Wild Mushroom and Deer Sausage Risotto

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Creamy risotto enriched with earthy wild mushrooms and savory deer sausage, accented with Parmesan and fresh herbs. This italian-inspired beef ready in about 55 minutes pairs Arborio rice, olive oil, sliced deer sausage for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 8 oz sliced deer sausage and cook for 5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil, then 2 cups sliced wild mushrooms. Sauté for 6 minutes until tender and browned. Add 1 finely chopped shallot and 3 minced garlic cloves; cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes until edges look translucent. Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine and cook, stirring, until mostly absorbed.
  4. Step 4: Add 5 cups warmed chicken broth one ladle at a time, stirring constantly and waiting until broth is absorbed before adding the next. Continue for about 18-20 minutes until rice is creamy and al dente.
  5. Step 5: Stir in the cooked deer sausage, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Wild Mushroom and Deer Sausage Risotto take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Wild Mushroom and Deer Sausage Risotto?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep arborio rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Wild Mushroom and Deer Sausage Risotto?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Wild Mushroom and Deer Sausage Risotto for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Wild Mushroom and Deer Sausage Risotto?

Italian beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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