Venison Meatballs

Venison meatballs are a healthy and delicious way to prepare your wild game. They’re versatile, easy to make, and pair with pasta or as a stand-alone protein. 

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I’m excited to share with you a fantastic recipe that’s perfect for those busy evenings when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen: Venison Meatballs. 

Now, before we dive into the nitty-gritty of this easy dinner recipe, let’s talk a bit about venison. If you’re not familiar, venison is meat from deer, and it offers a lean and flavorful alternative to more common meats like beef or pork. Plus, it’s a great option if you’re looking to switch things up in the kitchen and try something new.

Here in the Deep South wild game are abundant. I’m a mom of 3 busy boys who love a good hunt. Each year they stock my freezers with fresh venison. I’m always on the lookout for new ways to enjoy it. 

Why you’ll love venison meatballs

• Distinctive Flavor: Venison meat has a unique and rich flavor that is different from other meats like beef or pork. Venison meatballs offer a delicious twist on traditional meatball recipes.
• Versatility: Venison meatballs will go well with a variety of sauces and accompaniments, making them very versatile. Whether you prefer classic marinara sauce, creamy mushroom gravy, or tangy barbecue sauce, venison meatballs will suit your taste preferences.
• Homemade Goodness: Making venison meatballs from scratch allows you to control the quality of the ingredients and tailor the recipe to your liking. There’s something very satisfying about making homemade meatballs that are made with love.
• Family-Friendly: Venison meatballs are a hit with the whole family. They’re a wholesome and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re serving them up for a cozy family dinner or hosting a casual gathering with friends, venison meatballs are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

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How To Make Venison Meatballs 

Here’s what you’ll need:

Equipment 

• Cast iron skillet
• Baking sheet
• Parchment 
• Mixing bowls 

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground venison
• 1 pound ground beef- Venison is very lean and this adds a little fat to the meatball making it moist. You can leave out the ground beef and use 2 lbs. of ground venison. 
• 1 egg
• 1 onion 
• 1 tsp salt 
• ½ tsp pepper 
• ½ tsp oregano 
• ½ tsp garlic powder 
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce 
• 1 tbsp. tomato paste 
• 1 tsp olive oil 

Instructions:

• 1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that it’s ready to rock and roll when your meatballs are all set to be baked to perfection.
• 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground venison, ground beef, chopped onion, tomato paste, egg, garlic powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Get your hands in there and mix everything together until it’s well combined. Don’t be afraid to get a little messy – that’s the fun part!
• 3. Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to roll it into meatballs. Take small portions of the mixture and roll them between your palms to form meatballs. Aim for meatballs that are about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• 4. Preheat the cast iron skillet and add the olive oil. Lightly brown the meatballs on all sides to lock in the moisture and flavor. Be careful not to overcrowd your skillet. 
• 5. Place the brown balls on a baking sheet on a piece of parchment. I prefer to cook them on a cooling rack. Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
• 6. Serve and Enjoy: Once your meatballs are ready, it’s time to serve them up! You can spoon some marinara sauce over the meatballs and serve them with cooked pasta for a classic spaghetti and meatballs vibe. You can also serve them with crusty bread for a delicious meatball sandwich. The choice is yours!

Pros of Adding Venison To Your Diet:

• Lean Protein Source: Venison is a lean meat, which means it contains less fat compared to other types of meat like beef or pork. This makes it an excellent source of protein for individuals looking to maintain a healthy diet and manage their fat intake.
• Rich in Nutrients: Venison is rich in essential nutrients such as protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, including B12 and niacin. These nutrients play crucial roles in maintaining overall health, supporting immune function, and promoting energy metabolism. See my article on the benefits of pasture-raising animals. 
• Natural and Sustainable: Venison is often sourced from wild deer populations, making it a natural and sustainable protein choice. Unlike factory-farmed meats, venison comes from animals that roam freely in their natural habitats, creating a more ethical and environmentally friendly food system.
• Versatility in Cooking: Venison can be prepared in a variety of ways, including grilling, roasting, stewing, and even making meatballs, burgers, or sausages. Its versatile nature allows for creativity.
• Reduced Environmental Impact: Compared to industrial livestock farming, the production of venison typically has a lower environmental impact. Wild deer populations help maintain ecosystem balance, making venison a more eco-friendly choice.
• Free of Antibiotics and Hormones: Wild venison is free of antibiotics and hormones commonly used in industrial livestock farming. This makes it a cleaner and more natural protein option for those concerned about the health risks that come with conventional meat production practices.

Helpful Tips

Cooking venison meatballs can be a lot of fun, but there are some tips and tricks to ensure they turn out perfect every time. Here are some helpful tips for cooking venison meatballs:

• Add Moisture and Flavor: Venison is leaner than other meats, so adding ingredients that will help keep the meatballs moist and flavorful is essential. Ingredients like tomato paste, herbs, and a beaten egg not only add flavor but also help bind the meatballs together.
• Handle the Meat Gently: When mixing the ingredients and forming the meatballs, handle the meat mixture gently. Overmixing can result in tough meatballs, so just mix until everything is well combined.
• Preheat the Oven: Make sure to preheat your oven before baking the meatballs. This ensures that they cook evenly and have a nice golden brown crust on the outside.
• Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper before placing the meatballs on it. This prevents the meatballs from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the meatballs as they bake. Cooking times can vary depending on the size of the meatballs and your oven’s temperature. Aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for fully cooked meatballs.
• Don’t Overcook: Venison is lean, which means it can dry out quickly if overcooked. Be careful not to leave the meatballs in the oven for too long, as this can result in tough and dry meatballs.

By following these simple tips you’re sure to get delicious, moist meatballs every single time. 

FAQs

Is venison meat good for meatballs?

Yes, venison meat is an excellent choice for meatballs. It’s lean, flavorful, and provides a unique taste compared to traditional meats like beef or pork.

How do I keep venison meatballs from drying out?

To prevent venison meatballs from drying out, consider adding ingredients like ground beef, tomato paste, and beaten egg to the meat mixture. These ingredients help retain moisture and keep the meatballs tender during cooking.

Can I mix venison with other meats for meatballs?

Absolutely! Mixing venison with other meats like pork or beef can add flavor and moisture to the meatballs. It’s a common thing and can help balance out the lean nature of venison.

What temperature should venison meatballs be cooked to?

Venison meatballs should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.

Can I freeze venison meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze venison meatballs for later use. Allow the meatballs to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Are venison meatballs healthy?

Venison meatballs can be a healthy choice, especially if you use lean cuts of venison and incorporate nutritious ingredients like fresh herbs and vegetables into the meatball mixture.

Where can I buy ground venison for making meatballs?

Ground venison is available at many specialty butcher shops, farmers’ markets, and online retailers. You can also purchase it from local hunting processors if they have extra ground venison for sale.

Final Thoughts

Give the venison meatballs a try and you’re going to love them. They’re a sustainable and healthy meat source that will add so much flavor to your meatballs and meals! 

If you enjoyed this venison recipe, please share it! Thanks for visiting my farm. 

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