Venison Philly Cheesesteak (Easy Recipe)

Are you tired of the same old chicken and beef cheesesteaks?

Shake things up with this irresistible recipe for venison Philly cheesesteak!

Thinly sliced venison is cooked to perfection and piled high on a toasted hoagie roll with melted provolone cheese, caramelized onions, and colorful bell peppers.

Bursting with flavor, this elevated twist on a classic sandwich is sure to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Venison Philly Cheesesteak Recipe

1. Healthier than Traditional Cheesesteaks – Venison is leaner than beef, making it a healthier choice for those watching their caloric intake.
2. Unique and Delicious Flavor – The gamey taste of venison adds a unique and irresistible flavor profile to this classic sandwich.
3. Easy to Prepare – With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is quick and uncomplicated.
4. Perfect for Entertaining – With its impressive presentation and delectable taste, this dish is sure to impress guests at any gathering.
5. Customizable – Add your own twist by playing around with the veggies, cheese, and sauces to make it your own.

Recommended Equipment

• Cast iron griddle – Ideal for cooking the meat and vegetables
• Sharp knife – Necessary for slicing the venison
• Tongs – Essential for flipping and maneuvering the thinly sliced meat
• Sheet pan – Useful for thawing the venison
• Spatula – Important for scraping up the yummy bits stuck to the griddle

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1¼ lb venison sirloin roast, sliced paper-thin against the grain – the star of the dish
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced – adds a pop of color and sweetness
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced – adds a pop of color and sweetness
• 1 medium onion, cut in half, then sliced – necessary for sweetness and flavor
• 3 tablespoons lard, divided – used for cooking the meat and vegetables
• 5 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, divided – adds a deep umami flavor
• salt and pepper, to taste – seasons the meat and vegetables
• 4 hoagie rolls – the foundation of the sandwich
• butter (optional) – adds richness and flavor
• 8 slices provolone cheese – a delicious, melty, and slightly nutty cheese
• spicy brown mustard (optional) – adds spice and tanginess for a pop of flavor

How To Make Venison Philly Cheesesteak

1. Thaw the roast slightly and slice it paper-thin against the grain. Then, place the slices of meat on a paper towel-lined sheet pan in a single layer, cover, and refrigerate until fully thawed. (Thaw Time: 15-20 minutes)
2. Heat a cast-iron griddle over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of lard to the hot griddle and spread it around so it coats the pan. Add the sliced peppers and onions to the griddle, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 15-20 minutes until softened and starting to brown. Add 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce and stir to coat the vegetables. Cook for an additional minute, then remove from the pan, and set aside. Keep warm until ready to use.
3. Butter the insides of the hoagie rolls (if desired), then place them on the hot griddle with the inside facing down and toast for 2-3 minutes.
4. Season the meat slices with salt and pepper just before cooking. Add 2 tablespoons of lard to the hot griddle and spread it around evenly. Add the meat slices in a single layer to the griddle in two batches.
5. Cook the meat for about 1-2 minutes per side. Once the meat is almost done cooking, move it all into a pile on the griddle and add 1½ tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce (3 tablespoons if you were able to fit all of the meat on the griddle).
6. Move the meat into 4 even piles on the griddle. Top each pile with 2 slices of provolone cheese. Continue cooking until the cheese is melted, about 2 minutes. To each hoagie roll, add peppers and onions, and top with meat and cheese. Serve with spicy brown mustard if desired.

Tips and Tricks

• Slicing the venison against the grain is crucial to achieving tender meat.
• Use a griddle instead of a skillet as it allows for even cooking of the meat and vegetables.
• Placing the meat onto the pan only when it’s hot allows it to develop a beautiful crust and seal in the juices.
• Adding Worcestershire sauce at the end of cooking the veggies and meat guarantees the flavors are absorbed, making it more flavorful.
• To toast your hoagie rolls evenly, be sure to press them down with a spatula while they are toasting.

Uses

• Game night – Make these venison Philly cheesesteaks for a fun and crowd-pleasing game night dinner.
• Weeknight meal – Whip this up for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
• Entertaining – Impress your guests with this elevated twist on a classic Philly cheesesteak.
• Outdoor barbeque – Prepare the venison and veggies on the grill to bring this dish to your outdoor barbeque menu.
• Lunch on-the-go – Wrap your venison Philly cheesesteak in foil and take it to go for a tasty and filling lunch.

What To Serve With Venison Philly Cheesesteak

1. Sweet Potato Fries – The sweetness of the fries complements the spicy tang and richness of the cheesesteak.
2. Mixed Greens Salad – Adding greens to your sandwich will put a light and fresh twist on the popular sandwich.
3. Onion Rings – The savory taste of onion rings goes well with the cheesesteak.
4. Coleslaw – A good side dish that balances the spicy, rich cheesesteak.
5. Grilled Vegetables– Grilled vegetables, such as zucchini and squash, can add extra veggies to your meal.

Recipe Variations

• Venison Philly Cheesesteak Bowl – Add rice or quinoa and your favorite veggies to transform your cheesesteak into a hearty bowl.
• Venison Philly Cheesesteak Wrap – Wrap everything up with a tortilla instead of using hoagie rolls.
• Venison Philly Cheese-Stuffed Peppers – Stuff peppers with the meat and veggies mixture and top with cheese for a delicious and low-carb option.

Possible Substitutions

• Venison Sirloin Roast – Swap for beef sirloin roast or chicken breast if venison is unavailable
• Lard – Substitute with butter, avocado oil or any other high-heat oil.
• Provolone Cheese – Use any cheese of your preference.
• Worcestershire Sauce – Soy sauce or steak sauce can be used as an alternative.

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating

• Storing – Cover tightly and store in the fridge for up to three days.
• Freezing – Wrap the sandwich in foil, put in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to a month.
• Reheating – Preheat your oven to 350°F and heat for 15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave for roughly a minute.

What Does Venison Philly Cheesesteak Taste Like?

Venison Philly Cheesesteak packs a flavorful punch with a combination of tender slices of venison, caramelized onions, melted provolone cheese, and colorful bell peppers, all nestled in a freshly baked hoagie roll.

The dish has a rich, juicy, and savory taste with a subtly gamy flavor, making it unique from traditional cheesesteaks. The textures are also enjoyable with the meaty softness of the venison and the crispness of the veggies. It’s a hearty and delicious meal that will have you craving for more.