Experience the unique taste and texture of wild game meat with elk. Compared to beef, elk is a leaner option due to its plant-based diet, boasting fewer calories and less fat. The result is a more tender and flavorful product that can be cooked in various ways to create mouthwatering dishes. One of the most versatile options is ground elk, which can seamlessly integrate into a wide range of recipes.
We’re thrilled to share 20 tried-and-true ground elk recipes for you to try at home and are confident that you’ll fall head over heels for these delicious creations!
Ground Elk Stroganoff
Indulge in this mouthwatering ground elk Stroganoff recipe that can be whipped up in just 20 minutes flat! The tender ground elk is smothered in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce that creates an unbeatable flavor combination. Every bite is a delight, with the dish’s flavorsome profile making it impossible to stop at just one serving. What’s more, this adaptable recipe allows for effortless substitution of egg noodles with mashed potatoes – giving you endless options to suit your taste buds.
And the best part? This comforting culinary treat is as easy to make as it is to devour!
Easy Elk Enchiladas
Elevate your next meal with the bold flavors of Mexico by whipping up a batch of elk enchiladas! This delectable recipe combines the richness of ground elk with refried beans, caramelized onions, and a hint of heat from chilies. The classic combination is then elevated to new heights with the addition of savory enchilada sauce, melted cheddar cheese, and crumbled quesadilla cheese.
To take it over the top, finish it off with a dollop of creamy avocado, a sprinkle of sour cream, and a drizzle of spicy salsa. Your taste buds will thank you!
Grilled Ground Elk Pinwheels
Elevate your culinary expertise by preparing this mouthwatering ground elk pinwheels recipe, which boasts a deceptively simple approach despite its impressive appearance. A mere handful of ingredients are required to create these savory masterpieces, where ground meat and shredded cheese are artfully arranged on puff pastry before being expertly rolled and grilled to a golden crisp.
The pièce de résistance is the accompanying sour cream salsa verde dipping sauce, which harmoniously complements the flavors at play. Be prepared for a second serving, as its addictive charm is sure to leave you craving more!
Elk Swedish Meatballs
Indulge in the savory flavors of Sweden with these delectable ground elk Swedish meatballs, perfect to pair with pasta or noodles. The traditional aroma and taste of nutmeg, Allspice, onions, and garlic meld beautifully together, while a rich gravy infused with sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard adds an extra layer of depth. Serve the meatballs over al dente pasta for a truly satisfying meal that’s sure to become a favorite.
Elk Burgers
With ground elk meat in hand, it’s hard to resist crafting elk burgers that deliver on flavor while also being a healthier alternative to traditional beef patties. The leaner profile of elk meat doesn’t compromise on taste, making for a delightful culinary experience. To prepare your patties, shape them and season them thoroughly before cooking on a skillet or grill, flipping only once.
Once the internal temperature reaches 160°F (or 70°C), it’s time to build your masterpiece with your preferred toppings and savor the outcome.
Elk Shepherd’s Pie
Indulge in a hearty and flavorful elk shepherd’s pie, loaded with an assortment of mixed vegetables and topped with a rich layer of creamy mashed potatoes. The combination of savory ground meat and tender veggies is expertly seasoned and cooked to perfection, ensuring an explosion of flavors in every bite. This straightforward recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd, as it leverages the oven’s magic to do all the heavy lifting.
Simply pop it in the oven and let the golden-brown potatoes be the signal that it’s time to dig in and savor the deliciousness.
Elk Meatloaf
Indulge in this delectable ground elk meatloaf recipe, the ultimate comfort food experience. By combining lean elk meat with rich pork, the resulting dish strikes a harmonious balance between flavors and textures. The savory blend of tomato paste, herbs, spices, and sauces elevates the humble meatloaf to new heights, ensuring a satisfying treat for all. With its simplicity – merely shape and bake – this recipe is perfect for busy cooks and meatloaf enthusiasts alike.
Elk Ragu
Slow-cooked to perfection, this mouthwatering ground elk ragu is a true culinary delight. The foundation of this rich sauce begins by sautéing onion, carrot, celery, and ground meat in a Dutch oven before introducing red wine, allowing it to reduce and intensify the flavors. Beef stock then takes center stage, helping to create a velvety consistency that’s simply divine.
After more than two hours of simmering, the sauce is finally ready to be paired with your favorite pasta, topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and some fresh parsley for a truly satisfying meal.
Elk Lasagna
Indulge in the quintessential comfort food that never fails to hit the spot – lasagna! This mouthwatering ground elk recipe is a game-changer. The harmonious union of creamy Alfredo sauce and savory marinara sauce creates a match made in heaven, ensuring each bite is nothing short of exceptional. To bring this masterpiece to life, simply layer the sauces, ground meat, cheese, and lasagna sheets before baking until the cheese has melted into a golden brown perfection.
And just like that, you’re ready to savor every morsel of this delectable lasagna!
Ground Elk Stuffed Acorn Squash
Indulge in the delightful combination of ground elk and roasted acorn squash for a show-stopping appetizer or side dish that’s sure to impress. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
The recipe begins with acorn squash, which is halved and seeds removed before being baked until tender. Meanwhile, the ground elk is cooked in a skillet with the perfect blend of sweet and savory ingredients – maple syrup, cranberries, and herbs – resulting in a richly flavored mixture.
To finish, simply scoop the cooked rice and meat mixture onto the roasted squash and serve. With its stunning presentation and delectable flavors, this dish is sure to receive rave reviews.
Elk Bolognese Sauce
Indulge in the rich flavors of elk bolognese, a hearty comfort food that pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta. This crowd-pleasing tomato-based sauce is elevated by the subtle depth of oregano and a hint of heat from red chili flakes. The result is an incredibly satisfying meal that’s easy to enjoy. Try serving it with wide pappardelle noodles to savor every last drop of this scrumptious sauce.
Elk Chili
On a cold, rainy evening, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a warm, comforting bowl of elk chili. This hearty recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare and bursts with flavor from the combination of sweet potato, zucchini, ground meat, diced tomatoes, and rich tomato sauce. As the sauce simmers away, it reduces to perfection, creating a deep, velvety texture that’s simply irresistible.
To take it to the next level, top with your favorite chili fixings – think shredded cheese and dollops of sour cream – for an indulgent treat. Serve it all up with some crusty homemade bread and crispy tortilla chips, and you’ve got yourself a truly satisfying meal.
One Pan Sweet Potato Mango Bowl With Ground Elk
Indulge in a delectable gluten-free ground elk recipe that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potato with the exotic flavors of mango. The harmonious blend of cumin, chili powder, and lime juice elevates the dish to new heights, while cilantro adds a refreshing burst of freshness. To complete this masterpiece, simply add sliced avocado and fresh salsa on top of the sweet potatoes, resulting in an unforgettable culinary experience.
Elk Stuffed Mushroom Appetizers
When it comes to impressing your guests, there’s no better way to do so than by serving up a platter of succulent stuffed mushrooms. And what takes these bite-sized morsels to the next level is the use of ground elk meat – a gamey twist on traditional beef or pork fillings. The combination of rich Gruyère cheese, crunchy breadcrumbs, and aromatic fennel perfectly complements the earthy flavor of the elk, making for a truly unforgettable appetizer.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking to spice up your usual gathering, this ground elk stuffed mushroom recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Healthy Elk Taco Salad
Elevate your salad game by creating a nutritious elk taco salad using this mouth-watering recipe. Its flexibility makes it an ideal addition to your repertoire! By incorporating ground elk meat into a salad bowl, you can customize the dish with your preferred ingredients. To give the ground elk its bold flavor, season it with a medley of aromatic spices – including garlic, onion, chili, cayenne, and cumin powder.
Then, top it off with an assortment of fruits, vegetables, and dressings to create a truly scrumptious taco salad!
Ground Elk Quesadillas
Indulge in these mouthwatering quesadillas, overflowing with flavor and ooey-gooey melted cheese. The foundation lies in tender ground meat, seasoned with a blend of taco spices, simmered alongside aromatic vegetables, tomato paste, and rich stock. The addition of tomato paste imparts an unparalleled depth of flavor and moisture to each bite, elevating the quesadillas to an irresistible comfort food experience. It’s impossible to stop at just one – every morsel is a sensory delight!
This recipe has earned its place as one of our go-to ground elk favorites.
Savory Garlic Mushroom Ground Elk
For those seeking a straightforward dinner solution, this garlic mushroom elk recipe is an excellent choice. The dish’s simplicity lies in its uncomplicated preparation process, which involves sautéing mushrooms, onions, and ground elk before incorporating mushroom soup mix and allowing the mixture to simmer. To add depth of flavor, season to taste, then serve with a side of aromatic jasmine rice for a well-rounded meal.
Elk Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Indulge in the hearty flavors of elk-stuffed cabbage rolls, perfect for a satisfying weekend meal prep. The combination of tender ground elk, Marsala wine, tomato paste, sautéed onion and garlic, and fresh parsley creates an explosion of flavor with each bite. This comforting dish is made by filling delicate cabbage leaves with the savory meat mixture, then rolling and smothering it in a rich homemade tomato-based sauce. After baking to perfection, serve and savor this delightful meal!
The Cowboy Elk Pizza
Imagine sinking your teeth into a mouthwatering wild game elk cowboy pizza, reminiscent of Papa Murphy’s iconic version. The foundation of this culinary masterpiece begins with ground elk meat cooked in harmony with sautéed onions and earthy mushrooms. Next, it’s time to build the perfect combination on top: a crispy pizza crust smothered in an abundance of olives, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and rich ricotta cheese. The finishing touch?
A trip to the oven where the crust transforms into a golden brown delight, accompanied by an ooey-gooey cheese extravaganza. This indulgent treat is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
Mexican Lasagna With Ground Elk
Elevate the classic Italian lasagna to new heights by incorporating the bold flavors and vibrant spirit of Mexico. This groundbreaking ground elk recipe is sure to become your new go-to comfort food! Instead of traditional lasagna sheets, layers are formed with tortillas, alternated with a rich ground meat mixture that combines sautéed onions, corn, black beans, and roasted tomatoes.
The crowning glory is a generous sprinkling of shredded cheese that melts and golden-browns to perfection in the oven. This Mexican-inspired masterpiece is sure to tantalize your taste buds. And if you’re looking for more culinary thrills, be sure to check out our own signature recipe for Ground Elk Italian Meatballs – a true showstopper!
Instructions
Combine the bread pieces with milk in a bowl, allowing them to absorb any remaining dryness. If needed, add more milk to achieve the desired consistency. Next, introduce a medley of flavors by adding garlic, onion powder, fennel seeds, oregano, basil, salt, and white pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. Then, incorporate ground elk into the mixture, making sure it’s fully incorporated. Grated cheese is the next addition, which should be mixed in lightly to maintain its texture.
Form the meatball mixture into desired shapes using your hands or a scoop. Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly coated with oil. Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 15 minutes, or until they’re nicely browned and fully cooked. Serve the meatballs alongside your favorite pasta dish or enjoy them as a standalone snack. Per serving, this recipe yields approximately 556 calories, with 22g of total fat, 9g of saturated fat, and 50g of protein.
