Whether you’re hunting for sustenance or making the most of a stocked freezer, wild game opens the door to meals that are both nourishing and bold in flavor. These recipes celebrate a range of meats—venison, elk, duck, rabbit, and more—each offering something special for the table. From slow-braised comfort food to rustic pastas and savory skillet dishes, this list has something for every season and skill level.
1. Festive Cider Cornish Hen
This cider-glazed Cornish hen is roasted until golden and juicy, with seasonal flavors that make it perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home. Apples, onion, and cider create a sweet-savory pan sauce that brings everything together beautifully.
2. Moose Shoulder Ragu
Slow-simmered moose shoulder turns incredibly tender in this rich, tomato-based ragu. Cooked with red wine, root vegetables, and herbs, it clings perfectly to thick pasta or polenta, delivering deep, wild flavor in every bite.
3. French Onion Antelope Shanks
Antelope shanks get the full French onion treatment in this one-pot meal. Caramelized onions, broth, and wine come together for a deeply savory braise that transforms lean game into tender, flavorful meat.
4. Venison Swiss Steak
Round steak from venison gets a budget-friendly makeover with this homestyle Swiss steak recipe. It’s simmered with tomatoes, peppers, and onions until fork-tender, then served over mashed potatoes or rice for a filling, no-fuss dinner.
5. Bison Bolognese
This bison Bolognese is a lighter spin on the classic Italian meat sauce, made with lean bison, tomatoes, and Italian herbs. It’s easy to make ahead and freeze, perfect for batch cooking and busy nights.
6. Elk Meatloaf
This high-protein elk meatloaf brings a satisfying twist to a classic comfort food. Seasoned with onions, garlic, and Worcestershire, it bakes up moist and flavorful with a crisp, caramelized top.
7. Seared Duck Breast With Mustard Sauce
Duck breast is cooked skin-side down until perfectly crisp in this elegant, stovetop recipe. Served medium rare, it’s rich and buttery with minimal seasoning—just salt, pepper, and a little time in the pan.
8. Venison Steak with Red Wine Jus
Thick-cut venison steaks are pan-seared and served with a glossy red wine reduction, alongside sweet caramelized eschalots. This recipe is simple yet sophisticated, great for a winter meal when you want something special without a lot of fuss.
9. Venison Salisbury Steak
Ground venison takes center stage in this classic Salisbury steak, served with a hearty onion-and-mushroom gravy. It’s skillet-friendly and comes together fast—perfect for using frozen ground meat in a pinch.
10. Slow Cooker Venison Stew
With only seven ingredients, this slow cooker venison stew is built for ease and comfort. Tender meat, carrots, and potatoes cook down in broth for a no-fail, freezer-friendly meal that’s ready when you are.
11. Pappardelle with Braised Hare Ragu
Hare meat is slow-cooked in wine, broth, and tomatoes until it falls apart, then tossed with wide ribbons of pasta in this Northern Italian-inspired dish. It’s earthy, rich, and deeply comforting—a true cold-weather treat.
12. Pop’s Bul-Kogi Backstrap
This Korean-style marinade brings bold flavor to tender venison backstrap. Soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and sugar create a sweet-savory glaze that sears beautifully on a hot grill or cast iron skillet.
13. German Rabbit Stew (Hasenpfeffer)
Hasenpfeffer is a vinegar-and-spice braised rabbit stew with deep Old World roots. This version uses juniper, bay, and allspice to bring out the game’s best qualities, and it’s perfect served over spaetzle or mashed potatoes.
14. Pheasant Casserole
This pheasant casserole features classic country flavors—bacon, red wine, herbs, and vegetables—simmered together until everything is fall-apart tender. It’s an ideal one-pot meal for a Sunday dinner or slow evening at home.
15. Chinese Roast Duck
Inspired by Chinese five-spice and crispy-skinned tradition, this roast duck is marinated, air-dried, and roasted until deeply golden. It’s ideal for those looking to recreate a restaurant-style dish using wild or farm-raised duck.
James is a former logistics coordinator and wilderness safety instructor, whose practical experience taught him the value of sensible preparedness and calm resilience. Passionate about self-reliance, James teaches everyday skills—like water purification, emergency communication, and outdoor safety—to help people confidently handle life's disruptions without fear or overwhelm. His approachable style combines real-world insights with relatable, personal stories and experiences.
