Whether you’re an experienced hunter looking to bring your latest catch to the dinner table or just curious about trying the rich tastes of wild game, you’re in for a real treat. These wild game recipes will change the way you think about meat, introducing you to the deep, distinct flavors that only wild game can offer. From comforting venison stews that fill you up and warm your heart to tender, pan-seared duck that’s simply irresistible, each dish is a celebration of nature’s offerings. And don’t worry, these recipes are surprisingly straightforward, making it easy for anyone to cook up.

A slice of meatloaf with bbq sauce on top.
Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.
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Venison Meatballs

Venison meatballs in tomato sauce on a plate with pasta.
Venison Meatballs. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These venison meatballs are a game-changer for meat lovers. Baked to perfection, they pair wonderfully with your favorite sauce and pasta, offering a hearty and comforting meal. The tender and flavorful meatballs lack any gamey taste, making them a crowd-pleaser and a superb alternative to store-bought meat.
Get the Recipe: Venison Meatballs

Grilled Venison Backstrap

Venison sliced on a cutting board with a sauce on it.
Grilled Venison Backstrap. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This venison backstrap recipe is simple yet impressive. Marinate overnight and grill to achieve tender, juicy perfection. It’s a straightforward way to enjoy wild game, highlighting the natural flavors of the meat, and is sure to make you forget about conventional meats.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Venison Backstrap

Elk Burgers

Elk burger sliced in half with cheese, tomato and lettuce on a bun.
Elk Burgers. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Experience the joy of grilling with these easy elk burgers. Using ground elk meat and simple spices, these burgers offer a juicy and flavorful alternative to traditional burgers. The secret cooking trick ensures you get the juiciest elk burger every time, proving wild game can be simple yet extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: Elk Burgers

Pan Seared Duck Breast

Pan seared duck sliced on a cutting board with cranberry sauce in a small bowl to the side.
Pan Seared Duck Breast. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Discover the elegance of pan-seared duck breast with this straightforward recipe. Using a few simple ingredients, this dish is perfect for a special dinner or entertaining guests. It demonstrates how wild game can be both luxurious and easy to prepare, with a result that’s far superior to any store-bought meat.
Get the Recipe: Pan Seared Duck Breast

Pan Seared Woodcock

Skillet fried woodcock legs and breasts on a plate.
Pan Seared Woodcock. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Enjoy the delicacy of pan-seared woodcock, also known as Timberdoodle. With minimal ingredients like butter, oil, salt, and pepper, this dish transforms into a gourmet experience. It’s a testament to how wild game can offer extraordinary flavors that surpass conventional meat options.
Get the Recipe: Pan Seared Woodcock

Easy Creamy Venison Stroganoff

Dairy-free venison stroganoff over pasta garnished with parsley.
Easy Creamy Venison Stroganoff. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Venison takes center stage in this twist on traditional stroganoff. The use of yogurt creates a creamy and comforting dish perfect for winter. This recipe showcases how wild game can be incorporated into classic dishes, offering a rich and hearty alternative that makes you forget about regular meat.
Get the Recipe: Easy Creamy Venison Stroganoff

Instant Pot Venison Roast

Venison roast with potatoes and carrots on a platter.
Instant Pot Venison Roast. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This Instant Pot venison roast is a winter comfort food staple. Cooked with vegetables in a delicious sauce, it highlights the tender, pull-apart texture of the meat. It’s an easy and comforting meal that proves wild game can be both convenient and more flavorful than conventional meat options.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Venison Roast

Bison and Cheddar Cauliflower Steaks

Beef cheddar topped cauliflower steaks.
Bison and Cheddar Cauliflower Steaks. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Transform your meal with cauliflower steaks topped with cheddar and a savory bison, mushroom, and leek sauté. This comforting dish is a hearty way to enjoy wild game, combining the richness of bison with the simplicity of vegetables for a meal that far surpasses any store-bought meat experience.
Get the Recipe: Bison and Cheddar Cauliflower Steaks

Braised Quail with Apple and Rum

Braised Quail with Apple and Rum. Photo credit: Tia Clara.

Explore the unique flavors of braised quail cooked with apple and rum. This recipe is ideal for special occasions, showcasing quail’s versatility and rich taste. It’s an opportunity to enjoy wild game in a festive and flavorful way, offering a culinary experience that store-bought meat can’t match.
Get the Recipe: Braised Quail with Apple and Rum

Braised Rabbit

Braised Rabbit. Photo credit: Tia Clara.

Discover the unique taste of Dominican-style braised rabbit. This infrequent treat offers a distinctive flavor experience. Its preparation showcases how wild game can provide a unique and enjoyable dining experience, far outshining regular meat dishes.
Get the Recipe: Braised Rabbit

Goose Sausage

Goose Sausage. Photo credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival.

Goose sausage is not only a unique addition to any meal but also a sustainable way to enjoy wild game. It’s a flavorful and eco-friendly choice, proving that wild game can be both delicious and responsible, offering a taste that you can’t find in store-bought meats.
Get the Recipe: Goose Sausage

Smoked Venison Brisket

Smoked Venison Brisket. Photo credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival.

Learn the art of preparing smoked venison brisket, a challenging yet rewarding cut. This recipe guides you to achieve a tender and juicy result, showcasing the versatility and superior flavor of wild game compared to regular meat options. It’s a perfect example of how wild game can elevate everyday meals.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Venison Brisket

Rabbit Tacos

Rabbit Tacos. Photo credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival.

These rabbit tacos are an excellent way to utilize tougher leg cuts. The preparation ensures tender and juicy meat every time, demonstrating that wild game can be both versatile and delicious, offering a culinary experience far beyond what store-bought meat can provide.
Get the Recipe: Rabbit Tacos

Venison Chili

Venison Chili. Photo credit: Miss in the Kitchen.

Venison Chili is a straightforward and hearty recipe, perfect for enjoying your wild game harvest. This dish is ideal for cooler weather, offering a rich and hearty flavor that makes it a favorite. It’s a great example of how wild game can be used to create comforting, flavorful meals.
Get the Recipe: Venison Chili

Bear Meat

Bear Meat. Photo credit: The Typical Mom.

Discover how to cook bear meat to perfection. This guide includes various recipes like stew, chili, burgers, and more. Whether cut into pieces or ground, bear meat offers a unique flavor that surpasses traditional meat options, proving that wild game can provide a superior culinary experience.
Get the Recipe: Bear Meat

Venison Meatloaf

Venison Meatloaf. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Revisit classic comfort food with this venison meatloaf recipe. Utilizing ground deer meat, this dish transforms a family staple into a unique and flavorful meal. It’s an example of how wild game can be used in everyday recipes to create dishes that are more flavorful and enjoyable than conventional meats.
Get the Recipe: Venison Meatloaf

Smoked Venison Osso Bucco

Smoked Venison Osso Bucco. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Try this fun and flavorful twist on a venison roast, inspired by osso buco. This recipe plays with traditional flavors to create a tender, delicious dinner. It’s a creative way to enjoy wild game, demonstrating how it can transform a regular meal into something extraordinary compared to standard meat dishes.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Venison Osso Bucco

Duck Fried Rice

Duck Fried Rice. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This Duck Fried Rice recipe combines tender sous vide duck breast with classic fried rice ingredients. It’s an excellent way to bring restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen, showcasing how wild game like duck can elevate a simple dish into a memorable meal far surpassing any store-bought meat.
Get the Recipe: Duck Fried Rice

Chicken Fried Elk Steak

Chicken Fried Elk Steak. Photo credit: Peak to Plate.

Enjoy a Southern favorite with a twist – Chicken Fried Elk Steak. This recipe is perfect for cooking tougher elk cuts, offering a crispy, seasoned breading and creamy gravy. It’s a family-friendly dish that highlights how wild game can be transformed into comfort food, surpassing the flavors of regular meats.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Elk Steak

Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.

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