deer slow cooker recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best deer slow cooker recipe

I’ve been making this deer slow cooker recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The dish originated from my grandmother’s kitchen, where she would slow cook venison to make it tender and flavorful.

I’ve modified the recipe over the years to use deer meat, and it’s become a staple in our household. The key to this recipe is the slow cooker method, which breaks down the connective tissues in the meat, making it fall-apart tender.

I love that this recipe is easy to make and can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary needs. My kids devour this dish, and I appreciate how healthy it is, given the lean protein from the deer meat and the minimal added fat.

We often serve this with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a hearty meal. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions like holidays and family gatherings.

I’ve even taken it to potlucks, where it’s always a crowd-pleaser. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and hands-on effort. Simply brown the meat, add your favorite seasonings and liquids to the slow cooker, and let it do its magic while you attend to other tasks.

Slow Cooker Venison Stew

4.8 from 1242 votes

This slow cooker venison stew is a hearty and comforting dish that transforms lean deer meat into tender morsels. Simmered with vegetables and a rich broth, it is perfect for a cold day.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time6 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time6 hours 20 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Stew

2 pounds venison stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 carrots, peeled and sliced
3 celery stalks, sliced
1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 cups beef broth
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 bay leaves
1 cup frozen peas

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper.
2Add the venison cubes and toss until evenly coated.
3Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
4Working in batches to avoid crowding, brown the venison on all sides for about 4 to 5 minutes per batch.
5Transfer the browned meat to the slow cooker.
6Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the skillet.
7Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
8Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
9Pour about 1/2 cup of the beef broth into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
10Transfer this mixture to the slow cooker.
11Add the remaining beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves to the slow cooker.
12Stir in the carrots, celery, and potatoes.
13Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the venison is fork-tender.
14In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas and cook until heated through.
15Remove the bay leaves before serving.
16Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
17Serve hot in bowls.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 850mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 6g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 38g

📝Notes

For a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Venison is very lean, so browning is essential for flavor. You can substitute beef stew meat if venison is unavailable.

Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Venison Stew Works

This deer slow cooker recipe is always a good idea for any occasion because of its ease of preparation and versatility.

It works well for family gatherings or special events where you want something hearty yet effortless to serve your guests.

In fact, I often recommend this recipe to friends who are looking for new ideas for their next dinner party or potluck event.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Venison Stew

1.

Q: What type of deer meat is best for this recipe?
A: You can use any type of deer meat you prefer, but I find that leaner cuts like sirloin or round work best for this recipe.

2.

Q: Can I use other types of game meat in place of deer?
A: Yes, you can substitute other game meats like elk or bison if you have access to them. However, keep in mind that these meats may have different flavor profiles and textures than deer.

3.

Q: Do I need any special equipment for this recipe?
A: You’ll need a slow cooker to prepare this dish. If you don’t have one, consider investing in a programmable model for ease of use.

4.

Q: How long does the deer take to cook in the slow cooker?
A: Cooking time will depend on your preferred level of tenderness and the size of your cut of meat. As a general rule, cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.

5.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers for later?
A: Yes, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat directly from frozen.

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