O-Deer
O-Deer is a hearty, flavorful dish combining seasoned venison and cheesy onion shells, perfect for those who enjoy savory, meaty flavors with a touch of spiciness. Ideal for hearty dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil jumbo Vidalia onions until soft enough to separate and form onion shells.
- Brown the ground venison in a skillet with oil.
- Combine the cooked venison with chopped green onions, grated Mozzarella, chopped banana peppers, salt, pepper, chili powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Fill the onion shells with the venison mixture.
- Cover and cook for half the total cooking time, allowing flavors to meld.
- Wrap each hoop cheese strip around the filled onion shells before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a slightly sweeter flavor, try using sweet onions in place of Vidalia. If venison is unavailable, ground beef or turkey can be used as substitutes. To enhance the dish, consider adding a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the filling for some extra heat. Also, be careful not to overcook the onions, as you want them tender but not falling apart.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the O-Deer onion shells warm, garnished with additional chopped green onions for a fresh touch. They pair beautifully with a side salad or roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, consider serving with cornbread or garlic bread to soak up any delicious juices. For dessert, try a slice of Fresh Strawberry Cream Pie(No Bake) to balance the savory flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the onion shells in a covered skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture, and heat until warmed through. Alternatively, use the microwave, heating in 30-second intervals until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of O-Deer contains roughly 1009 calories, with 44g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 86g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (98% of the Daily Value), protein (87% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (70% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the O-Deer ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just fill the onion shells and cook them when you're ready to serve. This is a great way to save time on busy days.
What can I substitute for the red rind hoop cheese?
If you can't find red rind hoop cheese, you can use any mild melting cheese like Monterey Jack or Havarti. These alternatives will still provide a creamy texture and flavor that complements the dish well.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the filled onion shells before cooking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then cook as directed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).