Tired of complicated recipes and endless meal prep? Craving a delicious and comforting dinner that doesn't require hours in the kitchen? Then this slow cooker deer roast recipe is for you! This easy recipe delivers tender, flavorful venison, perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its best, transforming humble ingredients into a truly delicious dish. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lb boneless venison roast (loin or shoulder work well)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with more broth)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Sear the Roast: Pat the venison roast dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step helps develop a rich flavor.
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Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine in Crock Pot: Transfer the seared roast and sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary.
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Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the venison is fork-tender. The cooking time will depend on the size and cut of your roast.
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Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the 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 any excess fat from the cooking liquid. You can either serve the venison as is, or thicken the cooking liquid for a delicious gravy.
Tips for the Best Deer Roast:
- Don't overcook: Venison can become tough if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F for medium-rare.
- Choose your cut wisely: Loin roasts tend to be more tender than shoulder roasts, but shoulder roasts offer a richer, more intense flavor.
- Trim excess fat: While some fat is good for flavor, trimming excess fat before cooking will help prevent the roast from becoming overly greasy.
Delicious Variations:
- Add mushrooms: Include a cup of sliced mushrooms with the vegetables for an earthy flavor boost.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Cranberry sauce: A dollop of cranberry sauce makes a fantastic accompaniment to this venison roast, offering a sweet and tart contrast to the savory meat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
This slow cooker deer roast is a perfect example of delicious and healthy meals that are quick and easy to make. It's a versatile recipe that you can adapt to your own taste preferences, making it a great addition to your collection of easy recipes and best recipes. Enjoy!