BBQ Bourbon Venison Meatballs

With a smoky bourbon BBQ sauce, these BBQ Bourbon Venison Meatballs are perfect for your next party, picnic, or game day! Made with ground venison and smothered in a bourbon BBQ sauce, they’re a definite crowd pleaser!

Ground venison makes for the easiest party appetizers! Just like with our venison stuffed jalapeño peppers, we’re transforming ground venison into a delicious appetizer that’s perfect for anything from a game day tailgate to a summertime picnic.

Ingredients needed

• 1 pound ground venison
• 1/4 cup chopped white onion
• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 Tbsp. chili powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (we used Sweet Baby Ray’s)
• 1/2 cup water
• 3-6 Tbsp. bourbon

How to make BBQ bourbon venison meatballs

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1. In a large mixing bowl, add the ground venison, bread crumbs, egg, chopped onion, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Using your hands, mix to combine well.
2. Form the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
3. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, rotating often, until fully cooked through.
4. When done, add the BBQ sauce, water, and bourbon to the skillet. Depending on how strong you want the bourbon flavor, start with 3 tablespoons and work your way up from there. Stir to coat the meatballs.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
6. Remove from heat and serve.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Is venison healthy?

Venison is a leaner cut of meat compared to beef. Venison typically contains less fat and therefore has a lower fat and calorie rate.

What animal is venison meat from?

Historically, venison meat used to refer to any meat from a game animal, including elk and antelope. However, it’s most commonly known today as meat from deer.

Does deer meat need to be cooked all the way?

Depending on the cut of meat, tender cuts of venison should be cooked just up to medium-rare. Otherwise, the lean venison meat may dry out. With these venison meatballs, we’re cooking them to a more well-done temperature, but with a recipe like this, it’s okay because the added ingredients to the meatballs, along with the sauce, keep them from tasting over-cooked.

Recipe variations

• Swap in ground elk meat, if preferred.
• Omit the bourbon, if preferred.
• Make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze for up to two weeks.
• Throw the cooked meatballs into a crockpot to easily transfer to a picnic or party!

Recommended cooking resources for this recipe

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Enjoy these other ground venison/elk recipes!

• Elk Chili Recipe – a savory chili recipe that can be made with ground elk or venison
• Elk Swedish Meatballs – a classic dish that can be made with ground elk or venison
• Elk Bolognese Sauce – a hearty bolognese sauce that can be made with ground elk or venison

BBQ Bourbon Venison Meatballs Recipe