
Mouthwatering Grilled Venison Ground BBQ
Nutritional value per serving
Calories250kcal
Carbs3gram
Fat10gram
Protein28gram
Ingredients
- Ground venison (preferably 85-90% lean) - choose fresh, bright red meat with no off smell500 g
- Olive oil - extra virgin for best flavor1 tbsp
- Garlic powder1 tsp
- Onion powder1 tsp
- Smoked paprika1 tsp
- Salt (preferably kosher salt)1 tsp
- Black pepper, freshly ground0.5 tsp
- BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)100 ml

This recipe shows you how to grill venison ground meat to perfection with simple BBQ seasoning. Venison is a lean, flavorful, and healthy alternative to beef. This recipe is designed for beginner home cooks and uses common ingredients. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $12 / 11€ / £9 / 900 INR, and the recipe yields 4 servings with about 250 kcal per serving. It fits well as a high-protein, low-fat dish. The cooking is easy, with a total time of 30 minutes, suitable for any skill level.
Preparation instructions
Preheat the grill
1Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 190-230°C or 375-450°F). Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. This will give you that nice grill sear and prevent the meat from sticking.
Prepare the venison patties
2In a mixing bowl, combine the ground venison, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly to ensure even seasoning without overworking the meat. Form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties, about 2 cm thick. Handle the meat gently to keep it tender.
Grill the patties
3Place the patties on the preheated grill. Grill for about 4-6 minutes on the first side, then flip carefully. Continue grilling the other side for another 4-5 minutes. Venison is lean and cooks a bit faster than beef. We want to cook the patties to a safe internal temperature of 71°C (160°F) for ground venison, which is important for safety. Use a meat thermometer inserted in the center of the patty to check.
Apply BBQ sauce and finish grilling
4During the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush the patties generously with BBQ sauce on both sides. Be careful because the sugars in BBQ sauce can burn. Let the sauce caramelize slightly for a delicious glaze.
Rest and serve
5Remove the patties from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows juices to redistribute, keeping your venison patties juicy. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Cooking Tips
-Avoid cross-contamination by using separate plates and utensils for raw and cooked meat.
-Since venison is lean, avoid pressing down on the patties while grilling to keep them juicy.
-If you don't have a grill, you can cook the patties on a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat, approximately the same timing.
-Leftover grilled venison patties can be refrigerated and reheated gently, but best enjoyed fresh.
Equipment Needed
- Grill (charcoal or gas)
- Mixing bowl
- Meat thermometer
- Spatula or tongs
- Basting brush
- Plate for resting
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] 500g ground venison (~$10) - Choose fresh, bright red meat with no off smell.
- [ ] Olive oil (~$0.50 for 1 tbsp) - Extra virgin for better flavor.
- [ ] Garlic powder (~$0.20 for 1 tsp)
- [ ] Onion powder (~$0.20 for 1 tsp)
- [ ] Smoked paprika (~$0.20 for 1 tsp)
- [ ] Kosher salt (~$0.10 for 1 tsp)
- [ ] Black pepper (~$0.10 for 0.5 tsp)
- [ ] BBQ sauce (~$1.00 for 100 ml) - Choose your favorite brand or homemade.
Total approximate cost: $12.30
FAQ
What internal temperature should ground venison be cooked to for safety?
Ground venison should be cooked to an internal temperature of 71°C (160°F) to ensure that any harmful bacteria are killed and it is safe to eat.
How do I prevent the venison patties from drying out?
Avoid overworking the meat when mixing and avoid pressing down on the patties while grilling. Letting the patties rest after grilling also helps retain juices.
Can I use this recipe for venison burgers with buns?
Yes! Simply serve the grilled venison patties on buns with your favorite burger toppings and condiments.
How do I avoid my patties sticking to the grill?
Make sure your grill grates are clean and lightly oiled before placing the patties on them. Also, avoid moving the patties too soon; let them form a sear before flipping.