Venison Meat Loaf
Venison meat loaf is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the rich taste of ground venison with the savory notes of pork and fresh vegetables. This dish is perfect for those who appreciate game meat and enjoy a nutritious meal that is both comforting and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground venison ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. ground pork ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 c. grated carrot ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. nutmeg ⓘ
- 3/4 c. bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/2 c. tomato sauce ⓘ
- 3 eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 1/2 c. light cream ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Place in greased 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
- Bake for 1 to 1 1/4 hours at 350°.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes before baking to allow the spices to meld. If you don’t have venison, you can substitute with ground beef or turkey. Adding chopped mushrooms can enhance moisture and flavor. Adjust the spices to your taste; for a kick, add some cayenne pepper. This recipe is similar to Ham Meat Loaf in its comforting qualities.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the venison meatloaf with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a hearty meal. A fresh garden salad or steamed green beans would also complement it nicely. For a twist, pair with Barbecue Meat Balls for a fun mix of flavors at your dinner table. Drizzle with additional tomato sauce before serving for extra moisture.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave slices for 1-2 minutes until heated through. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped tightly in foil for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Venison Meat Loaf contains roughly 663 calories, with 37g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (159% of the Daily Value), protein (73% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1645mg per serving (72% 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 use just ground venison without the pork?
Yes, you can use only ground venison, but the addition of pork adds fat and moisture, which helps prevent the meatloaf from becoming dry. If using just venison, consider adding a bit more cream or an extra egg to maintain the texture.
What can I substitute for the light cream?
If you prefer a lower fat option, you can substitute the light cream with milk or a mixture of Greek yogurt and water. Alternatively, for a dairy-free version, use unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream, keeping in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly.
How can I tell when the meatloaf is done?
The best way to check if the meatloaf is done is to use a meat thermometer; it should read 160°F in the center. Alternatively, you can cut into the loaf and check that the juices run clear and the center is no longer pink. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing for better texture.
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).