Recipes For Canning Venison Meat

CLARA

7 min read

·

Jul 10, 2024

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Canning Venison: Delicious and Safe Ways to Preserve Your Harvest

Venison, the meat from deer, is a lean and flavorful protein that's a popular choice for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. But what do you do with all that meat? Canning is a fantastic way to preserve venison and enjoy its delicious taste year-round.

Why Can Venison?

• Long-term storage: Canning allows you to store venison for months or even years, making it a perfect way to enjoy your harvest long after hunting season is over.
• Versatile uses: Canned venison can be used in a variety of dishes, from stews and soups to casseroles and chili.
• Flavor preservation: Canning helps lock in the natural flavor of the venison.

Safety First: Essential Tips for Canning Venison

Important: Canning venison is a safe process when done correctly. Always follow these essential guidelines:

• Use a pressure canner: Regular boiling water bath canning is not suitable for meat products due to the risk of botulism. A pressure canner is essential to ensure proper sterilization.
• Follow tested recipes: Always use recipes from reputable sources like the USDA or Ball Blue Book. Avoid experimenting with untested recipes.
• Use high-quality jars and lids: Use only jars and lids specifically designed for canning. Make sure they are free of cracks or chips.
• Process at the correct temperature and time: The processing time and temperature are crucial for safe canning. Follow the instructions in your chosen recipe.

Popular Venison Canning Recipes

Here are some delicious and safe recipes for canning venison:

1. Venison Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs venison, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large Dutch oven.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, or until venison is tender.
3. Ladle hot stew into sterilized pint jars, leaving 1 inch headspace.
4. Process in a pressure canner at 11 lbs pressure for 75 minutes (adjust based on altitude).

2. Venison Chili

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs venison, ground
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 Tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Brown venison in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook until softened.
3. Stir in beans, tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until flavors have blended.
5. Ladle hot chili into sterilized pint jars, leaving 1 inch headspace.
6. Process in a pressure canner at 11 lbs pressure for 75 minutes (adjust based on altitude).

3. Venison and Bean Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs venison, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 (15 oz) can Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 8 cups beef broth
• 1 Tbsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, or until venison is tender and beans are cooked through.
3. Ladle hot soup into sterilized pint jars, leaving 1 inch headspace.
4. Process in a pressure canner at 11 lbs pressure for 75 minutes (adjust based on altitude).

Tips for Success:

• Use lean venison: Trim off any excess fat before canning.
• Don't overcook: Venison can become tough if overcooked.
• Store in a cool, dark place: Canned venison should be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.

Enjoying Your Canned Venison

Canned venison is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy your harvest. It can be eaten as is or used in a variety of dishes. Add it to soups, stews, chili, casseroles, or even pasta dishes. Get creative and enjoy the flavor of your hard-earned venison!