Deer Meatloaf
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground deer meat
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground deer meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped bell pepper, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, breadcrumbs, milk, beaten egg, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, and dried basil. Mix well with your hands until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased loaf pan and press it firmly to ensure there are no air pockets.
- Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides and enjoy!
How to Prepare:
Deer meatloaf is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for any occasion. To prepare this mouthwatering recipe, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine 2 pounds of ground deer meat along with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, finely chopped bell pepper, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, breadcrumbs, milk, beaten egg, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, and dried basil. Mix all these ingredients together until they are well combined.
Grease a loaf pan and transfer the meatloaf mixture into it. Press the mixture firmly to eliminate any air pockets. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Once the deer meatloaf is cooked through, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will ensure that the juices redistribute within the meatloaf, making it moist and tender. Serve the hot meatloaf with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh garden salad. You can also pair it with a tangy tomato sauce for extra flavor.
Preparation Time:
The preparation time for this delicious deer meatloaf recipe is approximately 15 minutes, while the cooking time is around 1 hour. The total time needed from start to finish is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Servings:
This recipe serves around 6 people, depending on portion size.
Nutrition Facts:
The nutritional information for this deer meatloaf recipe may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the portion size. However, here is a rough estimate per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 25g
Tips:
- Adding finely chopped vegetables like onion and bell pepper to the meatloaf mixture not only enhances the flavor but also adds moisture to the final dish.
- For a bolder taste, you can experiment with different herbs and spices. Cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme can add complexity to the meatloaf.
- To ensure the meatloaf stays moist, don’t overmix the ingredients. Mix just until they are combined, as overmixing can result in a denser texture.
- Serve the meatloaf with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use ground beef instead of deer meat?
A: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of deer meat or don’t have access to it, ground beef is a great alternative for this recipe. You can use the same amount of ground beef and follow the rest of the instructions as mentioned.
Q: Can I freeze the deer meatloaf?
A: Yes, you can. Once the meatloaf is cooked and cooled, you can wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the meatloaf in the refrigerator overnight and heat it in the oven until warmed through.
Q: Can I make this recipe without eggs?
A: Yes, you can omit the egg from the recipe. The egg helps bind the ingredients together, but it is not essential. The meatloaf may be slightly less firm without the egg, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to the meatloaf?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add your own twist to the recipe by adding ingredients like diced mushrooms, shredded cheese, or even a splash of barbecue sauce. Meatloaf is versatile, and you can customize it according to your taste preferences.
Q: Can I use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs?
A: Yes, you can use panko breadcrumbs as a substitute for regular breadcrumbs in this recipe. Panko breadcrumbs have a lighter and crunchier texture, which can result in a slightly different texture in the meatloaf. However, it will still be equally delicious.
More Deer Meatloaf Inspiration
Ground Venison Meatloaf
Deer Meatloaf with Herb Crust
Italian Deer Meatloaf
More Deer Meatloaf Recipes
Venison Meatloaf
Venison Meatloaf
Venison Meatloaf
Deer Meatloaf:
Deer meatloaf is a savory and satisfying dish that brings out the rich flavors of venison. The combination of ground deer meat, spices, and herbs creates a delicious blend that is perfect for any meatloaf lover. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is simple and easy to follow, ensuring a successful outcome every time.
More Deer Meatloaf Inspiration:
If you’re looking for more deer meatloaf recipes and ideas to explore, here are some mouthwatering options to consider:
MeatEater Deer Meatloaf:
This recipe from MeatEater takes deer meatloaf to the next level. With a savory blend of herbs, spices, and secret ingredients, this meatloaf is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
Ground Venison Meatloaf:
Midwest Nice has the perfect recipe for a ground venison meatloaf that turns out perfect every time. The combination of ground venison, breadcrumbs, and flavorsome seasonings will leave you craving more.
Deer Meatloaf with Herb Crust:
The Sporting Chef has a delicious deer meatloaf recipe with a flavorful herb crust. The combination of fresh herbs takes this meatloaf to new heights of taste and aroma.
Italian Deer Meatloaf:
If you’re a fan of Italian flavors, this Italian deer meatloaf recipe is a must-try. The addition of Italian herbs and spices gives this meatloaf an authentic and delicious taste that will transport you to Italy with every bite.
More Deer Meatloaf Recipes:
The Running Doe provides easy and mouthwatering deer meatloaf recipes that your family will love. The straightforward ingredients and simple instructions make these recipes perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
Venison Meatloaf:
Legendary Whitetails presents a fantastic venison meatloaf recipe that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. With the perfect blend of ingredients and seasonings, this meatloaf will become a family favorite.
Venison meatloaf is a great way to enjoy the flavors of deer meat in a classic comfort food dish. The versatility of meatloaf allows you to experiment and add your own personal touch to the recipe. From herbs and spices to vegetables and sauces, you can customize the flavors to suit your taste preferences.
Whether you’re an avid hunter or just looking to try something new, these deer meatloaf recipes are sure to impress. So why not gather the ingredients and get cooking? Discover the deliciousness of deer meatloaf today!
