Easy & Delicious Venison Meatloaf: A Classic Wild Game Recipe

Looking for a delicious and straightforward way to use your ground venison to cook up a healthy and hearty meal for the family?

This classic venison meatloaf recipe is the answer! It’s a simple yet satisfying main dish that transforms wild game into a family-friendly meal. If you’re new to cooking with deer meat or a seasoned pro, this easy meatloaf recipe is a must-try.

Easy Venison Meatloaf: A Wild Game Recipe from the Heart

Craving a hearty, home-style meal that celebrates the flavors of the hunt? This venison meatloaf recipe is your answer. It's a rustic, down-to-earth dish that transforms ground venison into a comforting and satisfying centerpiece for any dinner table. Forget fancy – this is all about good, honest food.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 people

Equipment

• 1 Large Mixing Bowl
• 1 9x13 inch baking dish
• 1 Small bowl

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds ground venison
• 1 pound ground pork for moisture and flavor
• 1 cup breadcrumbs plain or Italian-style
• 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 large eggs lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• For the Glaze:
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Instructions

 

• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
• Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground venison, ground pork, breadcrumbs, cooled sautéed onion and garlic, eggs, milk, 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a large spoon to mix until just combined. Don't overmix!
• Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Shape it into a loaf, mounding it slightly in the center.
• Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar.
• Glaze the Meatloaf: Pour the glaze evenly over the meatloaf.
• Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute.
• Slice and Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve hot.

Notes

Rustic Touches for a Perfect Meatloaf

Hand-Mixed with Love: Gently combine the ingredients with your hands for a truly home-style touch.

Simple Seasonings: Keep it classic with onions, garlic, herbs like thyme or rosemary, and a touch of black pepper. Let the venison be the star.

Hearty Glaze: A simple glaze of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and a hint of brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful, rustic sheen.

No-Fuss Sides: Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

This recipe is all about adapting it to your taste and what you have on hand. It's a celebration of simple ingredients and the wonderful flavor of venison.

Keyword deer meat, deer meatloaf, meatloaf, venison meatloaf

This venison meatloaf recipe showcases the wonderful flavor of venison. Unlike traditional beef meatloaf, ground venison offers a leaner and often richer taste that pairs beautifully with classic meatloaf seasonings.

Tips for the Best Venison Meatloaf

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a tough meatloaf. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Add Moisture: Venison is leaner than beef, so consider adding a binder like breadcrumbs soaked in milk or a beaten egg to keep it moist.
• Flavor Boosters: Experiment with adding sautéed onions, garlic, bell peppers, or your favorite herbs and spices for extra flavor.
• Glaze it Up: A simple ketchup-based glaze adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

This simple meatloaf is also incredibly versatile. Feel free to adapt the recipe to your family’s preferences and what you have on hand. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy your deer hunting recipes year-round.

Why Choose Venison for Meatloaf?

Venison cooking offers a unique and often healthier alternative to beef. Deer meat is typically lower in fat and cholesterol while being a good source of protein. This wild game cooking method transforms ground deer meat into a hearty and flavorful main dish that’s perfect for a family dinner.

Enjoy Your Delicious Venison Meatloaf!

This easy venison meatloaf recipe is a fantastic way to utilize your deer harvest and create a comforting and delicious meal. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or simply appreciate the unique flavor of wild game, this classic meatloaf is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this wonderful wild game recipe!