Editor’s Note: This is a limited series featuring wild game recipes created by Fargo chef and avid hunter and angler Jeff Benda. More content is available on his
website, wildgameandfish.com,
and
Instagram.
When fall weekends roll around in North Dakota, my family and I settle into a rhythm: hunting in the morning, football on TV in the afternoon and something hearty bubbling away in the kitchen.
This Hot Italian Venison Sandwich recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to share with family and friends while cheering on the NDSU Bison.
A great Hot Italian Venison Sandwich is as close to heaven … and Chicago as you’ll ever get. While nothing compares to a true Italian beef sandwich from Chicago, you can get pretty close with a deer roast, roasted peppers and a slow cooker.
The magic here is in the simplicity. You start with a venison roast, seared until the edges crackle and turn a deep golden brown. That first sizzle in the skillet releases a smell that makes the whole kitchen feel alive. Then you slide it into the slow cooker with broth, herbs and a packet of zesty Italian dressing mix.
At that point, you can walk away. The slow cooker does most of the work while you enjoy the first half of the football game.
By halftime, the roast practically collapses at the touch of a fork. The meat is juicy, tender and ready to soak into thick slices of Italian bread. You pile on roasted red peppers, tangy peperoncini and melty cheese.
Then, just before serving, you slide everything under the broiler for a quick finish. The bread toasts, the cheese bubbles, and suddenly you have a sandwich that can silence a living room full of Bison fans — at least until the next touchdown.
The truth is, I love this recipe because it feels like a celebration of everything fall offers us. It honors the deer hunt, feeds a crowd and makes game day taste unforgettable.
Plus, it proves that sometimes the best plays aren’t made in the Fargodome but in your kitchen, with a deer roast and a little patience.
Hot Italian Venison Sandwiches
Serves: 6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 5 hours and 15 minutes
Ingredients:
1 3-pound venison roast, trimmed of outer layer of silver skin2 Tablespoons olive oil1 packet Good Seasons Zesty Italian salad dressing mix½ teaspoon garlic powder½ teaspoon onion powder½ teaspoon dried rosemary½ teaspoon dried oregano3 cups venison or beef broth½ cup roasted red peppers½ cup sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini½ cup provolone or mozzarella cheese1 pound Italian loaf of bread or hoagie buns2 Tablespoons butter
Directions:
Add beef broth, salad dressing mix, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, and oregano to a slow cooker.
Heat 2 Tablespoons oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the roast to the skillet and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes, turning as needed.
Transfer the roast to the slow cooker with the liquid. Cover and cook on high setting for 5 to 6 hours or on low setting for 8 to 10 hours or until meat shreds easily with a fork.
When you are ready to serve the sandwiches, preheat your oven to “Broil” setting. Slice the Italian loaf or buns in half lengthwise. Spoon the hot shredded meat mixture on the bottom slice of bread.
Next add the roasted red peppers, peperoncini, and cheese. Butter the top slice of bread and add more shredded cheese if you want.
Place both the top and bottom of the sandwich on a rimmed baking sheet and place in the oven on “Broil” for 2 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
Serve immediately.
For more recipes from Wild Game Chef Jeff Benda or to sign up for his newsletter, visit
www.wildgameandfish.com
or check out Jeff on Instagram at @wildgameandfish.
Jeff Benda is the founder of Wild Game & Fish Media where he works with businesses in the hunting, fishing, and shooting industries. With 25 years of past experience in the restaurant and catering industry, he is now a full-time wild game and fish recipe developer and food blogger living in Fargo, North Dakota. His goal is to celebrate local fish and wild game and provide achievable, bright recipes designed to build confidence for new cooks, and inspire everyone to elevate their cooking. You can learn more about Jeff on his website www.wildgameandfish.com or follow him on Instagram: @wildgameandfish
Dining and Cooking