Cheesy Venison Helper: Easy Ground Venison Recipe
This Cheesy Venison Helper is a creamy, one-pot pasta dinner made with ground venison, sharp cheddar, and a savory tomato sauce base. An easy venison recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights and family comfort food.
Servings 4 servings
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow pasta or medium pasta shells about 2 cups
- 1 ½ lbs ground venison
- ½ tsp garlic powder or more to taste
- ½ tsp salt or more to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper or more to taste
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 3 Tbsp flour use gluten-free if needed
- 2 cups beef broth
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 8 oz extra sharp cheddar shredded (about 2 cups)
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water until tender; drain and set aside.
- While pasta is cooking, brown venison in a skillet, seasoning with garlic powder, salt, and pepper; drain and set aside.
- Add olive oil to the same skillet and cook the onion until softened. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using); cook briefly until fragrant.
- Stir in flour, then slowly whisk in beef broth and tomato sauce. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in cheddar cheese until melted, then stir in heavy cream until smooth.
- Return venison and pasta to skillet; stir, heat through, and add salt and pepper to taste if needed.
- Serve warm.