Wyoming

Elk Tacos

Straight from the Rockies! Lean, flavorful ground elk - Wyoming's premier wild game - is seasoned with smoky spices and topped with fire-roasted green chiles. It's what cowboys would eat if they had access to tortillas.

⏱ Total 30min 🍴 Serves 4 🦌 Wild Game 🏔 High Protein

Equipment Needed

🍳 Large Skillet
🥄 Wooden Spoon
🥣 Mixing Bowl
🔪 Sharp Knife

Instructions

1

Prep the spice blend: Mix together chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.

2

Saute aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more until fragrant.

3

Brown the elk: Add ground elk to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned, stirring occasionally.

Tip: Elk is very lean. Don't overcook it or it will dry out. It's done when just browned - no pink remaining, but still moist.
4

Season the meat: Add the spice blend to the elk and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.

5

Add the green chiles: Stir in diced green chiles (or roasted fresh chiles). Add 2-3 tablespoons of water to create a light sauce. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until heated through.

6

Taste and adjust: Check seasoning and add more salt or spices as needed. The green chiles add brightness; make sure it balances with the earthy elk.

7

Warm tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet until pliable, or char lightly over a gas flame for smoky flavor.

8

Assemble: Spoon elk mixture onto warm tortillas. Top with shredded cheddar (it will melt from the heat), a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

9

Serve: Serve immediately with extra lime wedges and hot sauce on the side. A cold Wyoming craft beer pairs perfectly!

💡 Pro Tips & Variations

  • Wyoming's wild game: Elk hunting is a major tradition in Wyoming. If you don't hunt, ground elk is available at specialty meat counters and online from Wyoming ranches.
  • Keep it moist: Elk is extremely lean (about 2% fat vs. 15-20% for beef). Adding a little fat through cheese or sour cream helps compensate.
  • Mix with beef: If elk is too lean for your taste, mix it 50/50 with ground beef for added moisture and richness.
  • Roast fresh chiles: If using fresh Hatch or Anaheim chiles, char them over a flame until blackened, then steam in a bag and peel. This adds incredible depth.
  • Don't gamey it up: Fresh elk shouldn't taste "gamey." If it does, the meat wasn't handled properly. Quality elk tastes clean and slightly sweet.
  • Source from Wyoming: Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Co. and Broken Arrow Ranch ship quality elk nationwide.
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