Are you looking for a hearty, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal that requires minimal effort? Look no further! This easy venison stew slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. It's packed with tender venison, seasonal vegetables, and a rich, savory broth – the ultimate comfort food, elevated. Forget complicated cooking techniques; this recipe is surprisingly simple, even for beginner cooks. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious dish!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs venison stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with more broth)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 lb potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sear the Venison (Optional but Recommended)
For a deeper flavor, begin by searing the venison cubes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the venison and sear on all sides until browned. This step isn't strictly necessary, but it adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the stew. Remove the venison from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the seared venison, beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the venison is incredibly tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Step 5: Add Potatoes and Peas
About 30 minutes before serving, add the cubed potatoes. In the last 10 minutes, stir in the frozen peas. This ensures the peas retain their vibrant color and texture.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy your delicious and easy venison stew! Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful sauce.
Tips for the Best Venison Stew:
- Choose the right cut: Venison stew meat is ideal for this recipe as it’s tougher and benefits from the long, slow cooking process.
- Don't overcook: Overcooked venison can become dry and tough. Check for tenderness with a fork.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your preference. A dash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika can add extra depth.
- Make it ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day! It’s perfect for meal prepping.
Variations:
- Add mushrooms: Include a cup of sliced mushrooms with the other vegetables for an earthy flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Use different vegetables: Feel free to substitute other root vegetables like turnips or parsnips.
- Make it thicker: If you prefer a thicker stew, stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 (depending on ingredients and portion size)
- Protein: High
- Fat: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Moderate
This easy venison stew is a fantastic example of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Homemade cooking doesn't have to be complicated; this recipe proves that delicious dishes can be surprisingly easy to prepare. Enjoy!