Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to cook deer roast? This crock pot recipe delivers tender, flavorful meat that will impress even the most discerning palate. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is surprisingly simple and requires minimal hands-on time. Get ready to experience the rich, earthy flavors of venison cooked to perfection in the slow cooker! This is one of those easy recipes that yields incredibly delicious results, making it a staple in our healthy meals rotation. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pound venison roast (shoulder or rump roast work well)
- 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 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Venison
Pat the venison roast dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. This simple seasoning enhances the natural flavor of the venison.
Step 2: Searing the Roast (Optional but Recommended)
For a deeper, richer flavor, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the venison roast on all sides until browned. This step is optional but significantly improves the overall taste.
Step 3: Crock Pot Cooking
Place the chopped onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add 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 minced garlic and bay leaf.
Step 4: Slow Cooking
Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the venison is fork-tender. Cooking time will depend on the size of your roast and your slow cooker. The meat should easily shred with a fork when it's done.
Step 5: Serving
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 serve the venison with the delicious vegetables and pan juices. Consider making a gravy with the cooking liquid for an extra touch of flavor.
Cooking Tips for the Best Crock Pot Deer Roast:
- Don't overcook: Venison can become tough if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 135-140°F (57-60°C) for medium-rare.
- Trim excess fat: Trimming excess fat from the roast before cooking will help prevent it from becoming overly greasy.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to find your perfect flavor combination.
Variations:
- Add mushrooms: Include a cup of sliced mushrooms for an earthy addition.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Cranberry sauce: Serve with a homemade cranberry sauce for a festive twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of the roast and serving size. For a general estimate, a serving could contain approximately:
- Calories: 300-400
- Protein: 35-45g
- Fat: 15-25g
This crock pot deer roast recipe is a perfect example of healthy meals made easy. The combination of lean venison and hearty vegetables makes for a satisfying and nutritious dinner. Enjoy!