venison roast slow cook recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best venison roast slow cook recipe

I have been making this venison roast slow cook recipe for years, and it is one of my family’s absolute favorites. Venison is a lean, healthy meat that is packed with protein and iron, and slow cooking it makes it incredibly tender and flavorful. My kids love how the meat falls apart with a fork, and my husband always asks for seconds. It is a perfect meal for a Sunday dinner or a special occasion, and it is so easy to prepare.

This recipe comes from the tradition of using a slow cooker to transform tough cuts of meat into something delicious. Venison, being very lean, can easily dry out if cooked too quickly, but the low and slow method keeps it moist and juicy. The meat absorbs the rich flavors of the broth and vegetables, creating a hearty and satisfying dish. It tastes like a comforting stew, with deep savory notes from the herbs and a slight sweetness from the carrots and onions.

The key to this recipe is browning the roast before adding it to the slow cooker. This step creates a crust that locks in flavor and adds a wonderful depth to the final dish. I always season the roast generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then sear it in a hot skillet until all sides are browned. After that, it goes into the slow cooker with some beef broth, carrots, onions, and a few sprigs of rosemary.

The slow cooker does all the work, and the smell that fills the house is amazing. One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve the roast with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even over a bed of rice. The leftovers are fantastic for sandwiches the next day.

I also love that venison is a healthier red meat option, with less fat and cholesterol than beef. It makes me feel good about feeding this meal to my family, knowing it is both delicious and nutritious. This venison roast slow cook recipe has become a staple in our home, and I hope it becomes one in yours too.

Tender Slow Cooker Venison Roast

4.9 from 597 votes

This venison roast slow cook recipe delivers a tender, flavorful meal with minimal effort. The lean meat is perfectly cooked in a rich broth with vegetables, creating a hearty and healthy dinner that the whole family will love.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time6 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time6 hours 20 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Roast

3 to 4 pound venison roast
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 large onion, chopped
4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
3 celery stalks, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced

For the Broth

2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
3 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves

👨‍🍳Directions

1Pat the venison roast dry with paper towels.
2Season it all over with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, making sure to coat every side evenly.
3Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
4Sear the roast for 3 to 4 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms, then transfer it to the slow cooker.
5Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the same skillet.
6Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and start to brown.
7Pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
8Bring the mixture to a simmer, then pour it over the roast in the slow cooker.
9Add the rosemary sprigs, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves to the slow cooker.
10Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or until the meat is fork tender and easily shreds apart.
11Remove the roast from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes.
12Discard the herb sprigs and bay leaves, then shred the meat with two forks and serve with the vegetables and broth.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker
Large skillet
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 700mg🌾Total Carbs: 12g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 42g

📝Notes

For extra flavor, you can add a cup of red wine to the broth. If the roast is thicker, you may need to cook it for an additional hour. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Watch Video Of How Tender Slow Cooker Venison Roast Works

I always make extra of this venison roast slow cook recipe because the leftovers are just as good the next day. Store any leftover meat and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, place the desired amount in a saucepan with a little broth and warm over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the stovetop method keeps the meat more tender.

This recipe is perfect for family gatherings because it feeds a crowd and is so easy to prepare ahead of time. I often serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.

For a lighter option, try it over a bed of rice or with a side of steamed green beans. No matter how you serve it, this dish always gets rave reviews and makes me feel good about putting a healthy, home cooked meal on the table.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Tender Slow Cooker Venison Roast

1. Can I use a frozen venison roast in this slow cooker recipe?

It is best to thaw the roast completely before cooking. Using a frozen roast will increase the cooking time and may result in uneven cooking. For safety and best texture, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.

2. How do I prevent the venison from drying out?

Browning the roast before slow cooking helps seal in moisture. Also, cooking on low heat for a longer time ensures the meat stays tender. Adding enough broth and not overcooking are key to keeping it juicy.

3. Can I add potatoes to this recipe?

Yes, you can add potatoes. Cut them into chunks and add them to the slow cooker along with the carrots. Potatoes cook well in the slow cooker and absorb the flavors of the broth.

4. What can I use instead of beef broth?

You can use venison broth, chicken broth, or even vegetable broth. For a richer flavor, you can also use a combination of broth and red wine. Just adjust the salt accordingly.

5. How do I thicken the broth into a gravy?

After cooking, remove the roast and vegetables. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the hot broth and simmer on the stovetop until thickened.

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