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Easy Cheesy Venison Taco Skillet

Cheesy Venison Taco Rice SKillet

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This easy venison taco skillet is a one-pan wild game recipe perfect for home, hunting camp, or family camping. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s flavorful, versatile, and kid-friendly!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 1 pound Ground Venison
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion, Diced
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper, Diced
  • 1 package Taco Seasoning
  • 1 cup uncooked White Rice
  • 1.5 to 2 cups Water (or Beef Broth)
  • 1 can Rotel, Undrained
  • 2 cups shredded Colby Jack Cheese, Divided
  • ½ cup chopped Cilantro

Optional Toppings:

  • Sour Cream
  • Avocado Slices
  • Jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Veggies: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat (use a cast-iron skillet for camping). Add diced onion and green bell pepper, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent.
  2. Cook the Venison: Add 1 pound ground venison to the skillet. Cook until browned but slightly pink, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed (venison is lean, so this step is often skippable).
  3. Season the Mixture: Sprinkle taco seasoning over the venison and veggies, stirring well to coat evenly.
  4. Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in 1 cup uncooked white rice, 1.5 cups water (or beef broth), and 1 can Rotel (undrained). Start with 1.5 cups water and add up to ½ cup more later if the rice needs it. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking. Cook until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
  6. Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle ½ cup shredded Colby Jack cheese and ¼ cup chopped cilantro over the skillet. Stir until the cheese melts, about 2 minutes. Top with the remaining ½ cup cheese, cover, and let it melt for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with the remaining ¼ cup cilantro, and add optional toppings like sour cream, avocado slices, or jalapeños. Serve hot!

Camp Cooking Tip: If cooking over a camp stove, monitor heat closely to avoid burning. Use a lightweight, deep skillet to save space in your gear.

Notes

Tips for Success

  • Adjust Water as Needed: Rice can vary, so check liquid levels during simmering. Add a splash more water or broth if the rice isn’t fully cooked.
  • Make It Spicier: Swap mild Rotel for hot, or add diced jalapeños to the veggie sauté.
  • Meal Prep: At home, pre-cook the venison and veggies, then store in a cooler. At camp, just add rice, liquids, and toppings for a 20-minute meal.
  • Substitutions: No venison? Use ground elk, beef, or turkey. Swap Colby Jack for cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor.

Storing and Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or a cooler with ice for 1-2 days at camp.
  • Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the rice. Microwave works for home (cover and heat in 1-minute intervals).
  • Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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