Mule Deer Meatloaf

Growing up, this meatloaf recipe was the one that my dad would make for our family when it was his turn to make dinner during the week. Although this recipe can be made with a variety of meats, he often times chose beef to use. However, we decided to apply this recipe using ground mule deer and were amazed at the delicious result. We hope that this well-loved family recipe with a little wildgame twist fills your kitchen with the tastes and smells of family, like it does ours!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Servings: 6-8

Supplies:

• Baking dish

• Large mixing bowl

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds ground mule deer

• 2 eggs

• 1 sleeve saltine crackers

• 1 onion, diced

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp pepper

• 1/2 tsp salt

Directions:

• Preheat over to 350 degrees.

• Crush saltine crackers in bag with hands or with rolling pin. Crush until crackers are finely crushed.

• Add ground meat, eggs, crackers, onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to large mixing bowl.

• Mix ingredients thoroughly in mixing bowl. We have found it is easiest to use your hands rather than a spoon to mix.

• Once thoroughly mixed, shape meatloaf into an oblong, football-like shape.

• Place meatloaf in a baking dish and fill with water so that water reaches half way up meatloaf.

• Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes.

• Remove from oven and uncover. Place back into oven for additional 20 minutes uncovered to allow top of meatloaf to brown.

• Remove from oven, drain any remaining water in baking dish.

• Slice and serve!