Ground Venison and Mushroom Soft Tacos
Did you know that venison isa very nutrient-dense and healthy option for your family? It is a lovely alternative to beef and can add some variety to your dinner rotation. Citrus and a touch of vinegar add flavor and take away any “gamey” taste in the meat once it’s cooked. In this taco dish, add chopped veggies to help make this a one pot meal! The chopped mushrooms also help to stretch this meal out.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 red onion (chopped)
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
- 8 oz. mushrooms (chopped)
- 1 tsp. salt (divided)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 lb. ground venison (juices discarded)
- 1 ½ Tbsp. chili powder
- 1 Tbsp. cumin
- ½ tsp. paprika
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 Tbsp. white vinegar
- ½ cup water
- 8 whole wheat 8" tortillas
- 1 medium avocado, sliced (optional)
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
- Cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Reduced fat sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add red onion, red bell pepper, mushrooms and ½ tsp. salt. Cook until veggies are soft, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and continue cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Drain venison juices in the trash can to remove potential “gamey” flavor.
- Add ground venison to the skillet, breaking the meat apart with a wooden spatula as it cooks. Continue cooking until venison is browned.
- Add chili powder, cumin, paprika and remaining ½ tsp. salt. Stir in with meat and veggies. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in orange juice, lime juice and white vinegar.
- Add ½ cup water to the pan. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking until most of the water has evaporated, about 5-8 minutes.
- While the water evaporates, cover tortillas with a wet paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds (or warm them in the oven).
- Place ¼ cup venison and veggie mixture inside the tortilla, top with optional jalapeños, avocados, cilantro and a small dollop of reduced fat sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. Enjoy!
Notes
- This mushroom and venison mix would also be delicious over brown rice or lettuce for a taco salad.
- Feel free to sub green bell pepper or zucchini for the red bell pepper.
- Add a can of rinsed and drained black beans with the seasonings for a great source of fiber!