Are you looking for deliciously easy ways to cook with canned venison? Look no further! With its rich flavor and tender texture, canned venison is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from hearty stews and soups to savory casseroles and comfort food classics. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just looking for a new way to use canned meat, these 18 recipes are sure to please.
From classic comfort foods like shepherd’s pie and chili, to international-inspired dishes like tacos and enchiladas, this collection of canned venison recipes has something for everyone. And the best part? Each recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor – perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.
In this article, we’ll explore the many delicious ways you can use canned venison in your cooking. From savory stews to spicy stir-fries, these recipes are sure to become new favorites. So let’s get started!
Savory Canned Venison Stew
A hearty and flavorful stew that’s perfect for a cozy evening meal. This recipe uses canned venison, making it quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of venison (14.5 oz), drained
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of beef broth
– 1/2 cup of red wine
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onion and garlic in a little bit of oil until softened.
2. Add the diced potatoes, venison, beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Spicy Venison Chili with Beans
A hearty and flavorful chili recipe that combines the rich taste of venison with the comfort of beans, all wrapped up in a spicy kick. This dish is perfect for a chilly evening or as a unique twist on traditional chili.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground venison
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup beef broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: jalapeños or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. Brown the venison in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper; cook until vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth; bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Creamy Venison and Mushroom Pasta
Savor the rich flavors of tender venison and earthy mushrooms in a creamy pasta dish that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pappardelle pasta
– 1 lb. venison steaks, sliced into thin strips
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tbsp. olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add venison strips; cook for 3-4 minutes or until browned, flipping halfway. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In same skillet, add mushrooms and garlic; cook until mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown (about 5 minutes).
4. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Add cooked venison back into the skillet, stirring to coat with the creamy mushroom sauce.
6. Combine cooked pasta, venison mixture, and chopped parsley (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Venison Shepherd’s Pie with Mashed Potatoes
A hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a chilly evening. This recipe combines tender venison with a rich brown gravy and topped with creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground venison
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1/4 cup butter
– Milk or heavy cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the venison in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the onion, garlic, beef broth, tomato paste, flour, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the mashed potatoes by boiling the chopped potatoes until tender. Drain and mash with butter and milk or heavy cream (if using).
5. Transfer the venison mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes and smooth out the top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown.
Quick Venison and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Enjoy a flavorful and nutritious meal with this simple stir-fry recipe that combines tender venison with colorful vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb venison steak, sliced into thin strips
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, mushrooms)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the venison strips and cook for 3-4 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Add the mixed vegetables to the pan and cook for 5 minutes, until they start to soften.
4. Add the garlic and soy sauce to the pan and stir-fry for an additional minute.
5. Return the venison to the pan and stir-fry everything together for 1-2 minutes, until well combined.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Venison and Wild Rice Casserole
Savor the rich flavors of the wild with this hearty casserole, featuring tender venison and nutty wild rice. Perfect for a cozy dinner or outdoor gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb venison steaks, sliced into thin strips
– 2 cups cooked wild rice
– 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook venison strips until browned; set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook until softened. Add mixed vegetables, garlic, beef broth, and thyme. Bring to a simmer.
4. Combine cooked wild rice, cooked venison, and vegetable mixture in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Top with grated cheddar cheese (if using). Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
6. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Slow Cooker Venison BBQ Sandwiches
Slow Cooker Venison BBQ Sandwiches: A hearty and flavorful twist on traditional BBQ sandwiches, featuring tender venison cooked in a rich and tangy BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound venison steaks or ground venison
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw and pickle slices for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Place the venison, sliced onion, and minced garlic in a slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the BBQ mixture over the venison mixture in the slow cooker.
4. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
5. Shred the cooked venison with two forks and season with additional BBQ sauce if desired.
6. Assemble sandwiches by placing shredded venison onto hamburger buns and topping with coleslaw and pickle slices (if using).
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high
Venison and Potato Hash
A hearty and flavorful breakfast or brunch option that combines tender venison with crispy potatoes and savory herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked venison, diced
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine venison, potatoes, onion, and garlic.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Venison Tacos with Fresh Salsa
A twist on traditional tacos, this recipe combines the rich flavor of venison with the freshness of homemade salsa, making for a delicious and unique meal. Perfect for a special occasion or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound venison steaks
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Fresh salsa (recipe below)
Fresh Salsa:
– 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes
– 1/2 cup diced red onion
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, chili powder, and cumin.
3. Brush the mixture onto both sides of the venison steaks.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
7. Assemble tacos with sliced venison, fresh salsa, and your choice of toppings.
Cooking Time: 18-22 minutes
Venison and Cheese Stuffed Peppers
A hearty and flavorful twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines tender venison with creamy cheese and sweet bell peppers for a satisfying meal. Perfect for a cold winter’s night or an outdoor enthusiast’s special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound cooked venison, finely chopped
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix together venison, cheese, breadcrumbs, and olive oil.
4. Stuff each pepper with the venison mixture, filling to the top.
5. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Venison Meatball Subs
Venison Meatball Subs Recipe
Get ready to elevate your sandwich game with these hearty Venison Meatball Subs! Made with tender venison, savory tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground venison
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 4 sub rolls
– 8 slices mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine venison, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Use wet hands to shape mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs and bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While the meatballs are cooking, heat crushed tomatoes in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
6. Assemble subs by placing cooked meatballs on sub rolls, topping with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Venison and Dumplings Soup
This comforting soup is a perfect way to warm up on a chilly day, with tender venison and fluffy dumplings in a rich broth. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound venison steaks or shanks
– 4 cups beef broth
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 6-8 dumpling mix balls (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. Brown the venison in a large pot over medium-high heat, then set aside.
2. Add carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot and cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add browned venison back to the pot and simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Drop dumpling mix balls into the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes or until they float to the surface.
6. Serve hot, topped with butter.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Venison Stroganoff with Egg Noodles
A hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender venison with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and a rich sauce, served over egg noodles.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound venison steaks (sirloin or round), sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 ounces egg noodles
Instructions:
1. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions; set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add venison strips and cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until browned; remove from skillet.
3. Reduce heat to medium; add onion and mushrooms. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add garlic, beef broth, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika. Bring to a simmer.
5. Return venison strips to the skillet; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve venison and mushroom mixture over egg noodles.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Venison and Black Bean Enchiladas
A hearty and flavorful twist on traditional enchiladas, this recipe combines tender venison with rich black beans and melted cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked venison, shredded
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 1 cup enchilada sauce
– 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream, and diced tomatoes for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the shredded venison, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in the black beans.
5. In a separate pan, warm the tortillas over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side. This will make them more pliable.
6. Assemble the enchiladas by dipping a tortilla in the enchilada sauce and filling with the venison and bean mixture. Roll up and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
7. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled tortillas and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes
Venison and Cornbread Casserole
A hearty and comforting casserole that combines the rich flavor of venison with the sweetness of cornbread, perfect for a cozy evening meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground venison
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cornbread mix
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the venison over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the cornbread mix, milk, egg, salt, and pepper.
5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Layer the venison mixture, then the cornbread mixture in the dish.
6. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the casserole is golden brown and the cornbread is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Venison and Spinach Lasagna
This hearty lasagna recipe combines the rich flavor of venison with the nutritional benefits of spinach, all wrapped up in a delicious, cheesy package. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground venison
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 lasagna noodles
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook venison, onion, and garlic until the venison is browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Stir in spinach, crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10 minutes.
5. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, create layers of cooked lasagna noodles, venison mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
6. Top with Parmesan cheese and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Venison and Sweet Potato Curry
This hearty curry recipe combines tender venison with sweet and savory sweet potatoes, perfect for a cozy dinner or game day gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound venison steaks, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add venison and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from skillet.
2. Reduce heat to medium. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add sweet potatoes, curry powder, cumin, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Stir in coconut milk. Bring mixture to a simmer.
5. Return venison to skillet. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Simmer curry for 20-25 minutes or until venison is tender and sweet potatoes are cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Venison and Cabbage Rolls in Tomato Sauce
This recipe combines the tender flavor of venison with the crunch of cabbage, wrapped in a savory tomato sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound venison steaks, thinly sliced
– 1 medium-sized head of cabbage, shredded
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of tomato sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 6-8 cabbage leaves
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pan, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
3. Add the venison slices and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. In a separate pan, wilt the cabbage leaves in a little water.
5. To assemble the rolls, place a cooked venison slice on each cabbage leaf, add a spoonful of tomato sauce, and fold the cabbage over the filling.
6. Place the rolls seam-side down in a baking dish and cover with remaining tomato sauce.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cabbage is tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Summary
Get ready to enjoy a delicious variety of dishes with these 18 hearty canned venison recipes! From classic comfort foods like Shepherd’s Pie and Stew, to international-inspired meals like Enchiladas and Curry, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re short on time or looking to spice up your meal routine, these easy-to-make recipes are sure to satisfy. With a focus on using canned venison, these dishes are perfect for busy home cooks who want to make healthy, flavorful meals without sacrificing taste or convenience. Try one (or two, or three…) today and discover the versatility of canned venison!