Venison Meatloaf

This is one of the many basic meatloaf recipes, but this one uses ground venison in the place of ground beef and with a spaghetti sauce base. The recipe is easy to pull together and does not make a mess because you mix in one bowl and best of all — it is tasty. Pair the meatloaf with mash potatoes and brown gravy, along with your favorite vegetable and hot rolls. It makes a fulfilling comfort food meal summer or winter.

Since venison is naturally lean, which can lead to dryness, the eggs, spaghetti sauce and uncooked bacon strips add moisture and a little fat, making the meatloaf moist. If the meatloaf seems like it needs a little more moisture when you are mixing things together, add a bit more spaghetti sauce until the loaf achieves the desired consistency. When it comes to the mustard topping, any type you prefer will work well.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground venison
• 2 cups Italian-flavored breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• 1 cup spaghetti sauce
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• 1 tbs. garlic powder
• 1 tbs. Italian seasoning
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 1/2 cup bell pepper finely chopped
• Mustard
• 4 to 6 slices of uncooked bacon
• Nonstick cooking spray

Utensils

• Loaf-sized baking pan
• Mixing bowl

Instructions

1. Place ground venison, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, spaghetti sauce, spices, chopped onion and chopped bell peppers into a mixing bowl.
2. Mix the ingredients together well.
3. Spray a loaf-sized baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
4. Form the meatloaf mixture so it fits into the baking dish.
5. Spread enough mustard on top of the meatloaf to cover the top.
6. Lay the pieces of uncooked bacon next to each other covering the top of the meatloaf.
7. Cook the meatloaf in a preheated 350-degree oven for approximately one hour. Test for doneness by inserting a knife into the center of the meatloaf and if it pulls out clean, the meatloaf is done.

Recipe serves six

Tips

• You can mix the meatloaf’s ingredients using a large spoon, but you might find it easier to mix everything together by using your hands.
• Use leftover meatloaf by quickly browning each side in a skillet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray and 1 to 2 tablespoons of butter. Once browned, lower the heat to low and lay a slice of your favorite cheese on top to melt and then enjoy.