24 Ground Elk Recipes

If you’re a fan of wild game meats, ground elk should be on your list. Choose one of these delicious ground elk recipes and be impressed!

This lean, flavorful meat can be used in various dishes, offering a delicious alternative to traditional ground beef. 

In this blog post, we’ll share ground elk recipes you must try and some helpful tips on where to find ground elk, its health benefits, and what to serve with your elk dishes.

What is Elk?

Elk is a large member of the deer family, known for its lean and tender meat with a subtly sweet, gamey flavor. It’s actually a very versatile and nutritious protein source. The best part? You can easily use ground elk in most recipes that call for ground beef.

Ground Elk Recipes

Ground Elk Tacos

Spice up taco night with ground elk and spicy taco seasoning. This flavorful alternative to beef is perfect for creating mouthwatering tacos that will impress your friends and family. Top with your favorite fixings for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Juicy Elk Burger

Juicy, flavorful burgers with a twist. Ground elk creates a leaner, healthier burger that’s full of flavor. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy a deliciously different take on a classic dish. These are so delicious you might want to double up on your patties!

Elk Meatloaf

A tasty, lean alternative to beef. This elk meatloaf is moist, flavorful, and packed with delicious ingredients like onions, garlic, and herbs. Serve with mashed potatoes and your favorite veggies for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Elk Steak (Salisbury)

A mouth-watering and nutritious twist on the classic comfort dish, featuring tender and flavorsome elk meat as its star ingredient. Ground elk is simmered in a rich, savory gravy infused with onions, mushrooms, and fresh herbs, resulting in an unforgettable culinary experience. Serve with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables.

Elk Stroganoff

Rich, creamy, and satisfying. This elk stroganoff recipe features tender ground elk cooked in a creamy sauce with onions, mushrooms, and garlic. Serve over egg noodles for a filling and delicious dinner.

Elk Shepherd’s Pie

A comforting, savory classic. Ground elk adds a unique twist to this traditional dish, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection. This elk shepherd’s pie is perfect for a cozy family meal.

Elk Sloppy Joes

A fun, flavorful take on a classic meat mixture. Swapping ground beef for elk in this recipe results in a leaner, more flavorful Sloppy Joe. Serve on a bun with a side of coleslaw for a delicious and easy dinner.

Elk Spaghetti Sauce

Elevate your pasta with elk. This ground elk spaghetti sauce is rich and flavorful, with a blend of onions, garlic, and herbs. Pair with your favorite pasta for a delicious and satisfying meal.

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Elk Un-Stuffed Peppers

Flavorful and nutritious. Tender bell peppers are filled with a mixture of ground elk, rice, onions, and seasonings, then baked to perfection. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and nutrients.

Ground Elk Enchiladas

A delicious, hearty Mexican dish. Ground elk is cooked with a blend of spices, onions, and garlic, then rolled into tortillas and topped with a savory enchilada sauce. Bake until bubbly and serve with a side of rice and beans for a tasty and satisfying meal.

Elk and Mushroom Shallot Gravy

Earthy and satisfying. This one-pan meal (I recommend making it in a cast iron skillet) features ground elk cooked with mushrooms, onions, and garlic, all simmered in a rich and flavorful sauce. Serve over rice or egg noodles for a comforting and delicious dinner. The Worcestershire sauce adds a great umami flavor. 

Elk Rague

This savory elk rague uses basic ingredients like beef broth, olive oil, and aromatics you probably already have in your refrigerator. Paired with ground elk and prepared in your favorite Dutch oven, how can you go wrong?

Colorado Elk Chili

Swap out the chili for ground elk for a protein-packed chili. This hearty chili recipe combines ground elk with green chilis and a blend of spices for a delicious and filling meal. Top with your favorite chili fixings, and enjoy!

Elk Lettuce Wraps

A light, flavorful meal. Ground elk is cooked with onions, garlic, and Asian-inspired flavors, then served in crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing and healthy dish. These elk lettuce wraps are perfect for a light lunch or appetizer.

Sweet Potato Hash with Ground Elk and Eggs

Hearty, healthy breakfast. This savory and slightly sweet hash combines ground elk with sweet potatoes, onions, and bell peppers for a delicious and nutritious start to your day. Top with a fried egg for added protein and flavor.

Elk Empanadas

Flaky pastry with a tasty filling. These delicious hand pies feature a savory ground elk filling seasoned with onions, garlic, and spices, all encased in a flaky, golden-brown pastry. Serve as an appetizer or main dish alongside a fresh salad.

Grilled Ground Elk Pinwheels

Elegant appetizers for any occasion. Ground elk is combined with onions, garlic, and seasonings, then rolled into puff pastry and baked until golden and crispy. These elk pinwheels are perfect for parties or as a tasty snack.

Elk Swedish Meatballs

A delicious twist on a classic. Tender ground elk meatballs are simmered in a rich and creamy sauce, making for a delicious and comforting meal. Serve over egg noodles or mashed potatoes with a side of lingonberry sauce for an authentic touch.

Stuffed Mushrooms with Elk Meatloaf

Flavorful, bite-sized treats. Tender mushroom caps are filled with a savory mixture of ground elk, breadcrumbs, onions, and herbs, then baked until golden and delicious. These elk-stuffed mushrooms make a perfect appetizer or side dish.

Elk and Cheese Quesadillas

Cheesy, delicious goodness. Melted cheddar cheese and seasoned ground elk are sandwiched between crisp flour tortillas for a tasty and satisfying meal. Serve with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole for dipping.

Elk Sausage and Peppers

A robust, flavorful skillet meal. Homemade ground elk sausage is cooked with bell peppers, onions, and garlic in this hearty and flavorful dish. Serve with crusty bread or over pasta for a delicious and satisfying dinner.

Elk and Noodle Casserole

Comfort food at its finest. This creamy casserole combines tender ground elk, noodles, and a rich sauce for a filling and delicious meal. Bake until bubbly and golden, and serve with a side salad for a well-rounded dinner.

Elk Chile

Warm up with this hearty dish. Ground elk, chiles, potatoes, and onions come together in this comforting stew that’s perfect for cold weather. Serve with warm tortillas or a slice of cornbread for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ground Elk Tacos

Bright, tangy, and tasty. These flavorful tacos feature ground elk cooked with tangy salsa. Top with fresh cilantro, salsa verde, and/or lime juice. Serve with a side of black beans and rice for a complete meal.

Elk and Refried Bean Burritos

A filling, flavorful meal. Ground elk, refried beans, rice, and cheese are wrapped in a warm flour tortilla and smothered in enchilada sauce for a delicious and satisfying dish. Serve with your favorite burrito toppings, and enjoy!

Ground Elk Recipes FAQs

Find answers to common questions about ground elk, such as its taste, how to cook it, and how it compares to other wild game meats like venison.

How should ground elk be cooked?

Ground elk should be cooked carefully, as it is leaner than ground beef and can become dry if overcooked. 

cooking ground elk is similar to cooking ground bison, as both types of meat are leaner and have less fat content than ground beef. 

Here are some tips that apply to both ground elk and ground bison:

1. Use a lower temperature: Since ground elk has less fat, it is more prone to drying out. Cook it at a lower temperature than you would for ground beef to help retain moisture. Medium or medium-high heat is usually best for most methods.
2. Avoid overcooking: Ground elk should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the temperature and avoid overcooking. Cook the meat just until it’s no longer pink in the center.
3. Add moisture: To help keep ground elk moist and tender, you can add moisture to the recipe in the form of liquid, like broth, tomato sauce, or even a little oil. Mixing in other ingredients like finely chopped vegetables (onions, mushrooms, or peppers) or even breadcrumbs can also help retain moisture.
4. Use gentle cooking methods: Instead of high-heat methods like grilling or broiling, try gentler cooking methods like simmering in a sauce or stew, or baking in a casserole to keep the meat tender and moist.
5. Rest the meat: Once the ground elk is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to become more tender.

Does ground elk taste like ground beef?

Ground elk does not taste exactly like ground beef, as it has a distinct, slightly sweet and richer flavor profile. Although both meats are similar in texture, ground elk is leaner and considered to have a more “wild” or “gamey” taste compared to ground beef.

Is ground elk healthier than ground beef?

Yes, ground elk is generally considered healthier than ground beef because of its lower fat content and higher nutritional value. Elk meat is leaner, richer in protein, and contains fewer calories than ground beef.

1 ounce of ground elk (raw):

• Calories: 45-50
• Protein: 7-8 grams
• Fat: 1-2 grams
• Saturated Fat: 0.5-1 gram
• Cholesterol: 20-25 mg

1 ounce of lean ground beef (85% lean, raw):

• Calories: 55-60
• Protein: 6-7 grams
• Fat: 3-4 grams
• Saturated Fat: 1.5-2 grams
• Cholesterol: 20-25 mg

Where can you purchase ground elk?

You can purchase ground elk at specialty meat markets, local farmers’ markets, or online retailers specializing in wild game meats. Some grocery stores may also carry ground elk, though availability may be limited depending on the region.

How expensive is ground elk?

Ground elk can be more expensive than common meats like beef or pork, due to its status as a specialty, game meat, and limited availability. Prices may vary depending on location, season, and the supplier, but it’s generally considered a premium choice for those looking to explore unique and flavorful alternatives in their culinary adventures.

What to Serve with Ground Elk

Ranch Potatoes

Redneck Caviar

Red Lobster Stuffed Mushrooms

Knorr Spinach Dip

With these ground elk meat recipes at your disposal, you’ll have plenty of options for incorporating this delicious and healthy wild game meat into your meal rotation. Don’t be afraid to experiment and adapt your favorite ground beef recipes to use ground elk instead – you might just find a new favorite dish!

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Have questions or suggestions about these ground elk recipes? Leave them in the comments below.