An Easy Tuscan-Inspired Soup Made with Wild Game

Tender, bite-sized chunks of venison simmer with diced onions, sweet potatoes, spinach, and kale in a rich, beefy broth — a hearty venison soup that’s sure to satisfy just about anyone. The real finishing touch comes right before serving: a sprinkle of bright lemon zest and freshly grated Parmesan cheese that elevates each bowl with fresh, savory flavor.

I’ve also made this Tuscan-style venison soup using elk, and it was just as delicious as the venison version. One of my goals in sharing these recipes is to show how easily they can be adapted using different wild game proteins. I hope you give this venison soup a try — I have a feeling you won’t be disappointed.

Generously season the cubed venison with salt, granulated garlic, and black pepper.

Heat a large stockpot over medium heat and add the oil. Working in batches if needed, add the cubed venison and brown on all sides. Remove the meat from the pot and set aside.

Add the onions and garlic to the same pot and cook until the onions soften, about 5 minutes. Return the browned venison to the pot, then add the beef broth, sweet potatoes or parsnips, and bay leaf. Partially cover the pot, reduce the heat, and simmer gently for 30 minutes.

Stir in the kale and continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes, until the greens are tender and the soup is flavorful.

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh lemon zest and freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Venison Tuscan Inspired Soup

Tender chunks of venison simmered with sweet potatoes, leafy greens, and aromatics in a rich, savory broth make this Tuscan-inspired soup both comforting and satisfying. Finished with fresh lemon zest and grated Parmesan, it’s an easy wild game meal you’ll want to make again and again.

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Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: venison, venisonsoup, venisonstew

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb boneless venison or elk, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 2 tsp granulated garlic
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
• 1 medium white onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup white sweet potatoes or parsnips peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
• 1 cup kale, chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• zest of a lemon
• freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

• Generously season the cubed venison with salt, granulated garlic, and black pepper.
• Heat a large stockpot over medium heat and add the oil. Working in batches if needed, add the cubed venison and brown on all sides. Remove the meat from the pot and set aside.
• Add the onions and garlic to the same pot and cook until the onions soften, about 5 minutes. Return the browned venison to the pot, then add the beef broth, sweet potatoes or parsnips, and bay leaf. Partially cover the pot, reduce the heat, and simmer gently for 30 minutes.
• Stir in the kale and continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes, until the greens are tender and the soup is flavorful.
• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh lemon zest and freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Video

Notes

• Season generously: Salt, granulated garlic, and black pepper enhance the venison flavor.
• Brown in batches: Browning the meat in batches builds rich flavor without overcrowding the pot.
• Scrape up the bits: Sauté onions and garlic in the same pot to capture browned bits for extra depth.
• Substitute freely: Swap sweet potatoes for parsnips, or use elk/antelope instead of venison.
• Greens at the end: Add kale last so it stays tender and vibrant.
• Bright finish: Lemon zest and freshly grated Parmesan elevate each bowl.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Explore More Hearty Venison and Wild Game Meals

If you love this hearty venison soup, there are plenty of other wild game recipes to try. From savory elk Parmesan patties and Tuscan-inspired elk soup to flavorful antelope stuffed poblano peppers and comforting venison casseroles, wild game offers endless opportunities for bold, delicious meals. Explore these recipes and discover how easy it is to turn venison, elk, and other game proteins into satisfying, family-friendly dishes your table will love.