Skip to content
Photo Credit: Justin Adams
Wild Game Cuisine

(Wild) Game-Day Nachos

Game day can mean a lot of things to a lot of people, but for me, it means snacks. And snacks mean nachos.

August 28, 20251 min read

I’m always looking for ways to use the ground meat from the game I have in the freezer, and this is a super fun and tasty way to do that. This extremely easy recipe will have your friends and family fighting over the last bite. Top it with whatever you like! I like things spicy, so I always opt for some fresh or pickled jalapeños and my favorite Mexican-style hot sauce. You really can’t go wrong with what you choose to pile high on this gamey dish.

  • 1 pound ground venison or any ground wild game
  • 1 bag corn tortilla chips
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 or 2 8-ounce bags shredded cheese, preferably jack or cheddar
  • 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Jalapeño, avocado, cilantro, beans, sour cream, salsa, limes, etc., for toppings
Photo Credit: Justin Adams
Photo Credit: Justin Adams

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Heat a large pan over medium heat. Brown the venison. Add the dry spice mixture and stir continuously for about 30 seconds.
  3. Add the tomato sauce and continue stirring. Next, add the water and cook until the sauce is reduced and darkened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Spread tortilla chips on a large baking sheet lined with foil. Add cheese and meat in layers until the chips are completely covered. Place in the oven and bake for about 3 to 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Watch closely so the cheese doesn’t burn.
  5. Remove from the oven and top with all the toppings your heart desires.
Filed Under:
  • Field to Fork
  • Healthy Harvests