Succulent Slow Cooker Venison Stew: A Delicious Deer Meat Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Venison Stew
If you’re looking for a hearty, mouthwatering meal that showcases the robust flavors of deer meat, look no further than our Succulent Slow Cooker Venison Stew. This recipe is perfect for those chilly evenings, bringing warmth and comfort to your table. Using the slow cooker makes it incredibly easy, allowing the venison to become tender and infused with a medley of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs. Let’s dive into this delicious deer meat recipe that will impress your family and friends alike!
Ingredients List: What You’ll Need for Venison Stew
To prepare this all-in-one comfort dish, gather the following ingredients:
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- 2 lbs venison stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
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- 4 medium potatoes, diced
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- 3 carrots, sliced
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- 2 stalks celery, chopped
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- 1 large onion, diced
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- 4 cloves garlic, minced
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- 2 cups beef broth (or venison broth for a richer flavor)
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- 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with additional broth)
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- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
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- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
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- 1 teaspoon rosemary
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- Salt and pepper to taste
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- 2 tablespoons olive oil
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- 2 tablespoons flour (optional: for thickening)
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- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Cooking Your Venison Stew
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- Prepare the Venison:
Start by patting the venison stew meat dry with paper towels. This helps develop a nice sear. Season with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the Venison:
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- Sear the Meat:
In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, sear the venison in batches until browned on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor to your stew.
- Sear the Meat:
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- Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker:
In your slow cooker, layer the diced potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic. Pour the seared venison on top of the vegetables.
- Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker:
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- Combine Liquids and Seasonings:
In a bowl, mix together the beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and remaining salt and pepper. Pour this mixture over the meat and vegetables.
- Combine Liquids and Seasonings:
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- Set the Slow Cooker:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The longer cooking time on low is ideal to make the venison tender.
- Set the Slow Cooker:
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- Thicken the Stew (Optional):
If you prefer a thicker stew, combine 2 tablespoons of flour with a little water to make a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Thicken the Stew (Optional):
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- Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, check the seasonings and adjust if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy:
Helpful Tips for Preparation and Serving
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- Choosing Your Venison:
Use tender cuts for this recipe, as they will yield the best results. Consider using backstrap or tenderloin for an even more succulent stew.
- Choosing Your Venison:
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- Enhancing Flavor:
Feel free to add additional spices like paprika or a bay leaf for an extra layer of taste.
- Enhancing Flavor:
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- Serving Suggestions:
This venison stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over creamy mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.
- Serving Suggestions:
Recipe Notes: Alternatives and Variations
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- Vegetable Variations:
You can unload your vegetable drawer! Consider adding mushrooms, parsnips, or even green beans for added texture and flavor.
- Vegetable Variations:
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- Wines and Broths:
If you prefer not to use wine, increase the beef broth accordingly. A splash of vinegar can also help to mimic the acidity of wine.
- Wines and Broths:
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- Leftover Transformation:
Leftover stew can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Use it as a filling for pot pies or simply reheat for a quick meal.
- Leftover Transformation:
Conclusion
This Succulent Slow Cooker Venison Stew is not only simple to make but also a perfect way to enjoy the unique flavor of deer meat. With fresh ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a cozy and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is all about bringing comfort to your table. Enjoy!
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