Venison Cheeseburger Sliders make a great meal or tailgating snack

The scent of woodsmoke and the promise of a hearty meal—that’s the feeling that settles in as autumn approaches for many North Dakotans. But for Jeff Benda, author of the “Wild Game & Fish Cookbook,” it’s a signal for something even more specific: deer hunting season. Forget the pumpkin spice lattes; Benda’s heart quickens at the prospect of opening day, a tradition he cherishes as much as Christmas morning, complete with guns! And this year, that tradition comes with a recipe—Venison Cheeseburger Sliders—perfect for feeding a hungry family or fueling a football tailgate. The recipe, shared with The Forum, is a testament to the simple pleasures of family, tradition, and a good meal—a welcome reminder in a world that often feels a little too complicated.

The Tradition of the Hunt

For Jeff Benda, deer hunting isn’t just about providing food for the family, although that’s certainly a benefit. “It’s the camaraderie, the tradition and the excuse to wear camo and blaze orange without judgment,” he explains. Benda, a busy parent and owner of Wild Game & Fish Media, looks forward to deer hunting not only for the chance to bring home venison but also for the cherished family time it provides. He describes it as a welcome escape from the demands of daily life, particularly helping his in-laws with the soybean and corn harvest. Deer hunting in North Dakota North Dakota State University Extension, providing sustenance and recreation for many residents.

A Quick and Delicious Recipe

Benda’s Venison Cheeseburger Sliders are a testament to the versatility of venison. Lean and packed with flavor, ground venison offers a healthier alternative to traditional beef while maintaining a rich taste. The recipe starts with sautéing ground venison and diced onions, seasoned with simple yet effective spices like salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. The addition of mayonnaise adds a creamy texture that complements the meat beautifully. The sliders are then assembled in Hawaiian rolls with cheddar cheese, brushed with melted butter and sesame seeds before being baked to perfection. The result is a quick, delicious meal that serves 24 sliders in just 30 minutes—a practical consideration for a busy parent.

Venison Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe

Ingredients & Instructions

Serves: 24 sliders

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 pounds ground venison
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 24 Hawaiian rolls
• 8 slices cheddar cheese
• 3/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Grease the bottom of a rimmed baking sheet with 1 tablespoon of the melted butter.
3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, combine ground venison, diced onion, salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder with olive oil. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the venison has lost its raw, red color.
4. Transfer the meat mixture to a large mixing bowl and stir in the mayonnaise.
5. Slice off the top half of the Hawaiian rolls using a long serrated knife. Place the bottom half of the rolls on the buttered baking sheet and line with sliced cheese.
6. Spread the cooked ground venison mixture evenly over the sliced cheese, using the back of a spatula to square off the edges. Cover with shredded cheese.
7. Place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls, cut-side down, over the meat and cheese mixture. Brush the tops with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
8. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown. Serve immediately.

For more approachable wild game and fish recipes, visit wildgameandfish.com. Pre-order Jeff Benda’s new Wild Game & Fish Cookbook today, featuring 80 recipes inspired by North Dakota’s remarkable hunting and fishing heritage and the wild food that brings families back to the table.

Community Connection

While the article doesn't directly quote community reactions, the very fact that The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead chose to feature Benda’s recipe speaks to its potential appeal among local residents. The emphasis on family, tradition, and a quick, easy meal resonates with the values cherished in many Fargo-Moorhead households. The recipe’s practicality—designed for busy parents—is particularly relevant in a community where families often juggle multiple responsibilities. The celebration of North Dakota’s hunting heritage also taps into a strong sense of local pride and connection to the state’s natural resources. Fargo Chamber of Commerce highlights the importance of local businesses and culinary traditions like Benda’s in fostering a vibrant community.

More Than Just a Meal

Benda’s words about the importance of tradition and camaraderie around deer hunting highlight a crucial element of community life: shared experiences that bind families and friends together. These traditions, passed down through generations, provide a sense of belonging and continuity in a rapidly changing world. The emphasis on escaping the demands of daily life and creating memories with loved ones underscores the need for balance and connection in an increasingly stressful society. Strong families are the bedrock of a thriving community, and traditions like deer hunting offer a valuable opportunity to strengthen those bonds. Fargo Public Schools recognizes the importance of family engagement in student success, and these types of shared experiences contribute to a positive home environment. North Dakota Game and Fish Department manages the state’s wildlife resources and provides information on hunting seasons and regulations.

A Recipe for Connection

What struck me about this recipe isn’t just the sliders themselves—though they sound undeniably delicious. It’s the underlying sentiment: a deliberate choice to embrace tradition and connection in a world that often pulls us in a million different directions. We see so much emphasis placed on “self-care” and individual pursuits, but Benda’s article reminds us of the profound value of shared experiences, especially those rooted in family and community. The willingness to endure the cold, the work involved in hunting and butchering, all for the sake of a meal shared with loved ones—that’s a powerful testament to the enduring importance of commitment and sacrifice.

It’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of material possessions or fleeting pleasures, but Benda’s story offers a refreshing perspective. It’s a reminder that true fulfillment often comes not from what we acquire, but from the relationships we nurture and the traditions we uphold. And in a society where marriage and family are increasingly challenged, it's encouraging to see a man celebrating the simple joys of a committed family life and passing those values on to the next generation.

Of course, the success of any family endeavor depends on a foundation of faith and shared values. While Benda doesn't explicitly mention his faith, his emphasis on tradition and family suggests a deep-seated belief in something larger than himself. And that’s something worth celebrating—the enduring power of faith to guide us, strengthen our families, and inspire us to live lives of purpose and meaning.

Resources

For those interested in learning more about deer hunting in North Dakota, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website offers a wealth of information on regulations, licensing, and hunting areas. Those seeking wild game recipes and cooking tips can visit Jeff Benda’s website, wildgameandfish.com, or follow him on Instagram @wildgameandfish. For those interested in supporting local businesses and culinary traditions, the Fargo Chamber of Commerce provides a directory of local businesses and resources. And for families seeking to strengthen their relationships and build a strong community, resources are available through local churches and community organizations. Fargo Public Schools also offers programs and initiatives to support families and promote student success.

Closing paragraph: The Venison Cheeseburger Sliders recipe is more than just a culinary creation; it’s a symbol of North Dakota’s heritage, a celebration of family traditions, and a reminder of the simple joys that sustain us. As the leaves continue to turn and the air grows crisp, let’s all take a moment to appreciate the bounty of our state and the enduring power of connection—and maybe even try making a batch of these delicious sliders for our own families and friends.