Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a hearty, healthy, and surprisingly easy meal that will impress your family and friends? Then look no further! This crock pot venison roast recipe is your answer. It's a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest, transforming a simple cut of venison into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece with minimal effort. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, making it one of the best recipes for quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lb venison roast (chuck or shoulder work best)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with more broth)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Pat the venison roast dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear.
- Season the roast generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and rosemary.
Browning the Roast (Optional but Recommended):
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the venison roast on all sides until nicely browned. This step adds depth of flavor. If you skip this step, your roast will still be delicious, but might lack a little caramelization.
Crock Pot Magic:
- Place the chopped onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Place the seared (or unseared) venison roast on top of the vegetables.
- Pour the beef broth and red wine (if using) over the roast.
- Add the bay leaf.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, or until the venison is fork-tender.
Serving Suggestions:
- Remove the venison roast from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast.
- Skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid. You can use this delicious liquid as a gravy base! Simply thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) for a rich and flavorful gravy.
- Slice the venison roast thinly against the grain and serve with your favorite sides. Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad are all excellent accompaniments.
Cooking Tips & Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a few cloves of minced garlic to the vegetables before cooking.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it a complete meal: Add potatoes, sweet potatoes, or other root vegetables to the slow cooker along with the other vegetables.
- Leftovers: This recipe is even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your roast and the specific ingredients used. However, a reasonable estimate for a 4-serving recipe would be:
- Calories: Approximately 300-400
- Protein: High
- Fat: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Low
This crock pot venison roast is a truly satisfying and healthy meal, perfect for a busy weeknight or a special occasion. It’s a delicious dish that is easy to make, offering a great balance of flavors and textures. Enjoy this simple, yet elegant, addition to your easy recipes collection!