Ground Venison Tater Tot Casserole – Cozy Comfort Food with a Wild Game Twist

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bubbling casserole coming out of the oven, especially when it’s topped with golden, crispy tater tots. This Ground Venison Tater Tot Casserole takes that familiar, family-friendly favorite and gives it a hearty, rustic twist using lean ground venison. The result is a cozy, satisfying dish that feels both nostalgic and a little bit special — perfect for weeknight dinners, cold evenings, or feeding a hungry crowd.

Venison often gets a reputation for being tricky to cook, but ground venison is one of the most approachable ways to enjoy wild game. It’s lean, rich in flavor, and pairs beautifully with creamy sauces and savory seasonings. In this casserole, the venison is browned with onion and garlic, then folded into a creamy, cheesy base that keeps everything moist and flavorful. Topped with crispy tater tots, it’s the kind of meal that disappears fast and has everyone going back for seconds.

This recipe is especially great if you’re looking for new ways to use venison that feel familiar and comforting. Even those who are hesitant about wild game tend to love this dish, because the flavors are well balanced and the texture is classic casserole comfort at its best.

Ingredients:

• Ground venison
• Olive oil or butter
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Frozen tater tots
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add ground venison to the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
5. Cook until the venison is fully browned, then remove from heat and drain excess liquid if needed.
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked venison mixture with cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheese.
7. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
8. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.
9. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the casserole.
10. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
11. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
12. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Ground Venison Tater Tot Casserole

A hearty, comforting casserole made with seasoned ground venison, creamy sauce, and crispy tater tots.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Casserole, Main Dish

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Casserole Base

• 1 1/2 lb ground venison
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
• 1 bag frozen tater tots 32 oz

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Oven

Method

 

1. Brown venison with onion and garlic; season well.
2. Mix venison with soup, sour cream, and half the cheese.
3. Spread into baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
4. Arrange tater tots on top.
5. Bake until bubbly and golden, about 40–45 minutes.

Notes

For extra crispiness, broil briefly at the end.

Why Venison Works So Well in Casseroles
Venison is naturally lean, which means it benefits from recipes that add moisture and richness. Casseroles are ideal because creamy sauces and cheese prevent the meat from drying out while enhancing its savory flavor. The mild earthiness of venison pairs perfectly with familiar ingredients like potatoes, cheese, and onions, making it approachable even for first-time venison cooks.

Tips & Tricks

• If your venison is extremely lean, add a tablespoon of butter while browning for extra richness.
• Don’t overcook the venison during browning — it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor.
• For extra crispy tater tots, broil the casserole for the last 2–3 minutes.

Variations

• Creamy Garlic Version: Add a splash of heavy cream and extra garlic.
• Veggie-Packed Casserole: Stir in peas, corn, or green beans.
• Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
• Mexican-Inspired: Use taco seasoning and top with pepper jack cheese.

Serving Suggestions
Serve ground venison tater tot casserole with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted broccoli to balance the richness. It also pairs well with crusty bread or dinner rolls for soaking up every last bite.

Storage Information
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the tater tots crisp.

FAQ
Can I substitute ground beef for venison?
Yes, but venison offers a leaner, richer flavor that works beautifully here.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze this dish?
Yes. Freeze before baking for best texture, then bake from frozen with extra time.

History / Fun Facts
Casseroles became popular in American home cooking as a way to stretch ingredients and feed families efficiently. Tater tot casseroles, in particular, became a Midwest staple. This venison version is a modern, rustic take on that classic tradition, blending wild game with timeless comfort food.