The Coziest Venison Casserole Recipe for Rustic Family Dinners

Hearty winter nights demand a comforting venison casserole that warms you from the inside out.

Rustic flavors mingle with aromatic herbs in this classic dish.

Wild game lovers appreciate the rich, tender meat slow-cooked to perfection.

Savory seasonings complement the robust protein, creating a memorable meal.

Hunters and home cooks alike will find this recipe surprisingly simple to prepare.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of earthy woodland ingredients.

Gather your ingredients and let’s turn a traditional recipe into an unforgettable dining experience.

What’s Special About Hairy Bikers Venison Casserole

• Savor Hearty Flavor: Packed with rich venison and sausage, this casserole delivers a robust, satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.
• Master Impressive Cooking: Despite seeming complex, the recipe breaks down into simple steps anyone can follow, making you look like a culinary pro without stress.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or weekend gatherings where you want to serve something more special than everyday meals.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like greens or cheese types to match your preferences, making this recipe adaptable to what's in your kitchen.

All You Need For Hairy Bikers Venison Casserole

• Venison: A lean, rich meat that brings a wild and hearty flavor to the casserole.
• Sausage: Adds depth and additional richness to the meat base of the dish.

• Ricotta Cheese: Provides a creamy, soft texture and mild flavor to the casserole layers.
• Cheeses: Adds melting quality and additional savory depth to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for initial browning and providing a smooth cooking base.
• Onion, Garlic: Create a foundational aromatic flavor for the casserole.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates and deepens the tomato flavor in the sauce.
• Wine: Adds complexity and helps deglaze the pan while enriching the sauce.

• Spices: Enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.

• Pasta: Serves as the primary starch and backbone of the casserole.
• Greens: Adds nutritional value and a fresh element to the dish.

• Tomatoes: Provide a rich, tangy base for the sauce.

Step By Step For Hairy Bikers Venison Casserole

Step 1: Sizzle Meat and Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Toss in venison and sausage, cooking until they develop a rich, golden-brown crust. The meat should look temptingly caramelized and release those incredible savory aromas.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Tomato paste

Stir and cook until onions become translucent and everything melds together beautifully.

Step 3: Build Delicious Sauce

• Red wine
• Canned tomatoes
• Herbs and spices

Let the sauce simmer gently, allowing flavors to dance and intensify.

Step 4: Prepare Pasta Mixture

Boil pasta until it’s almost fully cooked. Drain and mix with the simmering sauce and fresh chopped greens like spinach or kale.

Step 5: Assemble Layered Casserole

• Half of pasta mixture
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella
• Parmesan

Repeat the layering process for maximum deliciousness.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into a preheated oven at 375°F. Bake until the top turns golden and the edges bubble with excitement.

Step 7: Let Flavors Settle

Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and intensifies the incredible flavors.

Helpful Tricks For Hairy Bikers Venison Casserole

• Meat Prep Perfection: Pat venison dry before browning to ensure a crisp, flavorful exterior and prevent steaming.
• Wine Selection Wisdom: Choose a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to enhance the rich meat flavors.
• Cheese Layering Trick: Spread ricotta evenly to create a creamy, consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Green Boost Strategy: Mix in hearty greens like kale or spinach for added nutrition and depth of flavor.
• Temperature Control: Let casserole rest after baking to allow cheese to set and flavors to meld together perfectly.

Creative Twists On Hairy Bikers Venison Casserole

• Wild Game Switch: Replace venison with elk, bison, or wild boar for a similar robust flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Friendly: Swap meat with plant-based protein like lentils, mushrooms, or textured vegetable protein, maintaining the casserole's hearty essence.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and replace wheat-based ingredients with alternative flours to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, carbohydrate-reduced version of the original recipe.

What To Serve With Hairy Bikers Venison Casserole

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose a robust red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the rich venison and deep tomato flavors, enhancing the meaty intensity of the casserole.
• Enhance Cheese Companion: Select a crisp, acidic white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the creamy ricotta and balance the hearty meat components.
• Match Side Dish Delight: Serve with roasted root vegetables like parsnips or carrots, which provide earthy undertones that harmonize with the venison's wild game character.
• Refresh with Herbal Accent: Add a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to provide a fresh counterpoint to the dense, rich casserole layers.

How To Store Hairy Bikers Venison Casserole The Right Way

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chilled for 3-4 days, ensuring the casserole is completely cooled before sealing.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Venison casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.

Hairy Bikers Venison Casserole Questions Answered Here

• What type of meat works best for this casserole?

Venison is the ideal choice, offering a rich, gamey flavor that pairs perfectly with the hearty sauce. If unavailable, you can substitute with lean beef or lamb for similar results.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta alternatives like brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

• How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too dry?

Ensure you don’t overcook the pasta before mixing with sauce, and cover the dish with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking to retain moisture. The ricotta and sauce also help keep the casserole juicy.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.

Venison Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Hearty Venison Casserole brings rustic European comfort to winter dinner tables, blending wild game with rich, savory herbs and root vegetables. Warm spices and slow-cooked meat promise a satisfying meal you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground venison
• 0.5 pound (226 grams) sausage

Pasta and Cheese:

• 1 pound (454 grams) rigatoni, penne or ziti pasta
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 0.5 pound (226 grams) grated mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated pecorino cheese

Herbs, Vegetables, and Seasonings:

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 cup red wine
• 1 can (28 ounces/794 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 0.25 pound (113 grams) chopped leafy greens (spinach, chard, etc.)
• Salt

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear venison and sausage until rich brown and caramelized, approximately 5-7 minutes.
2. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring frequently. Add tomato paste and cook until flavors meld and develop depth, about 3 minutes.
3. Deglaze pan with robust red wine, scraping browned bits from bottom. Introduce aromatic spices and crushed tomatoes, reducing heat to create a harmonious sauce.
4. Simultaneously, prepare pasta in salted boiling water until just shy of al dente, roughly 7-8 minutes. Drain and fold in fresh chopped greens.
5. Assemble casserole by creating initial layer with pasta mixture, spreading creamy ricotta evenly across surface. Sprinkle generous blend of complementary cheeses.
6. Construct second identical layer, ensuring even distribution of ingredients for balanced flavor profile.
7. Transfer casserole to preheated 375°F oven, baking uncovered until top achieves golden-brown crust and edges bubble enthusiastically, approximately 35-40 minutes.
8. Remove from oven and allow dish to rest and settle for 10 minutes before serving, enabling flavors to integrate and sauce to stabilize.

Notes

• Trim any excess fat from venison to prevent gamey flavor and ensure tender meat.
• Sear meat at high heat to lock in juices and develop rich caramelized exterior.
• Consider substituting ricotta with cottage cheese for lower-fat option or Greek yogurt for tangy twist.
• Allow casserole to rest completely before serving to help flavors meld and achieve perfect consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 1523 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 835 mg
• Fat: 99 g
• Saturated Fat: 48 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 46 g
• Trans Fat: 1.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 89 g
• Cholesterol: 245 mg