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Venison Sloppy Joes

Venison Sloppy Joes Recipe

Charlotte
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Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion
  • 1 bell pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 pound ground venison
  • 1 can tomato sauce 15 oz
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Vegetables:
    Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, until softened and fragrant. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until it becomes aromatic.
  • Brown the Venison:
    Add the ground venison to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the meat is browned and cooked through. Since venison is leaner than beef, you may notice less fat, which is perfectly fine. Just make sure to cook it until there is no pink left in the meat.
  • Add the Sauce Ingredients:
    Once the venison is browned, add the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together, making sure all the ingredients are well combined. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
  • Simmer and Let the Flavors Meld:
    Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and gives the sauce time to thicken. If the filling gets too thick, you can always add a little more water to loosen it up.
  • Taste and Adjust:
    After simmering, taste the Sloppy Joe filling and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce for extra heat. If you like it sweeter, add a little more brown sugar or ketchup.
  • Toast the Buns:
    While the filling is simmering, toast your buns. This step is optional but recommended, as toasted buns add a nice crunch and help prevent them from getting soggy when topped with the Sloppy Joe mixture. Simply butter the inside of the buns and toast them in a skillet or under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
  • Assemble and Serve:
    Spoon the venison Sloppy Joe filling generously onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with pickles, coleslaw, or any other topping you prefer. Place the top bun on and serve hot with a side of chips, fries, or a crisp salad.
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