February 2, 2018

Venison Sloppy Joes

Josh Dahlke / THE HUNGER

Venison Sloppy Joe

Ditch the Manwich and cheap hamburger buns. You and your hunting buddies (or house guests) will appreciate the extra TLC that goes into this hearty, home-cooked sloppy venison sandwich. It’s still easy and inexpensive to prepare, but it’s a major step up from the Sloppy Joes you ate as a kid. My latest batch came from a tasty Montana mule deer.

WHAT YOU NEED

2 pounds ground meat
15 ounces tomato sauce
12 ounces tomato paste
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup red wine
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 red onion (diced)
1 red bell pepper (diced)
1/2 tablespoon kosher salt
1 stick butter
Kaiser rolls

DIRECTIONS

Heat skillet on medium heat and caramelize diced onion in 1/2 stick of butter with balsamic vinegar; remove.
Reduce red wine in skillet for 15-20 seconds on medium heat.
Add venison burger, tomato sauce and paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, kosher salt and caramelized onion. Simmer on medium heat until burger is browned, then reduce heat to low and continue simmering for 20-30 minutes.
Butter Kaiser rolls and toast face down until golden brown.
Smother toasted Kaiser rolls with sloppy venison, top with diced red bell pepper for hot color and extra crunch.

Want to give your sandwich a kick? Add minced jalapeno or serrano peppers and shredded pepper jack cheese.

Make extra and vacuum seal it. This meal is ideal for a quick fix when you’re pressed for time and hunger strikes at home or hunting camp.

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