Venison Sloppy Joes are a hearty, flavorful twist on the classic sandwich. Using a mix of ground venison, pork, and chuck, this recipe delivers a rich, meaty base with a well-balanced sauce. The combination of tomato sauce, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire, and apple cider vinegar creates a tangy-sweet flavor that is the perfect base for these sandwiches! Slow-simmered together so the flavors can meld and develop, this dish is perfect for casual weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd.
Venison Sloppy Joes
I didn’t hunt growing up, but I was raised in Northern Minnesota, and during hunting season I was usually lucky enough to get treated to venison a few times as a kid.
My husband just started hunting again quite a few years and got a deer last year and we’ve been enjoying venison every which way ever since!
Cooking with venison adds depth to a traditional Sloppy Joe, while keeping it lean. We mix the ground venison with pork and chuck in this recipe, which prevents the meat from drying out.
When Jeremiah processes his venison and is grinding some for this kind of thing, he does 65% venison, 25% pork belly, and 10% chuck roast through the grinder, so that’s what we’re using here. I adjusted the actual recipe to just call for regular ground venison with some ground pork and ground chuck added in. You can use whatever combination you’d like, but I do recommend a mix so the meat stays moist.
This recipe is ideal for slow cooking, allowing the ingredients to meld together beautifully. Simmering for one to two hours thickens the sauce, ensuring it clings perfectly to the bun. If you prefer a thicker consistency, reduce the water and cook uncovered for the last 20 minutes.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or new to working with venison, this Sloppy Joe recipe is easy to follow and rewarding. Serve it on soft sandwich bread or buns with a side of coleslaw and crispy fries for the perfect meal.
If you like this recipe, you’ll love our Stovetop Sloppy Joes or my Smoked Over The Top Sloppy Joes!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Rich & Meaty Flavor – The combination of venison, pork, and chuck gives it a bold, well-rounded taste.
- Thick & Saucy – The homemade sauce simmers to perfection, coating every bite.
- Great for Meal Prep – The flavors improve over time, making leftovers even better.
- Perfect for Gatherings – Feeds a crowd with minimal effort.
- Customizable – Easily adjust the seasoning or add more veggies to suit your taste.
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Venison Sloppy Joes Shopping List
Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Ingredients
- Ground Venison – This can be your own harvested venison or locally purchased. I’ve also had great experience using Maui Nui for venison. They harvest Axis deer from Hawaii and the flavor is incredible.
- Ground Pork – Adding ground pork to the mix is a great way of keeping the mixture moist and mild.
- Ground Chuck – Ground beef mixed with the venison and pork is an excellent flavor combination.
- Celery – Adds great flavor and some additional texture to the mix.
- Onion – If you have onion-haters in your life, chop them super small. You can even process in a food processor.
- Tomato Sauce – The brand you buy matters. We prefer Contadina or Hunts.
- Ketchup – Don’t go sugar-free. This is not the place to start counting calories.
- BBQ Sauce – Store-bought or homemade are both great options.
- Brown Sugar – Dark or light works!
- Dry Mustard – Adds an awesome bite to the final dish. If you don’t have dry mustard, you can use prepared yellow mustard.
- Worcestershire – This ingredient contains anchovies, so be aware if you are feeling people with allergies to fish.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Any brand will work. You *can* sub in white vinegar in a pinch, but the ACV is going to provide the best flavor.
- Salt & Pepper – Fresh ground is best!
- Seasoning Salt – We like Lawry’s brand, but Johnny’s also works!
- Onion Powder – Any kind works for this!
How To Make Venison Sloppy Joes
This is just the overview so you can see what you’re actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.
- Brown the Meat & Veggies – In a large skillet, cook the venison, pork, and chuck with chopped celery and onion. Season with salt, pepper, seasoning salt, and onion powder. Drain excess fat.
- Combine Ingredients – In a Dutch oven, add tomato sauce, ketchup, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, dry mustard, Worcestershire, and apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine.
- Mix Everything Together – Add the cooked meat and vegetable mixture to the Dutch oven and stir well.
- Adjust Consistency – Pour in 1-2 cups of water, depending on your preferred thickness and cooking time.
- Simmer & Serve – Let the mixture simmer over medium-low heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until thickened and the flavors meld. Serve on toasted buns.
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FAQ
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover Venison Sloppy Joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze this?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
How do I reheat it?
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes! The flavors improve overnight, so making it a day ahead is a great option. Just reheat before serving.
What can I substitute for venison?
Ground beef, turkey, or bison work well as substitutes if venison isn’t available.
Serve This With…
- Toasted Brioche Buns – For the perfect bite!
- Our Classic Coleslaw recipe has been made hundreds of times to rave reviews. It was originally called “better than KFC coleslaw”, and it lives up to the name!
- Try some Sweet Potato Fries sometime! They are easy and a great contrast to the flavors in these sandwiches.
- Some fresh garlic-dill pickle spears on the side are always welcome, too.
- Love the flavors in these joes? Our Baked Beans have a similar profile and would be great with your sandwich!
Venison Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground venison
- ½ pound ground pork
- ½ pound ground chuck
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 – 8 ounce can tomato sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Brown all the ground meats with your onions and celery. Season with salt, pepper, seasoning salt, and onion powder. Drain excess fat.
- Add all other ingredients (except the water) into a Dutch Oven. Place cooked ground beef/celery/onion mixture into the pot and stir.
- Add enough water to thin out the sauce and give it room to thicken during cooking time. 1-2 cups should be plenty. The less time you plan to cook it, the less water you should add.
- Simmer over medium-low heat for 1-2 hours or until vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened.