Venison Meatballs

What’s Up, Hungry People

Winter is officially upon us! And I’m tired of eating the same ol’ same ol’ every weeknight. These venison meatballs certainly break up the monotony.

Venison is increasingly becoming more and more widely commercially available. I’ve seen it in my standard grocery stores from time to time, usually tucked away by the veal and lamb.

As a “city slicker,” venison has always been a meat that has confused and eluded many of us. But now that it’s becoming more available to the general public, I’m excited to incorporate more of it into my diet.

Venison is actually extremely tasty – just a hint of gaminess adds savory flavor to an otherwise standard meatball recipe. Once you’ve tried it, though, you’ll wish all meatballs were made from venison!

Here’s What You Need

• Beef broth: Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
• Tomato sauce: Creates the base of the sauce, adding sweetness and acidity.
• Diced tomatoes: Adds texture and a fresh tomato flavor to the sauce.
• Red onion: Provides a mild, sweet flavor to the sauce.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic and pungent flavor.
• Tomato paste: Thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor.
• Oregano: Adds an earthy, slightly bitter taste.
• Thyme: Provides a subtle minty, lemony flavor.
• Capers: Adds a tangy, briny flavor to the sauce.
• Caper juice: Enhances the briny, tangy taste of the capers.
• Olive oil: Used for sautéing and adds a fruity, rich flavor.
• Salt & pepper: Seasons the sauce and meatballs to taste.
• Favorite pasta: Optional, but perfect for serving the meatballs and sauce.

Let’s Cook

First up, let’s get those meatballs ready. In a large bowl, combine your ground venison, some salt and pepper, and any other meatball ingredients you’ve got. Mix it all together until it’s well blended. Now, separate the mixture into individual, equally sized portions and roll them into meatballs. Set them aside for now.

Preparing the Sauce

Now let’s move on to the sauce. Heat your olive oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Toss in your diced red onion, minced garlic, and tomato paste. Sauté everything until it’s nice and fragrant, which should take about 5-8 minutes. Next, stir in your diced tomatoes, capers, and caper juice. Let it cook until the moisture from the tomatoes reduces, which will be around ten minutes. Finally, add your tomato sauce, beef broth, thyme, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a rolling bubble and then remove it from the heat.

Slow Cooker Method

If you’re using a slow cooker, sear the meatballs on all sides in a large skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once browned, place the meatballs at the bottom of your slow cooker and pour the sauce over them. Set it to cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 6-8 hours.

Instant Pot Method

If the Instant Pot is more your style, brown the meatballs in olive oil using the sauté mode. Once browned, set them aside. Make your sauce in the Instant Pot following the same steps as for the saucepan method. After the sauce is ready, submerge the meatballs in it. Turn the Instant Pot to slow cook mode and let it do its thing on low for 3 hours or on high for 6 hours.

Extra Tips for Perfect Venison Meatballs

• Preventing Dry Meatballs: Venison can be lean, which might make the meatballs a bit dry. Consider adding some ground pork or beef to the mix for extra moisture.
• Browning for Flavor: Don’t skip the browning step. It adds a delicious caramelized flavor to the meatballs.
• Adjusting the Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, add a bit more beef broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce.
• Storing Leftovers: These meatballs freeze well. Store them in an airtight container, and they’ll be good for up to three months. Reheat them in the sauce for best results.
• Gaminess Control: If you find the venison too gamey, soak the meat in milk for a few hours before cooking. This helps mellow out the flavor.

These venison meatballs are a great way to break up the monotony of weeknight dinners. With venison becoming more accessible, it’s the perfect time to give it a try. The hint of gaminess adds a unique touch to this classic dish. Whether you choose to cook them in a slow cooker or an Instant Pot, you’ll end up with tender, flavorful meatballs that pair perfectly with your favorite pasta. Trust me, once you taste these, you’ll be reaching for venison more often. Happy cooking, Hungry People!

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