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How to use ground venison

food bank volunteer getting package of venison out of freezer

How to use ground venison

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About Hunters Feeding Michigan’s venison

The ground venison distributed through Hunters Feeding Michigan is from Michigan deer donated by Michigan deer hunters. It is a lean, healthy source of protein and nutrients. Learn more about how Hunters Feeding Michigan works.
two sheet pans of venison burritos on counter

How to cook ground venison

Ground venison is just like ground beef, except it has less fat. You can cook and use it the same way you would ground beef. To get you started, check out some recipes below that we recommend trying.

Recipes

We handpicked a few recipes courtesy of MeatEater.

Don’t have fennel seeds or poblanos? Don’t worry, neither did we, but these recipes still turned out great when omitting some of the seasoning. Feel free to skip any spices you don’t have.

plate of venison meatballs and spaghetti

Classic spaghetti and venison meatballs

venison chili in crockpot

Venison chili

closeup photo of venison goulash on spoon

Venison goulash

venison burger on bun with toppings

Venison smashburgers

Recipes below come from Department of Natural Resources staff. Stay tuned as we add more!

Pot of macaroni and cheese with ground venison and corn

Hunter Helper

From Keaton L. in Traverse City. "Here's my favorite cheap, easy and tasty venison recipe."
dish of ground venison and beans with wooden spoon

Rustic burger and beans

From Joe P. in Lansing. A hearty and simple deer camp favorite!
bowl of shepherd's pie with spoon in it

Venison shepherd's pie

From Tyler C. in Lansing. A simple, hearty recipe with optional cheese and peas.