Keto Ground Venison Recipes: Delicious and Nutritious Meals

For those following a ketogenic (keto) or low-carb lifestyle, finding satisfying and flavorful recipes can sometimes be a challenge. Ground venison, or deer meat, is a versatile and lean protein source that can be incorporated into a variety of keto-friendly dishes. This article explores some amazing keto ground venison recipes that are both delicious and easy to prepare, ensuring you never feel deprived while sticking to your dietary goals.

Why Ground Venison is Ideal for Keto

Ground venison is an excellent choice for keto diets because it is naturally low in carbohydrates and high in protein and healthy fats. This macronutrient profile aligns perfectly with the principles of keto, which emphasizes consuming high amounts of fats, moderate protein, and very few carbs to shift the body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel.

Keto Cornbread Casserole with Ground Venison

This low-carb and keto-friendly Cornbread Casserole made with ground venison is comfort food at its best! A savory and spicy ground meat filling is topped with cheddar cheese and a low-carb cornbread, making it a dish to die for. Quick, easy, and delicious, it's bound to become a regular on your weeknight meal rotation.

Perfect for Keto Converts

One of the biggest fears for those on the fence about going keto or low-carb is that they won’t enjoy the food and it will feel like they are on a diet. This low-carb casserole might be just the thing you need to turn your family into keto converts, at least for a night! This dish is also Cowboy and Kid Approved.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 2 Tbsp butter, olive oil, bacon fat, or lard
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 2 pounds ground venison (or ground beef, turkey, or pork)
• 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp chili powder
• 3 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
• 2 1/2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese

For the Cornbread Topping:

• 1 cup almond flour
• 2 ½ Tbsp coconut flour
• ½ tsp pink Himalayan salt
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp granulated garlic
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Lakanto Monk Fruit Sweetener
• 5 eggs
• 2 Tbsp sour cream
• 5 Tbsp butter, melted
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
• 1 jalapeno (optional), diced and roasted or sauteed and cooled

Instructions

1. Prepare: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease or spray a 9x9 pan or casserole dish and set aside.
2. Make the Filling: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the oil or butter, onions, and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes. Add the ground venison or meat of choice and cook until golden brown. Add the chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir to combine, bring to a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Assemble: Pour the filling into the prepared pan. Top with 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Prepare the Cornbread Topping: Combine the almond flour, coconut flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, granulated garlic, and onion powder in a medium mixing bowl and stir to combine. Add the eggs, sour cream, and melted butter, and whisk until thoroughly incorporated. Fold in the sliced green onions, cheddar, and cooled jalapeno, if using.
5. Bake: Spoon the batter on top of the meat filling and spread evenly to the edges. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.
6. Serve: Serve warm with extra cheese and sour cream.

Low Carb Venison Stroganoff

Venison Stroganoff is a hearty, comforting, low-carb, keto-friendly meal that the whole family will love! Tender, flavorful venison slow-simmered in a savory mushroom sauce, finished with sour cream and a little cream cheese for extra creaminess and tang, this dish is a winner! It's also Cowboy and kid approved!

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Ingredients

• 3 Tbsp butter
• 1 1/2 pound venison stew meat
• ½ pound baby bella mushrooms, sliced (about 2 cups)
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• ¼ cup sherry brandy or dry white wine
• 2 1/2 cups beef or chicken broth
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1 ½ tsp paprika, mild & sweet
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 oz cream cheese
• Salt & Pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Venison: Season venison with 1 tsp kosher salt and ½ tsp of pepper and toss.
2. Sear the Meat: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add venison to the hot pan and sear on all sides until golden; don’t cook through. Depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to do this in 2 batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Once seared, remove the meat from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Turn the heat down to medium and add the onions and mushrooms to the pan. Sprinkle with about ½ tsp of salt and ¼ tsp of pepper and sauté until onions are translucent and mushrooms are golden, about 10 minutes. Make sure the mushrooms and onions pick up anything stuck to the bottom of the pan from the venison. Add the garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly so the garlic does not burn.
4. Deglaze the Pan: Deglaze the pan with the wine and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring and picking up all the bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. The wine should be reduced by half.
5. Simmer: Add the broth, tomato paste, paprika, and mustard, and stir until combined. Reduce heat to a simmer and add the venison back to the pan. Cover and simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until venison is tender. If needed, remove the lid for the last 5 minutes of cooking so the sauce can reduce some. The sauce should be somewhat thickened after simmering.
6. Finish: Remove from the heat and stir in the sour cream and cream cheese. Stir until combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve: Serve over a bed of cauliflower rice or mashed turnips. Garnish with chopped parsley and a little extra sour cream if desired!

Keto Venison Egg Roll in a Bowl

Venison egg roll in a bowl is an unexpected way to use up ground deer or game meat and it’s totally transformative. This recipe is a great option for those that are gluten-free (just use coconut aminos), dairy-free, low carb, keto or you can even make a few tweaks to make the recipe Whole30 compliant. The options are endless here.

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp cooking oil/fat
• 1 Tbsp cooking oil/fat
• 1 tsp cooking oil/fat
• Ground venison
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Onion
• Bell pepper
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Gluten-free soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos
• Rice wine vinegar (optional)
• Sesame oil (optional)
• Green onions, sesame seeds, sriracha, and coconut aminos or soy sauce mixed with a bit of honey (optional toppings)

Instructions

1. Heat the Pan: Heat a wok or large pan over medium-high heat and add your cooking oil/fat.
2. Cook the Vegetables: Add the cabbage and carrots, stirring frequently. Still and toss well to combine and cook for an additional 5 minutes (or so) until the cabbage is well cooked and the moisture is absorbed.
3. Add the Ground Venison: Add ground venison and cook until browned.
4. Season: Add gluten-free soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos, rice wine vinegar (optional), and sesame oil (optional).
5. Serve: Top a portion with green onions, sesame seeds, sriracha, and if you’d like, some coconut aminos or soy sauce mixed with a bit of honey (or get creative with toppings!).

Venison Chili Recipe

This Venison Chili is delicious and actually not that hard to make. If you do not add beans, this recipe is also paleo and keto friendly. If you do not have venison, you can substitute with ground beef. If you want to go one step further on the 'sit back and relax' scale, you can also make this chili in the crockpot or slow cooker!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoon of olive oil
• Onions
• Bell peppers
• Garlic
• Ground venison
• Spices
• Water/beef broth
• Diced tomatoes (undrained)
• Tomato puree
• Shredded cheddar cheese and chopped scallions optionally

Stove Top Instructions

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large soup pot, heat 2 tablespoon of olive oil over medium high heat. Add onions and bell peppers and saute for about 5 minutes.
2. Brown the Venison: Add another 2 tbsp, and add garlic, ground venison, and all the spices to the pot. Break apart the ground venison with a wooden spoon. If it is too 'dry' at this point add some water/beef broth. Sauté for about 10 minutes, or until the venison is browned.
3. Simmer: Add the rest of the water or broth (if any is left), diced tomatoes (undrained), and tomato puree. Mix well. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low and let it simmer covered about 15 minutes. Then uncover and let it continue simmering for 30 minutes.
4. Serve: Add shredded cheddar cheese and chopped scallions optionally!

Slow Cooker Instructions

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoon of olive oil over medium high heat. Add onions and bell peppers and saute for about 5 minutes.
2. Brown the Venison: Add another 2 tbsp, and add garlic, ground venison, and all the spices to the pot. Break apart the ground venison with a wooden spoon. If it is too ‘dry’ at this point add some water/beef broth. Sauté for about 10 minutes, or until the venison is browned.
3. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Add the rest of the water or broth (if any is left), diced tomatoes (undrained), and tomato puree. Mix well and transfer to slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Other Great Venison Recipes

• Blackened Venison Tenderloin: A simple and flavorful way to enjoy venison.
• Italian Style Venison Meatballs: Perfect for a keto-friendly pasta alternative like zucchini noodles.
• Venison Parmesan: A hearty and satisfying dish that's easy to make.
• Venison Stir Fry: Made in one pan, this dish comes together in no time.
• Venison Fajitas or Venison Tacos: Take taco Tuesday to the next level.
• Smoked Venison Meatballs w/ Sticky Sauce: A sweet and savory appetizer or main course.
• Venison Stuffed Peppers: A quick and easy dinner that's packed with flavor.

Tips for Cooking with Ground Venison

• Mix with Fat: Venison is very lean, so consider mixing it with ground pork or adding fat to prevent it from drying out during cooking.
• Don't Overcook: Overcooking venison can make it tough. Cook it to medium or medium-rare for the best results.
• Use Strong Flavors: Venison pairs well with bold flavors like garlic, herbs, and spices.
• Marinate: Marinating venison can help tenderize the meat and add flavor.

Additional Keto-Friendly Venison Recipes

• Almond Flour Fried Chicken: Crispy, golden, and totally satisfying, this fried chicken uses almond flour for a low-carb, gluten-free crunch.
• Keto Ranch Burgers: Juicy, flavorful burgers are packed with herby ranch seasoning, making them a fun twist on classic burgers without any dairy or processed ingredients.
• Thai Cilantro Chicken: This is perfect for bright, fresh flavors!

Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

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