SANDRA'S ONE POT VENISON GOULASH

 

Prep: 10 Mins.

Cook: 40 Mins.

Rest: 5-10 Mins.

Servings: 8-10

Ingredients

1 pound ground venison
1 small onion, diced
½ red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup diced celery
1 small can sliced mushrooms, drained
2 teaspoons granulated garlic
1 teaspoon onion powder
1-1/2 cups water
1 can (14.5 oz.) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
1-1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon agave
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1-1/4 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

Method

In a 6 quart heavy bottom saucepan, cook and crumble beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink.
Add the onion, green pepper, celery and mushrooms. Cook until tender, about 3-5 minutes.
Add garlic and onion powders, water, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and its juice, Italian seasoning, agave, crushed red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar.  
Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Allow to simmer for 20 minutes. 
Add the elbow macaroni and stir well. Return lid and continue to simmer for 15 minutes, covered, or until the noodles are done. 
Remove from heat, and allow to sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes and mix well before serving.

SANDRA'S HOMEMADE MILD SWEET ITALIAN MOOSE SAUSAGE

It's imperative to let the flavors meld for a minimum of 12 hours
prior to cooking
this wonderful moose sausage...

Yield: Four 2-1/2 lb. portions (total of 2 lbs.)
Prep: 20 Mins.
Cook Patties: 3-4 Mins per side (7-8 Mins total)

Meld Flavors: 12 hours

 
INGREDIENTS
 
2 pounds lean ground moose (venison or other meats and poultry work well too)
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon fine-ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon ground fennel seed
--(crush whole seeds in a mortar and pestle or spice grinder)
¼ teaspoon brown sugar
⅛ teaspoon dried oregano
⅛ teaspoon dried thyme
 
METHOD
 
Place ground moose and red wine vinegar in the bowl of a food processor, sprinkle with parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, salt, black pepper, paprika, red pepper flakes, fennel seed, brown sugar, oregano, and thyme. Gently pulse until flecks of spice are evenly distributed throughout meat (scraping down sides as needed).
 
Form mixture into four 3-inch squares (1/2 lb. ea.), double-wrap each in plastic wrap, label, and date. Refrigerate for at least 12 hours before cooking, or freeze* directly.
 
To cook thawed sausage, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Form mixture into 3" patties that are 1/2" thick.  Working in batches, cook sausage patties in the hot skillet until no longer pink in the center, about 3-4 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 160F.
 
TIP:
*You can freeze the sausage if desired - when ready to use, pull out of freezer and thaw in refrigerator overnight then continue to prepare as stated above.

Here is the frozen version
(made yesterday and froze overnight)

SANDRA'S ALASKA INSTANT POT VENISON (deer) ROAST

So easy and quick to put together, with an end result of no game-taste,

including fall-apart tender meat, and superbly delicious!!

Serves: 8-10
Prep: 15 Mins.

Cook: 80 Minutes

Pressure build/release: 40 Minutes

INGREDIENTS

2 Tbsp Mazola oil

5 lb venison roast, thawed and trimmed of excess fat and sinew (deer fat is not pleasant to the palette)

3 cups low-sodium beef broth

2 pkgs brown gravy mix

1 Tbsp worcestershire

1 tsp low-sodium soy sauce

2 Tbsp distilled vinegar

SEASONINGS

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp pepper

METHOD

Set Instant Pot to sauté and when hot add olive oil. Sear meat on all sides.  Remove to plate.

To pot, add beef stock, gravy packages, worcestershire, soy sauce, and vinegar. Whisk together, while scraping bottom of pot to get any stuck on pieces off the bottom to prevent burning. Place trivet back on bottom of pot.

Add meat back to pot. Place cover on instant pot, and turn top knob to sealing.

Cook on Manual high pressure 80 minutes. Natural release pressure for 20 minutes, then turn to venting to release any remaining pressure.

Open instant pot; remove meat for carving, adding as much liquid as you desire to keep meat moist (I use about 1 cup).  You can cube meat for soups/stews/chili, shred for French Dip sandwiches with horse radish-mayo or tacos or enchiladas or add bbq sauce for shredded beef sandwiches on hamburger rolls, etc. 

Save any remaining stock (should yield about 3 cups) in an airtight Mason Jar(s) for future use as an Au Jus, or for soups/stews after cooling to room temperature, cover, then store in refrigerator. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S INSTANT (Ground) CORNED-BEEF-STYLE SEASONING BLEND

A quick and easy method in which to add
a corned-beef
flavor to 3 lbs of cooked (sliced/shredded) venison/moose/beef roast.

I came up with this recipe so I could prepare grilled Reuben sandwiches
any time to my heart's desire...

Yield: (1/2 tablespoon)

Prep: 5 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon ground mustard

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

--3 lbs sliced/shredded cooked venison/moose/beef

--1/2 cup hot broth (either venison/moose/beef)

METHOD

In a small bowl/ramekin, mix all ingredients.

Whisk spice mixture with 1/2 cup hot broth (venison/moose/beef). Add to 3 lbs. of sliced/shredded cooked venison/moose/beef; microwave for 2 minutes to incorporate spices into meat for a corned-beef flavor. 

Enjoy on your favorite Reuben grilled sandwich, or serve with steamed cabbage and carrots for a main dish!

SANDRA'S ALASKAN 2-HOUR INSTANT POT "FROZEN" VENISON MOOSE ROAST

I like to make my venison/moose roast using this method,

without adding tomatoes and/or veggies,

so I have flavored, cooked and tender meat to use in MANY recipes.

Simply portion out cooked meat into separate Ziploc bags

to refrigerate and/or freeze to use in the future

(e.g., to transform into enchiladas, tacos, burritos, soups, stews,

French dip sandwiches, and more)...

Yield: 3 lb roast

Prep: 5 Mins.

Cook: 120 Mins.

Pressure: Appx build/decrease times at beg/end, respectively = 10 mins ea.; 20 mins. total

INGREDIENTS

3 lb. FROZEN venison/moose roast

--(thaw just enough to remove plastic/paper wrap and/or string);

--trim sinew and excess fat (as fat from venison does not have a pleasant feel on the palete)

1 pkg McCormick Dry Stew Seasoning mix

3 cups hot water

3 teaspoons beef base paste

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

2 tablespoons cider vinegar

2 tablespoons Worcestershire

METHOD

Place trivet in bottom of  instant pot, then place FROZEN venison/moose roast on top of it.  Add all the remaining ingredients to a 4-cup glass measure; whisk to combine, and pour over roast in Instant Pot.

Place lid on instant pot, close vent valve. Set to MANUAL; HIGH PRESSURE for 120 MINUTES. (Will take about 10 minutes to come up to pressure.)

At the end of 120 minutes, NATURAL RELEASE pressure (will take about 10 minutes). Lift lid, and remove roast. ~ Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tip:

You will end up with about 3 cups of stock, which you can thicken to a gravy with a cornstarch or flour slurry, if so desired. 

I like to use my gravy separator, then freeze stock for soups/stews later on.

----I purchased the Instant Pot via Amazon Prime here:

Instant Pot DUO60 6 Qt 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker and Warmer

SANDRA'S SPECTACULAR SLOPPY JOES

A quick and easy lunch or dinner.

Also, it's a perfect take-along dish if you wish to double or triple the recipe

for functions ~ keep warm in a slow cooker though and serve as sliders!

Servings: (4)

Prep: 10 Mins.

Cook: 15 to 20 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

1 lb extra-lean ground moose (or venison, or beef)

1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic

1/4 teaspoon granulated onion

1/2 cup diced celery

1/4 cup diced yellow onion

1/4 cup diced red bell pepper

1 (8oz-can) tomato sauce

1⁄4 cup ketchup

2 tablespoons spicy barbecue sauce (I use Stubb's Spicy)

1 tablespoon light brown sugar

1 teaspoon dry mustard

Freshly ground pepper, to taste

1 teaspoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon cider vinegar

METHOD

In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground meat, celery, bell pepper and onion.

Stir in remaining ingredients, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serve open-face style over toasted buns with a side of prepared Sandra's potato salad or coleslaw. ~ Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tip: I toast my buns in my toaster set on the 'bagel setting,' or feel free to do so in the oven under the broiler.

SANDRA'S ALASKAN RUSTIC CABIN VENISON CHILI with TOPPINGS

A tasty and quick 30-minute meal that is delicious and hearty
on a rainy Alaskan summer day as we've had today...

Servings: (4-6)

Prep: 10 Mins.

Cook: 20 Mins.

INGREDIENTS:

Chili:

1 lb. lean ground venison (moose, caribou, elk, beef, or poultry)

1/2 sweet white onion, diced

1 carrot, scrubbed and finely diced

1 (15-oz. can) tomato sauce

1 (15-oz. can) low-sodium chicken broth

1/4 cup Summer Ale - Alaskan Brewery (save remainder to have with dinner ;)

1 (15-oz. can) Cannellini Beans (I used Bush's), rinsed and drained

1 to 1-1/2 tablespoon(s) chili powder (more or less to your desired spiciness; we use 2 TBs!)

1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Toppings:

- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese

- Diced white sweet onions (soaked in cold water for 5 mins., then drained-keeps 'em mild yet crispy)

- Fresh tomato, finely diced

METHOD:

Heat a medium-size 4-qt. heavy-bottom saucepan over medium-high heat and brown the ground venison. Add all the remaining ingredients in the order listed. Bring chili to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer, cover, and let cook for 20 minutes, while occasionally stirring.  Serve immediately into individual bowls while topping with the remaining ingredients, as listed. ~ Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tip:

A nice quick addition I added is fresh crispy french bread (cut into 1" slices on the diagonal and placed on a baking sheet after brushing with melted garlic butter) and baked at 375 degrees for 5 to 7 minutes, depending on your desired crispiness. This I did while the chili was simmering.

SANDRA'S RUSTIC ALASKA MOOSE STROGANOFF

A scrumptious meal I created today that we will definitely be preparing often!

It's so easy to toss these ingredients together
and let the skillet do the majority of the work 
for such a phenomenal outcome...

Servings: 4 to 6

Prep: 10 Mins.

Cook: Appx. 2 Hrs.

INGREDIENTS

4 moose cube steaks, thawed, cut each into large pieces

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 large garlic clove, finely chopped

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons rice vinegar (unseasoned)

2 cups low-sodium beef broth

1 large dry bay leaf

1/2 teaspoon dry thyme leaves (or 1/4 teaspoon ground)

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

1 (10.5-oz. can) Cream of Mushroom Soup

8 medium button mushrooms, wipe clean, slice 1/4" thick

1/4 cup sweet petite frozen peas (no need to thaw)

1/2 cup sour cream

--1 pkg prepared wide egg noodles (we like 'No Yolk')

METHOD

Heat a large heavy-bottom skillet or Dutch Oven to medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter has melted in the oil, add the meat pieces and sear, just until browned on both sides.  Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.  Sprinkle in flour and sauté until it's incorporate, about 1 minute.  Deglaze skillet by adding the rice vinegar, and let it cook for 1 minute, while scraping bits off bottom.  Add beef broth, bay leaf, thyme, and onion; mix to combine. Bring to boil, cover, and reduce heat to low to gently simmer for 1-1/2 hours, or until meat is tender.

Add the cream of mushroom soup, mushrooms, and frozen peas. Once a gentle simmer is reached, cover, and cook for a 1/2-hour longer while occasionally stirring. Fetch out bay leaf, and discard.

Remove skillet from heat and add sour cream, folding to incorporate.  Taste for seasonings, adding additional kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, if desired. 

Serve immediately over wide egg noodles. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S ALASKAN SWEET-N-TANGY MEATBALLS

Moist and tender meatballs simmered in a delectable, sweet and tangy sauce.

~~~

You may also choose to serve these scrumptious meatballs with a meal as a side

or over prepared steamed rice!

Servings: (4 to 6)

Prep: 15 Mins.

Cook: 20 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

1 large egg, beaten

1 cup barbecue sauce (I used Sweet Baby Ray's), divided

1 lb. lean ground moose (or venison, elk, caribou, beef, poultry)

3 tablespoons minced yellow onion

3 tablespoons peeled (Yes, peeled) and minced red bell pepper

1/4 cup panko

1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt (I used Johnny's)

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon canola oil

1 (8 oz can) pineapple tidbits (or crushed) in juice, undrained

1/4 cup water

For a meal (serve with):

--2 cups of rice, prepared according to package directions

METHOD

In a medium bowl, beat the egg. Add 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (reserving remaining 3/4 cup), ground meat, minced onion and bell pepper, panko, seasoning salt, and pepper; gently mixing just until blended. Using a mini scoop for uniformity; roll firmly into 1-1/4" balls (approximate 28 to 30 meatballs). [You may prepare the meatballs ahead of time, just cover and refrigerate for a few hours.]

Add 1 tablespoon canola oil to a large, heavy-bottom skillet; heat over medium-high heat. Brown meatballs, about 3 minutes per side. Remove, using a spoon, excess oil from bottom of skillet while retaining drippings.  Place remaining 3/4 cup barbecue sauce, pineapple with juices, and water in skillet; gently stirring to combine. Bring to a boil. Place cover slightly ajar over skillet, and reduce heat to low. Simmer 12 to 15 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through (160-degree internal temperature) and sauce has slightly thickened. Gently shake skillet occasionally while cooking so as not to disturb and break apart the meatballs.

Meanwhile, if using, prepare rice according to package directions. 

Serve meatballs as an appetizer with toothpicks, as a side to your meal, or over prepared rice. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S ALASKAN SLOW COOKER MOOSE STEW

A soulful and hearty slow-cooker stew you'll be making often, I'm sure!

It's very versatile; you're able to change up the vegetables to use what

you have on-hand in your refrigerator, as did I...

Servings: (10-12)

Prep: 20 Mins.

Slow Cook: 6 Hrs.

INGREDIENTS

In skillet (pre-sear meat - takes about 20 mins.):

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

2 lbs moose meat, cut into 3/4" cubes (or other meat, i.e., venison, beef...)

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 cup hot tap water (to deglaze skillet)

1st addition (add to crock pot along with prepared meat, cover, and cook 3 hours on high):

1 heaping teaspoon beef base (I use Better Than Bouillon)

4 cups hot tap water

2 tablespoon cider vinegar

1 pkg dry onion soup mix

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon worcestershire

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

2nd addition (add to crock pot, cover, and cook 3 additional hours on high):

1 (14.5 oz. can) diced Italian seasoned stewed tomatoes, with juices

3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4" cubes

2 cups baby carrots (or same amount of chopped carrots)

2 stalks celery, chopped

1/2 cup fresh broccoli florets

1 cup fresh, sweet baby snow peas

1 red bell pepper, chopped

2 ears fresh corn, kernels cut from cob

METHOD

Plug in a 6-qt. slow cooker, and preheat, covered, on high.

Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil. Add meat and sear on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. Sprinkle in flour to coat the meat and let cook for 1 minute. Add the sea salt, pepper and garlic, cook for 1 minute. Add 1/2 cup hot tap water to deglaze the pan, while scraping bits from bottom of skillet. Carefully add contents of skillet to slow cooker, including the "1st addition" ingredients, cover, and let cook on high for 3 hours.

After 3 hours, add the "2nd addition" ingredients, cover, and let cook on high for 3 final hours. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S LIP SMACKIN' ALASKA VENISON TACO SOUP

Nothing says 'comfort' more than this fun and delightful tasting soup
on a blustery winter day
that's guaranteed to bring a smile to your face!

Servings: (6 to 8)

Prep: 10 Mins.

Cook 25 Mins.

INGREDIENTS:

2 slices bacon, cut cross-wise into 1/4" strips

1/4 yellow onion, diced

1/4 red bell pepper, diced

1 fresh jalapeno, seeds and ribs removed, finely diced

1 (14.5 oz can) chili beans, undrained

1 (14.5 oz can) Mexican-style diced tomatoes, undrained

3 tablespoons taco seasoning

3 tablespoons medium Picante sauce (jarred salsa)

1 teaspoon red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons ketchup

1-1/2 to 2 cups water (depending upon your desired consistency)

1 pound left over venison roast, finely diced

Garnish:

Tortilla Strips (our's are from Costco)

Shredded medium cheddar cheese

Roma tomatoes, diced

Sour Cream

METHOD:

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the bacon half way. Add onions, peppers, and jalapenos to the skillet; sauté for 5 minutes. Add remaining ingredients, (except diced venison and garnish toppings). Bring soup to a slight boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.  Add diced venison, cover, and heat through for about 5 minutes.

To serve, place generous handfuls of crushed tortilla strips in bottom of bowls, ladle taco soup over crushed chips, top each serving with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream.  Place whole tortilla chips in center of dining room table.  When eating, scoop up the soup using whole tortilla strips (along with a spoon if you wish) ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S ALASKAN MOOSE ROAST - PRIME RIB STYLE

A simplistic method using minimal spices and ingredients
to guarantee utmost flavor
of our prized Alaskan moose roasts; prime rib style, that is!

Servings: (8-10)

Prep: 5 Mins.

Roast:  1 Hr. 20 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

4 lb. boneless moose roast (tied with kitchen string)

6 fresh medium garlic cloves, sliced in half

Canola oil (sufficient amount to rub entire exterior of roast prior to seasoning)

Fresh ground black pepper (we like to use a lot!)

Kosher salt (a fairly nice dusting)

METHOD

Remove roast from refrigerator 1 hour prior to roasting (tie with kitchen string if not already done). Using a sharp boning knife, poke as many small holes all over uncooked roast to insert the number of garlic clove halves; push in holes. Let prepped roast sit at room temperature for 1 hour (this is an important step to relax meat fibers).

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 450 degrees for a minimum of 15 minutes.

Rub roast with canola oil, and season exterior with freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt.

Place roast fat-side up on roast rack inside a shallow-sided roasting pan. Insert a meat thermometer into middle of roast.

Roast uncovered at 450 degrees for 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes of high-heat cooking, reduce heat to 350 degrees and continue to roast for 1 hour, or until meat thermometer registers 135 degrees for medium rare doneness (temperature will increase while standing another 5 to 7 degrees).

When 135-degree internal temperature is achieved, remove roast to a carving board. Tent loosely with parchment paper then foil (do not let foil touch roast directly) and allow roast to rest (without cutting) for at least 20 or more minutes to allow inner juices to redistribute. ~ Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tips: Start checking internal roast temperature for a 3-lb roast (subtract appx. 15 minutes), or for a 5-lb roast (add appx. 15 minutes) of roasting time during the final 350-degree cooking time.

This method of roasting wild Alaskan game works well with venison (deer), caribou, beef., et. al...

SANDRA’S ALASKA MOOSE MEATLOAF MINI’S topped with a ZESTY SAUCE

An 'All-American Comfort Food' you can prepare ahead of time,
and it's in 4 mini loaf pans so you can choose to serve a few or many.

Meatloaf freezes very nicely too for those with smaller families (see Tip below).

Also, feel free to prepare this recipe using 
lean ground beef, pork, venison, elk, caribou, buffalo, etc...

Prep: 15 Mins.

Bake: 50 Mins.

Servings: (8-12) | Yields: (4 Mini Loaves)

INGREDIENTS

Veg and seasonings:

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

½ yellow onion, finely diced

1/2 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon sea salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Loaves mixture:

2 lbs. extra-lean ground venison

2 large eggs, slightly beaten

3/4 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons heavy cream

¼ cup ketchup

Topping (sauce):

1/3 cup ketchup

2 teaspoon agave (or 1 tablespoon honey)

1 teaspoon yellow mustard

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with foil, and place sprayed mini loaf pans on top.  Set aside.

Place 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat, and saute onions and seasoning ingredients for 5 to 7 minutes over medium heat.  Set aside to cool.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, add all loaves mixture ingredients using clean hands, just until combined (do not over mix).  Add veggies/seasonings mixture, including all pan scrapings, and mix to incorporate.  Form into 4 equal loaf-type shapes in bowl, and transfer to individual pans.

Filled mini venison meatloaf tins...

Combine all the topping/sauce ingredients in a small bowl, and equally spoon over top of 4 loaves.

Topped with tangy sauce...

Bake for 50 minutes, uncovered, or until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. ~ Enjoy!

Hot out of the oven...

I served this with SANDRA'S ADDICTIVE BAKED-STYLE SMASHED TATERS:

SANDRA'S ADDICTIVE BAKED-STYLE SMASHED TATERS (Recipe)...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tip: These mini loaves freeze wonderfully ~ Simply, prior to baking, cover tin(s) with foil and label each using a permanent marker: 

"Moose Mini Meatloaf - Thaw overnight in frig - Bake at 350 degrees-50 mins."

SANDRA'S MAGNIFICENT 4-CHEESE LASAGNA (Serves 6)

A smaller lasagna recipe version I created for families 
consisting of fewer members. I also made a double batch;

one for this evening, and another for the freezer...

Prep: 30 Mins.
Bake: 45 Mins.
Servings: (6)

INGREDIENTS

Feel free to double the recipe to make it crowd-size, 
or a second batch for the freezer as I did!

Sauce:
1 lb. extra-lean moose burger
--(Or, venison, beef, elk, caribou, buffalo, etc., 
including the option to add Italian sausage, if preferred)
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1 small orange bell pepper, chopped (or your desired color)
1 garlic clove, minced
Pinch of red pepper flakes
1 (24 oz. jar) prepared marinara sauce
1 cup water
--(You need the addition of water so your sauce is a bit looser 
when using no-bake lasagna noodles, 
as they absorb quite a bit liquid while baking)
1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Cheese Mixture:
1 large egg
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; plus more for topping
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded medium cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

6 no-boil lasagna noodles

Topping:
1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Side dish options:
--Warm and Crusty Garlic and Parmesan Bread
--Garden and Cheese Salad topped with a Light Vinaigrette

METHOD

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 9"x9" square baking dish and set aside.

In large skillet, brown the burger over medium-high heat until about 3/4 the way done.  Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Stir mixture, and continue cooking for 5 minutes.  Add the remaining sauce ingredients, mix to incorporate, cover, and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk the egg with ricotta cheese.  Add remaining cheese mixture ingredients, and fold with a spoon to incorporate.

Make an assembly line consisting of the skillet of sauce, bowl of cheese mixture, no-boil lasagna noodles, and prepared baking dish.  Spoon a bit of sauce bottom of baking dish.

Layer two no-boil noodles on top in a horizontal direction.

Place a layer of cheese mixture on top of noodles.

Repeat laying of ingredients in this manner 2 additional times. [Note: Ensure that the second layer of noodles are placed in a vertical direction, and the 3rd back to a horizontal direction, which provides for more uniform cutting when serving lasagna.] End with a generous layer of sauce and cheese mixture.Top with 1/4 cup of shredded parmesan cheese.

Lasagna ready to be covered and placed in oven...

Spray underside of tin foil (to prevent it from possibly sticking to cheese) and cover baking dish. Bake lasagna for 30 minutes. Uncover, and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, until cheese is golden and lasagna is bubbly. Let lasagna stand to set for a minimum of 15 minutes prior to cutting. ~ Enjoy!

Plated lasagna with a nice garden salad
and parmesan garlic bread...

SANDRA’S VENISON MEATLOAF MINI’S topped with a TANGY SAUCE

An 'All-American Comfort Food' you can prepare ahead of time,
and it's in 4 mini loaf pans so you can choose to serve 2 to 8 people.
Meatloaf freezes very nicely too for those with smaller families.

Also, feel free to prepare this recipe using 
lean ground beef, pork, moose, elk, caribou, etc...

Prep: 15 Mins.

Bake: 50 Mins.

Servings: (8-12) | Yields: (4 Mini Loaves)

INGREDIENTS

Veggies and seasonings:

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

½ red onion, finely diced

½ red bell pepper, finely diced

1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon sea salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Loaves mixture:

1 lb. extra-lean ground venison

1 lb. ground venison sweet Italian sausage

2 large eggs, slightly beaten

1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

½ cup milk

¼ cup ketchup

Topping (sauce):

2/3 cup ketchup

2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, packed

1-1/2 teaspoons yellow mustard

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with foil, and place sprayed mini loaf pans on top.  Set aside.

Place 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat, and saute all remaining veggie and seasoning ingredients for 5 to 7 minutes, until tender.  Set aside to cool.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl add all loaves mixture ingredients using clean hands, just until combined (do not over mix).  Add veggies/seasonings mixture, including all pan scrapings, and mix to incorporate.  Form into 4 equal loaf-type shapes in bowl, and transfer to individual pans.

Filled mini venison meatloaf tins...

Combine all the topping/sauce ingredients in a small bowl, and equally spoon over top of 4 loaves.

Topped with tangy sauce...

Bake for 50 minutes, uncovered, or until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. ~ Enjoy!

Hot out of the oven...

I served this with SANDRA'S ADDICTIVE BAKED-STYLE SMASHED TATERS:

SANDRA'S ADDICTIVE BAKED-STYLE SMASHED TATERS (Recipe)...

SANDRA’S SENSATIONAL SWEDISH MINI-MEATBALLS APPETIZER

A heartwarming appetizer where you can

easily prepare the meatballs ahead of time

or the night before and store in refrigerator,

just bring to room temperature 30 minutes

prior to browning...

Yields: (Appx. 40 small 1” meatballs)

Prep: 15 Mins.

Cook: 25 to 30 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Mini-Meatballs:

2 slices whole wheat bread, without the crusts, cut into small pieces

1/4 cup milk

1 lb. lean ground meat (I used venison-bacon burger)

--[Feel free to use beef, caribou, elk, moose, and so on]

1/4 yellow onion, finely minced

1 egg, slightly beaten

Pinch of ground allspice

Pinch of ground cardamom

Pinch of ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon dried parsley

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

-1 tablespoon unsalted butter

-1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce:

4 cups low-sodium beef broth

1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or more if you prefer a thicker gravy)

2 teaspoons worcestershire

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

2 tablespoons dried parsley

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup milk

METHOD

In a small bowl, soak the bread in milk until soft. In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients except butter and olive oil, and add the soaked bread. Combine meat mixture with clean hands; do not overwork. Shape into small 1” meatballs (I do so using a miniature scoop while scrapping it up the side of bowl to form uniform meatballs).

Heat butter and olive oil in a large electric skillet or saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs, and gently par-cook and brown on all sides, about 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove browned meatballs and place on a plate, and set aside.  Retain drippings in skillet.

Prepare gravy by deglazing skillet with 2 cups of stock; letting it simmer for 2 minutes while scraping bottom with a wooden spoon. Add remaining 2 cups of stock to a small bowl or measuring cup, and whisk in flour, onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, and pepper until smooth. Whisk spiced slurry mixture into warm gravy, while constantly whisking to prevent lumps, until thickened and boiling.  Reduce heat to simmer, about 3-5 minutes. Add milk, and stir to combine.  Return meatballs to low simmering gravy to reheat, about 10 minutes, while gently stirring (so as not to break apart meatballs), until fully cooked.

To serve, arrange meatballs in a shallow serving bowl, with toothpicks alongside. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA’S SENSATIONAL SWEDISH MEATBALLS over MASHED POTATOES

A heartwarming meal where you can

easily prepare the meatballs ahead of time

or the night before and store in refrigerator,

just bring to room temperature 30 minutes

prior to browning...

Servings: (4 to 6)

Prep: 15 Mins.

Cook: 25 to 30 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Meatballs (Yields appx. 40 small 1” meatballs):

2 slices whole wheat bread, without the crusts, cut into small pieces

1/4 cup milk

1 lb. lean ground meat (I used venison-bacon burger)

--[Feel free to use beef, caribou, elk, moose, and so on]

1/4 yellow onion, finely minced

1 egg, slightly beaten

Pinch of ground allspice

Pinch of ground cardamom

Pinch of ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon dried parsley

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

Gravy:

4 cups low-sodium beef broth

1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or more if you prefer a thicker gravy)

2 teaspoons worcestershire

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

2 tablespoons dried parsley

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup milk

Garnish:

1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped

--Prepared mashed potatoes

--Prepared fresh salad and vinaigrette

METHOD

In a small bowl, soak the bread in milk until soft. 

In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients, except butter and olive oil, and add the soaked bread. Combine meat mixture with clean hands; do not overwork.

Shape into small 1” meatballs (I do so using a miniature scoop while scrapping it up the side of bowl to form uniform meatballs).

Heat butter and olive oil in a large electric skillet or saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs, and gently par-cook and brown on all sides, about 10 minutes. 

Use a slotted spoon to remove browned meatballs and place on a plate, and set aside.  Retain drippings in skillet.

Prepare gravy by deglazing skillet with 2 cups of stock; letting it simmer for 2 minutes while scraping bottom with a wooden spoon. 

Add remaining 2 cups of stock to a small bowl or measuring cup, and whisk in flour, onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, and pepper until smooth. Whisk spiced slurry mixture into warm gravy, while constantly stirring to prevent lumps, until thickened and boiling.  Reduce heat to simmer, about 3-5 minutes. 

Add milk, and stir to combine.  

Return meatballs to low simmering gravy to reheat, about 10 minutes, while gently stirring (so as not to break apart meatballs), until fully cooked.

To serve, arrange meatballs on serving plates over mashed potatoes, pour hot gravy over top, and garnish with fresh parsley. Place fresh salad drizzled with vinaigrette alongside. ~ Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tips:  You might alternatively wish to serve the Swedish meatballs over steamed rice or noodles.  

Another option is to serve the Swedish meatballs alone as an appetizer, with toothpicks...(See below)...

Sensational Swedish 
Mini-Meatballs Appetizer