Venison Cheeseburger Sliders make a great meal or tailgating snack

The aroma of venison sizzling in a pan—it’s a scent that signals more than just dinner in many North Dakota homes. As the leaves turn and a crispness settles in, the anticipation for the annual deer opener builds, eclipsing even the excitement of Thanksgiving or a trip to warmer climes. For many families here, it’s a tradition steeped in camaraderie, outdoor adventure, and a chance to connect—a welcome respite from the demands of harvest season. And now, thanks to local wild game chef Jeff Benda, that tradition can be celebrated with a new twist: Venison Cheeseburger Sliders, a recipe designed for both hearty meals and lively football gatherings.

According to Benda, writing in The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead, the deer opener isn’t just about harvesting a deer; it’s about “the camaraderie, the tradition and the excuse to wear camo and blaze orange without judgment.” He adds that it’s a chance to “create new memories with family and friends,” a sentiment that resonates deeply in a region where strong family ties and community are highly valued. This year’s opener, like years past, offers a moment to step away from the daily grind—for Benda, that means escaping the long days of helping his in-laws with the soybean and corn harvest—and appreciate the simple joys of the prairie.

Benda, author of the Wild Game & Fish Cookbook and founder of Wild Game & Fish Media, shared his Venison Cheeseburger Slider recipe as part of a limited series highlighting wild game dishes. The recipe itself is straightforward, designed for busy families who want a delicious meal without a kitchen cleanup that resembles a battlefield. He emphasizes the importance of quick, tasty meals that can also serve as crowd-pleasers, a practical consideration for anyone hosting a football party or gathering with friends.

The recipe calls for 2 pounds of ground venison, which Benda notes is a “lean, healthy protein that packs more flavor” than typical ground beef. He recommends seasoning it with salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder before sautéing it with diced onion. The recipe also utilizes Hawaiian rolls, cheddar cheese, and a simple butter and sesame seed topping to create sliders that are not only tasty but also visually appealing—24 in total, ready to disappear from the dinner table as quickly as an NDSU Bison running back, DJ Scott, scores a touchdown. NDSU Athletics is a source of great pride for our community.

The Value of Venison

Benda highlights the nutritional benefits of venison, noting its leanness and unique flavor profile. He suggests that it’s a healthier alternative to ground beef, offering a delicious way to incorporate more protein into family meals. By using simple seasonings and readily available ingredients, Benda’s recipe makes wild game cooking accessible to cooks of all skill levels, encouraging families to explore new culinary experiences.

The Recipe

Benda’s recipe, detailed in The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead, begins with preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a baking sheet. The ground venison is then cooked with diced onion and seasonings, mixed with mayonnaise, and layered between slices of cheese and Hawaiian rolls. The top half of the rolls are then placed on top, brushed with melted butter, and sprinkled with sesame seeds before baking for 15 minutes. The complete ingredient list and instructions can be found in the original article. Wild Game & Fish Media offers a wealth of additional recipes and resources for those interested in exploring wild game cooking.

Community Reaction

The response to Benda’s recipe has been overwhelmingly positive, reflecting the deep connection many residents have to hunting traditions and the desire for convenient, flavorful meals. The article's popularity highlights the importance of local food sources and the appreciation for resourceful cooking within our community. For families who value tradition and shared experiences, the deer opener represents more than just a hunting season; it’s an opportunity to strengthen bonds and create lasting memories. This aligns with the values we hold dear here: strong families, community commitment, and a connection to the land. The Wahpeton Chamber of Commerce emphasizes these values as essential to a thriving community. Wahpeton Chamber of Commerce

The Value of Tradition

Beyond the delicious sliders, Benda’s article serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of tradition in our lives. In a world that often feels disconnected and fast-paced, the deer opener offers a chance to slow down, reconnect with nature, and appreciate the simple joys of family and community. These traditions are not merely nostalgic; they provide a sense of belonging, purpose, and continuity—essential elements for a thriving society. The Wahpeton Public Schools recognize the importance of these values. Wahpeton Public Schools

What’s Next

With the deer opener now behind us, many families will be looking for ways to utilize the venison they’ve harvested. Benda’s recipe offers a delicious starting point, but his website and Instagram page provide a wealth of other ideas for incorporating wild game into family meals. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department provides resources and information for hunters. North Dakota Game and Fish Department

Eli's Take

What struck me most about Jeff Benda’s article wasn’t just the recipe itself—though Venison Cheeseburger Sliders certainly sound appealing—but the underlying sentiment about tradition and family. In a culture that often prioritizes convenience and instant gratification, it's easy to lose sight of the value of these enduring practices. The deer opener, as Benda describes it, is more than just a hunting season; it’s a chance to connect with nature, strengthen family bonds, and pass down a legacy of outdoor skills and appreciation for the land. It’s a reminder that the most meaningful moments in life are often found not in extravagant vacations or material possessions, but in the simple pleasures of shared experiences and time spent with loved ones.

I can’t help but wonder how many families in our community are actively seeking ways to cultivate these kinds of traditions. We talk a lot about the importance of strong marriages and stable families, and I believe that shared experiences like hunting—or fishing, or even simply working together on a home improvement project—can play a significant role in strengthening those bonds. It’s not about the hunt itself, but about the opportunity to connect, to learn from one another, and to create memories that will last a lifetime. And sometimes, it's about escaping the soybean and corn harvest for a little while.

The challenge for us as a community is to find ways to encourage and support these traditions, to create spaces where families can connect and experience the simple joys of life. It’s about recognizing that the American dream isn’t just about economic prosperity; it’s about building strong, resilient communities where families thrive and children grow up knowing the value of hard work, tradition, and faith. And maybe, just maybe, it's about embracing a little bit of camo and blaze orange along the way.

Resources

For those interested in learning more about wild game cooking or the deer hunting season in North Dakota, here are some helpful resources:

• Wild Game & Fish Media: www.wildgameandfish.com
• North Dakota Game and Fish Department: North Dakota Game and Fish Department
• Wahpeton Chamber of Commerce: Wahpeton Chamber of Commerce
• Wahpeton Public Schools: Wahpeton Public Schools</li

These resources offer valuable information, recipes, and insights into the traditions that shape our community.

As the days grow shorter and the weather turns colder, let’s remember the importance of family, tradition, and connection—and perhaps try a batch of Venison Cheeseburger Sliders along the way. It's a small step towards building a stronger community, one delicious slider at a time.