Skillet Venison
A savory skillet dish featuring tender venison marinated in Italian dressing, paired with flavorful tomato Rice-A-Roni, perfect for hearty and satisfying meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Marinate venison in Kraft Italian salad dressing overnight.
- Remove the venison from the marinade and brown it in a skillet.
- In a separate skillet, prepare Rice-A-Roni according to package instructions, adding diced fresh tomatoes or canned chopped tomatoes and Ro-Tel.
- When the Rice-A-Roni is ready to simmer, add the browned venison, cover, and cook for 20 to 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding spices such as cumin or smoked paprika to the Rice-A-Roni. If you don't have venison, beef or turkey salami can be used as a substitute. Marinating the venison for a longer period can also help tenderize the meat. Be sure to brown the venison in batches if your skillet is small to avoid steaming the meat.
Serving Suggestions
This skillet venison dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Easy Pan Smores for a fun dessert to follow. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent the rice from drying out. Microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, or reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Skillet Venison contains roughly 106 calories, with 18g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. At about 106 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 use frozen venison for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen venison; just ensure it is fully thawed before marinating and cooking. Thawing in the refrigerator overnight is the safest method. If using frozen meat, allow extra time for browning, as it may release moisture.
How can I adjust the spice level of the dish?
To adjust the spice level, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the Rice-A-Roni. For a milder version, use sweet canned tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Taste as you go to achieve your desired heat level.
What are some good side dishes to serve with skillet venison?
Good side dishes include roasted vegetables, a fresh garden salad, or garlic bread. You can also consider serving with mashed potatoes or a grain like quinoa for added texture. Pairing with a light, refreshing salad can balance the richness of the venison.
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).