25 Ways To Master the Art of Cooking With Ground Elk Meat

Do you love trying out new recipes, experimenting with different flavors, and surprising your taste buds (not to mention, your dinner guests)? If so, then it’s time to consider adding ground elk to your diet. 

This incredible meat is packed with flavor, protein, and nutrients that will take your dishes to a whole new level.

Elk meat tends to be leaner and lower in fat than beef, pork, or even chicken – which means it’s a healthier option for someone who wants to maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing delicious flavor. It’s also packed with protein, iron, B12, and loads of other nutrients as well. 

You may think that finding elk meat is challenging, but fortunately, it’s easier than you might think. The best option is to head to your nearest farmer’s market, co-op, or butcher shop. And if you hunt, you’re in luck – because elk is incredibly easy to prepare.

Ready to learn more about the best ways to do just that? In this post, we’ll tell you all about the best ground elk recipes you can try to make the most of your haul!

1. Ground Elk Quesadillas 

It’s safe to say that just about everyone loves quesadillas. But have you ever tried making them with ground elk meat? Trust us, once you do, you’ll never go back to your boring old quesadilla again. 

The flavorful, saucy meat filling is sandwiched between generous layers of gooey cheese and crispy tortillas. To top it off, add some sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for an extra kick. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a game-day snack.

2. Elk Enchiladas

If you’re looking for an easy yet flavorful wild game dinner option, these elk enchiladas are the answer. The recipe is super simple to make, requiring ground elk meat, tortillas, cheese, and enchilada sauce. The result is a delicious and satisfying meal that will leave you feeling full and happy. You can also switch things up by using ground venison or even classic beef, if you prefer.

3. Elk Ragu

This elk ragu is a wild game twist on a classic pasta dish. The rich and hearty comfort food recipe is the perfect way to elevate your ground elk meat. The recipe calls for simple ingredients such as carrots, celery, beef stock, and tomato sauce. 

Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish will impress your dinner guests and leave you feeling warm and cozy. To top it  off, garnish with fresh Italian parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

4. Ground Elk Stroganoff

This ground elk stroganoff is a delicious homemade comfort food recipe made with fresh ingredients. It’s an easy ground elk recipe that’s perfect for this year’s elk harvest. Pair it with some egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a filling and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.

5. Elk Meatballs 

Who doesn’t love a good meatball? This recipe takes the classic dish to a whole new level with ground elk meat. The meatballs are packed with flavor and spices, making them the perfect addition to any pasta dish or sandwich. Not only are they delicious, but they are also healthy and lean. You can make a big batch and freeze them for later use, making meal prep a breeze.

6. Elk Swedish Meatballs 

Elk Swedish meatballs are another delicious and flavorful elk recipe that’s sure to impress. The elk meat is combined with breadcrumbs, egg, and spices to create a moist and delicious meatball. Serve them with some creamy gravy, mashed potatoes, and lingonberry jam for an authentic Swedish meal.

7. Ground Elk Tacos 

Simple and tasty elk tacos made with ground meat are perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Brown the meat with some taco seasoning, and then add your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado for a delicious and healthy taco night.

8. Elk Unstuffed Peppers 

For a low-carb twist on the classic stuffed pepper, try these unstuffed peppers made with ground elk. Season with some Italian herbs and a little bit of tomato sauce, then serve it with some fresh chopped parsley on top. It’s a satisfying and healthy way to enjoy your elk meat!

9. Elk Burgers

When it comes to any kind of ground meat, burgers are an absolute classic. Ground elk burgers are no exception. The meat is lean and flavorful, which means you can go wild with the toppings. 

Whether you prefer classic toppings like cheese and pickles or something more adventurous like avocado or goat cheese, an elk burger will not disappoint. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce your non-hunting friends and family to the deliciousness of wild game.

10. Elk Chili

What’s better than a warm bowl of chili on a cold day? This hearty elk chili recipe is perfect for those chilly nights when you need something to warm you up. Made with ground elk meat and a variety of beans and vegetables, this recipe is packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients. Top it off with some shredded cheese and sour cream for a satisfying and delicious meal.

11. Grilled Elk Pinwheels

If you’re looking to impress your guests with a unique and delicious appetizer, then these grilled elk pinwheels are perfect for you. This recipe adds a twist to the standard BBQ dish by mixing in taco seasoning for an explosion of flavors. 

You can easily prepare these pinwheels by mixing the ground elk with garlic, salsa, and salsa verde. Then roll the elk mixture and puff pastry into a shape, slice them thinly, and grill to perfection. 

12. Elk Potstickers

Another elk dish worth trying is elk potstickers. Potstickers pair perfectly with any dipping sauce you like, and the combination of the juicy meat with the crispy exterior creates a delicious texture. 

The filling can be made up of simple ingredients like ground elk meat, egg, spring onions, and some basic seasonings. The mixture is then spooned onto the wrappers, and the potstickers are cooked in a skillet. This dish is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party.

13. Elk Taco Salad

For a healthier option, try making an elk taco salad. It’s an easy to prepare dish that is packed with nutrients, making it the perfect meal for health-conscious individuals. 

The homemade taco seasoning gives the game meat an incredible flavor, and the addition of avocado, cherry tomatoes, corn, lettuce, and other veggies makes it a complete meal. This hearty salad is perfect for lunch or dinner and a great way to use up your ground elk meat.

14. Chicken Fried Elk Steak 

If you’re looking for some comfort food, look no further than chicken fried elk steak. This recipe takes an already tender and flavorful cut of meat and drenches it in a buttermilk marinade and seasoned flour before frying it to golden perfection. 

The result? A crispy, tender, and juicy steak that will satisfy your cravings and warm your soul.

15. Elk Bolognese

If you’re in the mood for some pasta, elk bolognese is the way to go. This hearty and satisfying sauce is perfect for cold winter nights or when you need some comfort food. Slow-cooked with ground elk and tomatoes, this sauce is packed with flavor and nutrients. 

Serve it over your favorite pasta, and you’ll have a meal that’s both tasty and healthy.

16. Elk Stew

A warm and comforting bowl of stew is just what you need after a long day of hunting. This elk stew recipe pays homage to the Rocky Mountains, where most elk are found. 

It’s packed with ingredients that are delicious and easy to find, such as green chiles, Great northern beans, wheat berries, and porcini mushrooms. The result is a rich and flavorful stew that will warm you up from the inside out.

17. Elk Shepherd’s Pie 

This savory dish is made with ground elk, an array of vegetables, and delicious mashed potatoes. It’s healthy, flavorful, and easy to make. The mix of the earthy elk meat and savory potatoes make this recipe the ultimate comfort food.

18. Elk Meatloaf 

If you’re tired of the same old meatloaf, try this recipe with ground elk instead! This dish is full of flavor and made with eggs, tomato sauce, onion, bread crumbs, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar. Nothing beats a warm, hearty slice of elk meatloaf with your favorite sides on a chilly winter evening!

19. Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Elk 

Tater tots are delicious on their own – we all know that. But they’re even tastier when combined with ground elk and some savory spices. This recipe is both crispy and delicious, and the elk meat adds a flavorful twist to an already loved comfort food.

20. Elk Lasagna 

Lasagna has always been known as a classic comfort food with layered rich tomato sauce, thick lasagna noodles, and a whole lot of cheese. This particular skillet elk lasagna uses ricotta cheese, fresh mozzarella and, of course, a lot of parmesan cheese. 

It’s a great recipe to make if you have a large family or you’re hosting a dinner party. The best thing about this recipe is that it’s just as good cold as it is hot.

21. Elk Empanadas

If you’re looking for a quick and easy recipe to make with your ground elk, then look no further than these delicious elk empanadas. This simple recipe makes mouthwatering empanadas that are sure to impress your friends and family. 

The combination of ground elk, cheddar cheese, Monterey jack cheese, and a crispy pie crust make these empanadas incredibly tasty. Plus, they’re a great finger food that’s perfect for parties.

22. Savory Garlic Mushroom Elk 

This savory recipe is a great way to spice up your ground elk. It uses garlic, mushrooms, onion, canned mushroom soup, fresh sage, and ground elk burger. The result is a hearty, flavorful dish that you can serve over noodles or rice. 

The best thing about this recipe is that it’s easy to make and can be customized to your liking. You can add more or less garlic or spice it up with some red pepper flakes.

23. Ground Elk Calzones 

These calzones are made with buttery and flaky pizza crusts filled with your favorite pizza flavors, including pepperoni, sausage, green peppers, black olives, and mozzarella cheese. This recipe is perfect for a pizza night at home with the family. The gamey flavor of the elk meat pairs well with the savory pizza toppings, making for a delicious and satisfying meal.

24. Elk-Stuffed Acorn Squash 

This recipe is a savory and seasonal favorite. This recipe is made with a mix of ground elk and wild rice stuffed inside a roasted acorn squash. The combination of these ingredients creates a sweet and nutty flavor that’s perfect for fall. This dish is easy to make, healthy, and a great way to use up your harvest.

25. Elk Patty Melt

Last but not least, we have the Elk Patty Melt, the perfect wild game sandwich that’s both comforting and delicious. This recipe consists of elk burger patties, melted Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, and Thousand Island dressing pressed in between two golden-brown pieces of rye bread. 

The flavorful elk meat really shines in this dish, and the addition of not-too-sweet Thousand Island dressing really brings it to the next (and unexpected) level!