Deer (Venison) Meatloaf

This is a really tastey way to do meatloaf. The venison brings some extra complexities to your favorite classic dish. If venison is unavailable, this is still a great recipe for a regular meatloaf. Be sure to choose lean beef if you're going to use that. Additionally some people like to add crushed saltine cracker to give the loaf more hold. I don't like it and don't add it to this recipe. Having said that the loaf stays together pretty well on its own, but feel free to add 1/3 cup crushed crackers if desired.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 4-6
• Yields: 1 meatloaf

Ingredients

• Meatloaf

• 1  lb  ground venison
• 1⁄4 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped (green, orange or yellow bell is a perfect substitution)
• 1⁄4 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1  egg
• 2  tablespoons ketchup
• 1  tablespoon  hot sauce (I prefer Frank's Red Hot, personally)
• 2  teaspoons oregano
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1  teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

• Sauce

• 2  tablespoons ketchup
• 1  tablespoon  hot sauce
• 1  tablespoon vinegar
• 2  tablespoons brown sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 and coat a loaf pan with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl thoroughly combine all ingredients. Pat meat mixture into loaf pan.
3. Bake for 30 minutes. Drain any fat/grease that has accumulated.
4. In a small bowl combine all sauce ingredients. Drizzle sauce on top of meatloaf.
5. Bake for another 15-20 minutes until cooked through. Drain any more fat/grease that has accumulated and serve.