venison vegetable soup recipe

venison vegetable soup recipe

The Best venison vegetable soup recipe

I’m so excited to share this venison vegetable soup recipe with you all. I’ve been making it for years, and it’s a staple in our household. My kids love it, and it’s perfect for a quick and easy dinner.

The best part is that it’s packed with nutrients and is incredibly healthy. The venison adds a rich, gamey flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the vegetables. I like to serve it with a side of crusty bread or over rice.

It’s also a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you might have on hand. The key to making this recipe is to cook the venison slowly over low heat until it’s tender and falls apart easily. This allows all the flavors to meld together and creates a deliciously rich broth.

I like to add a variety of vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, and onions, to give it some texture and depth of flavor. My family loves this recipe because it’s hearty and filling, but still light enough for a weeknight dinner. We often make it on Sundays after church when we’re looking for something comforting and satisfying.

It’s also a great way to get in some extra veggies without even realizing it! I’ve made this recipe countless times, but I still get excited every time I take my first bite. There’s just something about the combination of flavors that makes me feel like everything is right with the world.

Hearty Venison Vegetable Soup

Hearty Venison Vegetable Soup

4.5 from 995 votes

A robust and flavorful soup made with tender venison and a medley of fresh vegetables. This one-pot meal is perfect for a cold day, offering a rich broth that highlights the lean game meat.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time1 hour 15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 35 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Soup

1 1/2 pounds venison stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
2 cups water
2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup frozen peas
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
Salt and black pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2Add the venison cubes in a single layer and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deeply browned.
3Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pot.
4Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion.
5Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent.
6Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
7Pour in the beef broth and water, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits.
8Add the carrots, celery, potatoes, diced tomatoes with their juice, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
9Stir to combine.
10Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
11Simmer for 50 to 60 minutes, until the venison is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft.
12Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
13Remove the bay leaf and stir in the frozen peas.
14Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the peas are heated through.
15Season with salt and black pepper to taste before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 90mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 28g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the beef broth with red wine. If the venison is very lean, consider adding 2 tablespoons of tomato paste for extra body.

Watch Video Of How Hearty Venison Vegetable Soup Works

This recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting guests or just need a reliable option for your family dinner plans.

And as an added bonus, the leftovers freeze beautifully so you can enjoy it another time or two down the line!

The technique for cooking the venison slowly over low heat is what really sets this recipe apart from others I’ve tried before now.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hearty Venison Vegetable Soup

1. Can I use frozen venison for this soup?

Yes, you can use frozen venison. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. If you are short on time, you can add the frozen meat directly to the pot, but you will need to cook it a bit longer until it is fully cooked through. Thawing first helps the meat brown better and gives a richer flavor.

2. What vegetables work best in venison vegetable soup?

Classic soup vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, potatoes, and canned tomatoes work great. You can also add green beans, corn, peas, or even parsnips. The key is to cut them into bite sized pieces so they cook evenly. Feel free to use fresh or frozen vegetables depending on what you have.

3. How do I make sure the venison is tender and not tough?

The secret is to cook the venison low and slow. Brown the meat first to develop flavor, then simmer the soup for at least 45 minutes to an hour. Adding a splash of vinegar or a little tomato helps break down the meat fibers. Do not rush the cooking process, and avoid boiling the soup hard, a gentle simmer is best.

4. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes, this soup works well in both. For a slow cooker, brown the venison and onions first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. For an Instant Pot, use the saute function to brown the meat, then pressure cook on high for 20 minutes with a natural release. Adjust liquid as needed.

5. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The soup will thicken as it sits, so you may want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

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