Imagine a dish that combines the rustic elegance of wild game with the sweet, crispy comfort of homemade fries - a culinary adventure that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience. Our Smothered Venison Sweet Potato Fries are not just a recipe; they're a journey into flavor country, where tender ground venison meets golden, perfectly crisp sweet potato fries, all blanketed in melted, gooey cheese. This isn't just dinner, it's a gastronomic expedition that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into fries
- 1 pound ground venison
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Wash sweet potatoes thoroughly and cut them into uniform fry-shaped strips, approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Pat the fries dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Toss sweet potato fries in olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Bake sweet potato fries for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- While fries are baking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground venison and chopped onions, breaking the meat into small crumbles.
- Cook venison until it's fully browned and onions are translucent, approximately 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once fries are crispy, remove from oven and transfer to an oven-safe serving dish.
- Top the fries with the cooked venison and onion mixture, then sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Return the dish to the oven for 3-5 minutes, or until cheese is fully melted and slightly bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow cheese to set.
- Serve hot, garnishing with optional fresh herbs like chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Pat those sweet potato fries COMPLETELY dry before seasoning - moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
- Use a cast-iron skillet for browning venison to lock in maximum flavor and create beautiful caramelization.
- Choose a high-quality, sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese for an extra flavor punch.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet when roasting fries - this ensures they get crispy, not steamed.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after adding cheese to allow flavors to meld and cheese to set perfectly.
- For extra richness, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs as a final garnish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 110mg
