Venison Meatballs: Easy Oven Baked Recipe

This homemade Venison Meatballs recipe may be made with simple ingredients, but it produces very flavorful meatballs! Simmered in your favorite sauce these meatballs are a great way to enjoy wild game meat.

I grew up in a home where venison meat was abundant due to the number of hunters in my family. Meatballs are the best way to enjoy ground venison turning it into a juicy meatball packed with flavor and covered in sauce. 

❤️ Why you'll love Venison Meatballs

Lean meat: Made with lean ground venison this meatball recipe offers a rich and hearty flavor profile.

Versatile: Whether you're serving these easy baked venison meatballs as an appetizer, part of a pasta dish, or in a sandwich, these venison meatballs adapt to any occasion.

Flavorful meatballs: The combination of ingredients creates a symphony of flavors that will make your tastebuds happy!

🥘 Ingredients for Venison Meatballs

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Ground venison: Venison brings a unique flavor to the meatballs. It's leaner than traditional meats, making these meatballs a healthier option without compromising taste.

Garlic powder

Dried onion flakes: The dried minced onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the meatballs, infusing them with a savory goodness that perfectly complements the venison.

Salt

Black pepper

Italian seasoned bread crumbs: The Italian herbs in the breadcrumbs add a delightful touch of Mediterranean flair, making these homemade meatballs stand out from the rest.

Large egg

Pasta sauce: feel free to make your own using this pasta sauce recipe or use a jar of your favorite sauce.

🔪 Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 
2. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with non stick cooking spray. Se3t aside. 
3. In a large bowl, using clean hands, combine ground meat, garlic powder, dried onion flakes, Italian seasoned bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and egg. until well combined.
4. Using ¼ cup sized scoop, portion meat mixture and place on prepared baking sheet. 
5. Place in preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes,
6. Remove from oven and transfer to a large pot with 1 quart of prepared pasta sauce . 
7. Simmer meatballs on the stovetop until until internal temperature of venison meatballs reach160 degrees using an instant read meat thermometer.

🥄 Equipment

Large mixing bowl

Large baking sheet

Aluminum foil or parchment paper

¼ cup sized cookie scoop

Large pot

Wooden spoon

Alternate cooking methods

Air Fryer:

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
3. Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway.
4. Transfer cooked meatballs to a pot with pasta sauce and simmer as directed. 

Skillet:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of olive oil.
2. Add meatballs, cook for 8-10 minutes, turning regularly.
3. Transfer cooked meatballs to a pot with pasta sauce and simmer as directed. .

Slow Cooker:

1. Form venison meatballs and place in a slow cooker.
2. Pour your favorite sauce over them.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, allowing flavors to meld.

🥫Storage

Refrigerate:  store leftover venison meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

Freezer storage: Freeze any extra meatballs individually on the baking sheet before transferring them to a storage container.

Reheat: warm meatballs in your favorite sauce in a saucepan on the stove over medium heat or in a microwave safe covered dish until warmed through.

📖 Variations

Spicy meatballs: For a kick of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture.

Cheese meatballs: add 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese, cheddar, or pepper jack cheese.

Meat variations: substitute part hot or sweet italian sausage for a portion of the ground venison. Or use ground beef, turkey, or chicken in place of the ground venison.

💭 Tips

Enhance flavors: mix a small amount of pork fat or ground pork into the ground deer meat to add moisture and enhance flavor.

Seasoning boosts: If you want to enhance the venison flavor further, add a splash of red wine and/or Worcestershire sauce to the meatball mixture.

📚 Related Recipes

Cocktail meatballs are the best meatballs for parties and/or game day.

I absolutely love this Venison chili made with white beans.

This Caprese Venison Burger is served with a delicious sun-dried tomato aioli.

Sriracha-Sesame Turkey Meatballs are a savory asian style meatball.

These Meatball Crepes are a unique way to enjoy meatballs.

My whole family loves this Roasted Garlic Meatball Chili.

Have a vegetarian in the house? They will love my Mom's Vegetarian Meatballs!

Homemade Venison Sloppy Joes are a sweet and tangy twist on a classic recipe.

🍽 Serve with..

Serve venison meatballs with your favorite pasta or marinara sauce, make a mouthwatering meatball subs with melted cheese and a drizzle of marinara.

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📖 Recipe