Venison Meatloaf – Step-by-Step Recipe

Venison Meatloaf is a hearty and flavorful dish made from ground deer meat, blended with seasonings, vegetables, and a touch of sweetness from a tangy glaze. Similar to the classic beef meatloaf, this wild game version offers a leaner and richer flavor, making it a favorite among hunters and anyone who enjoys cooking with venison.

Meatloaf itself has roots in traditional European cooking, with early recipes appearing in Germany and Scandinavia, but it became a comfort food staple in the United States during the 20th century. This venison variation celebrates deer season and makes great use of fresh, locally sourced game meat.

In this article, you’ll learn exactly how to prepare a juicy and tender venison meatloaf at home. We’ll guide you through marinating the venison for deeper flavor, mixing it with herbs, spices, and breadcrumbs for the perfect texture, shaping it into a loaf, and topping it with a sweet-and-savory glaze. You’ll also get tips on cooking times, temperature checks, and serving ideas so you can enjoy this dish as a satisfying family dinner or a special wild game treat.

Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for deer season – a classic meatloaf with a wild game twist.

Prep Time: 40 minutes (includes bread crumb soaking)
Cook Time: 65–75 minutes
Servings: 6–8

Nutrition Facts (per slice)

• Calories: ~270 kcal
• Protein: 24 g
• Total Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1 g
  • Sugars: 7 g (from ketchup, brown sugar, and onion)
• Sodium: ~560 mg (depends on salt and Worcestershire brand)
• Vitamin A: ~8% DV
• Vitamin C: ~6% DV
• Calcium: ~6% DV
• Iron: ~20% DV

Health Notes

• High in protein from lean venison — excellent for muscle maintenance.
• Lower fat than traditional beef meatloaf.
• Good source of iron and B vitamins.
• Glaze adds sugar — you can reduce brown sugar or ketchup for a lighter version.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900g) ground venison (marinated in 1 can beer, 1 tsp minced garlic, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce for 12 hours)
• ⅔ cup bread crumbs
• ¾ cup milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 tbsp parsley (dried or fresh)
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp oregano
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Topping Sauce: ¼ cup ketchup, 1 tsp mustard, 2 tbsp brown sugar

Step by step instruction vision meat loaf

Step 1 – Soak the Bread Crumbs

1. In a medium bowl, combine bread crumbs and milk.
2. Stir lightly and let sit for 30 minutes to absorb.

Step 2 – Prep the Onion & Eggs

1. While bread crumbs soak, chop the onion.
2. Beat the eggs in a small bowl.

Step 3 – Combine the Base Mixture

1. After 30 minutes, add beaten eggs, chopped onion, parsley, salt, minced garlic, oregano, and black pepper to the bread crumb mixture.
2. Mix until evenly combined.

Step 4 – Prepare the Venison

1. Drain marinade from the venison.
2. Squeeze out any excess liquid from the meat.
3. Add venison to the bread crumb mixture.

Step 5 – Form the Loaf

1. Mix everything thoroughly with clean hands.
2. Line a baking pan with non-stick foil.
3. Shape mixture into a loaf and place on the pan.

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake for 60–75 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Step 7 – Make the Topping Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar.
2. Stir until smooth.

Step 8 – Glaze & Rest

1. Remove meatloaf from oven, spread sauce over the top.
2. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Step 9 – Serve

• Slice thick portions and serve hot with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

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Essential tools for vision loaf recipe

1. Large Mixing Bowl

For combining venison, breadcrumbs, milk, and seasonings evenly.

2. Measuring Cups & Spoons

To measure milk, breadcrumbs, spices, and glaze ingredients accurately.

3. Sharp Knife & Cutting Board

For chopping onions, garlic, and fresh herbs.

4. Whisk or Fork

To beat the eggs before adding them to the mixture.

5. Loaf Pan or Baking Sheet

• A loaf pan gives a taller, compact shape.
• A foil-lined baking sheet allows more browning on the outside.

6. Aluminum Foil (Non-stick)

Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

7. Meat Thermometer

To check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.

8. Spatula or Spoon

For mixing ingredients without overworking the meat.

9. Small Mixing Bowl

To prepare the ketchup–mustard–brown sugar glaze.

10. Oven Mitts

For safely placing and removing the hot pan from the oven.

Best ways to store leftover vision loaf

1. Cool Before Storing

• Let the meatloaf cool to room temperature (no more than 2 hours after cooking) before storing to prevent moisture buildup and bacterial growth.

2. Refrigeration (Short-Term Storage)

• Whole loaf: Wrap tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container.
• Sliced: Place slices in a shallow airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

3. Freezing (Long-Term Storage)

• Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and place in a freezer bag or airtight container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Tip: Freeze slices separately for easy reheating of single portions.

4. Reheating

• From fridge: Place slices or the whole loaf in a 325°F (160°C) oven, covered with foil, until heated through (about 15–20 minutes for slices).
• From freezer: Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

Venison meatloaf is a delicious way to enjoy wild game, offering a lean, protein-rich alternative to traditional beef while still delivering classic comfort food flavor.

By marinating the venison, combining it with herbs, spices, and a breadcrumb mixture, and topping it with a sweet-savory glaze, you get a moist and flavorful loaf that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions during deer season.

This recipe not only honors the tradition of meatloaf but also celebrates the rich, earthy taste of venison.

Whether you serve it fresh out of the oven with mashed potatoes and vegetables or enjoy the leftovers in sandwiches, it’s a hearty dish that will quickly become a favorite. With the tips in this guide for preparation, cooking, and storage, you’ll be able to make venison meatloaf perfectly every time.