Venison Taco Meat

yellow plate with two tacos and assorted toppings on plate to the side
Servings per Recipe
6.00
Nutrition Facts
Calories : 150
Fat : 8 g
Sodium : 290 mg
Total carbohydrate : 3 g
Fiber : 1 g
Protein : 17 g
Ingredients
1 pound ground venison
1 tablespoon chili powder (see Note, Tip 2)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tsp dried oregano leaves
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup tomato sauce (see Note, Tip 3) or water
Preparation
Wash hands with soap and water.
To a 3- or 4-quart pot over medium heat, add ground venison and 1 tablespoon oil (Tip 1). Cook, breaking meat into small pieces, until meat is browned.
Once meat is browned, stir in spices (Tip 2) and tomato sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with lid, and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until hot.
Serve taco meat in corn or flour tortillas and top with cheese, lettuce, avocado, onion, tomato, lime wedges, cilantro, or your other favorite toppings.
Refrigerate leftover taco meat in a food-safe container for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
Note

 

  • Nutrition Facts calculated using spices listed in ingredients list. It does not include tortillas or toppings.

  • Tip 1: If venison is ground with added fat, do not use oil in recipe. If a lot of fat is released from the cooked meat, drain the fat and return meat to pan.

  • Tip 2: Replace all spices (chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano leaves, garlic powder, onion, powder, salt, and pepper) with a 1-ounce taco seasoning packet.

  • Tip 3: If measuring from an 8-ounce (or larger) can of tomato sauce, you will have leftover tomato sauce. Refrigerator the extra in a food-safe container for 3-4 days and use in another recipe. Or freeze in ice cube trays and transfer to a freezer-safe container for longer storage.

  • Venison Taco Meat recipe developed and shared by Illinois Deer Donation Program.

  • Recipe can be prepared with ground beef or ground turkey if venison is not available.