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Slow Cooker Ground Venison Recipes – A Healthy Twist on a Classic

Ground Venison Recipes

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  • Author: TalesOfaKitchen
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dishes

Description

Savor the flavorful and easy ground venison recipes at Tales Of A Kitchen made with simple ingredients you likely have on hand. Perfect for a quick hearty meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground venison
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish

Instructions

  1. Brown the venison: In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground venison, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Combine ingredients in the slow cooker: Transfer the browned venison to your slow cooker. Add the diced onion, garlic, bell pepper, beans, diced tomatoes, broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir everything together until well combined.
  3. Slow cook: Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chili is thickened and the flavors are well developed.
  4. Serve and enjoy: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for brightness. This chili pairs perfectly with a side of cornbread or a light green salad.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute one can of beans with chopped zucchini or mushrooms for added vegetables.
  • Venison is naturally lean, so you don’t need to drain excess fat. It's a great option for those looking for slow cooker ground venison recipes that don’t sacrifice flavor.
  • If you prefer a thicker chili, leave the lid off during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 410mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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