Slow Cooker Delight: Savory Honey Garlic Bear Stew Recipe
This Savory Honey Garlic Bear Stew Recipe recipe is ready in about 40 minutes and puts bear front and center — no fillers, no shortcuts on flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs bear meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic.
- Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Sear the meat until browned on all sides.
- In your slow cooker, add the sautéed bear meat, onions, and garlic.
- Pour in the beef broth, honey, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 8 hours, or high heat for 4 hours.
- Once cooked, taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.
- Ladle the savory honey garlic bear stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Recommended for this recipe
Cook’s Notes
The whole point of braising lean wild game is patience — low and slow breaks down connective tissue that would otherwise turn tough. Don’t rush this one by cranking the heat; you’ll get chewy meat instead of the fall-apart texture you’re after.
Ingredient Swaps
If you don’t have bear on hand, another lean big-game cut works — just watch your cook time, since density varies a lot between species and even between cuts of the same animal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this with something simple that won’t compete with the meat — roasted root vegetables or a basic wild rice pilaf are the usual go-tos around deer camp.
Storage & Reheating
This one actually improves overnight in the fridge as the flavors settle — keeps well for 4-5 days and reheats easily on the stovetop since the sauce protects it from drying out.
Common Questions
Can I substitute the bear in this recipe?
Yes, in most cases — see the Ingredient Swaps note above for specifics on what works best.
How should I store leftovers?
See the Storage & Reheating note above — it varies by cooking method, so check the specific guidance for this dish.
How do I know when it’s fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer when possible rather than relying on time alone — wild game and fish cook faster than most people expect.
