Venison Meatballs are a flavorful and hearty dish that showcases the rich, earthy taste of venison. These meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with savory herbs and spices, making them a perfect comfort food for any occasion. Venison, being a leaner meat, is complemented by the addition of ingredients like breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, which help to keep the meatballs moist and flavorful. Whether served over pasta, in a sub sandwich, or as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce, these venison meatballs are a delicious way to enjoy this game meat in a new and satisfying way.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground venison
- 1/2 lb ground pork (optional, for added moisture)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground venison, ground pork (if using), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, parsley, oregano, thyme, black pepper, salt, and nutmeg (if using). Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Form the Meatballs:
- Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the formed meatballs on a plate or tray.
- Brown the Meatballs:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage, just browned.
- Bake the Meatballs:
- Transfer the browned meatballs to the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Serve:
- Serve the venison meatballs hot, with your favorite pasta, in a sandwich, or with a dipping sauce like marinara or gravy. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan if desired.
Venison Meatballs are a flavorful and satisfying dish that highlights the unique taste of venison. The combination of herbs, spices, and a touch of pork adds depth and moisture, making these meatballs a perfect dish for any venison lover.
