Ground Venison Enchilada Meatballs | Wild Table

01/08/2025
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Venison Enchilada Meatballs are a tasty twist perfect for a weeknight meal rotation.

My skillet enchilada meatballs are made with ground venison, a blend of aromatic spices, and smothered in a rich homemade red enchilada sauce. Baked to perfection with melted cheese and garnished with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro. 

Serve these tasty meatballs with warm flour tortillas.  

  • Servings: 4 
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground venison
  • 1 tsp ancho chile pepper powder
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp Mexican oregano
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3/4 cup shredded Mexican style cheese blend
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • Flour tortillas
  • Red Enchilada Sauce Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 2 tbsp dark chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp Mexican oregano
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth

Instructions

STEP 1: 

Heat a saucepan over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Whisk in the flour and all seasoning ingredients creating a paste-like base. Slowly pour in the broth whisking the sauce until smooth. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat. (Note: you can make this sauce a day ahead and simply refrigerate overnight.)

venison enchilada meatball red enchilada sauce

STEP 2: 

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. 

STEP 3:

In a bowl, combine the ground venison, ancho chile powder, cumin, coriander, oregano, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Using your hands, form 10-12 individual meatballs and place them in a 12-inch cast iron skillet.

rolling venison enchilada meatballs

STEP 4: 

Carefully place the meatballs in the skillet and drizzle the tops with olive oil. Bake for 20 minutes. Pour the enchilada sauce over the meatballs and top with shredded cheese. Continue baking for 15 minutes until hot and bubbling.

baked ground venison enchilada meatballs

STEP 5: 

Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro. Serve with warm flour tortillas. 

ground venison enchilada meatballs ready to eat

Like this recipe for venison enchilada meatballs? See more from Kristy Crabtree:


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