Are you looking for an easy yet impressive way to cook venison? Look no further! This crock pot venison recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal. It's a healthy, delicious dish that requires minimal effort, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful meat. Forget tough, chewy venison – this recipe guarantees a melt-in-your-mouth experience every time. Get ready to discover the magic of slow cooking with this simple, yet satisfying venison recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs venison roast (chuck, shoulder, or round work well)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Trim excess fat from the venison roast. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- In your slow cooker, combine the chopped onion, carrots, and celery.
Building Flavor:
- Place the seasoned venison roast on top of the vegetables.
- In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, red wine (if using), soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder.
Slow Cooking Perfection:
- Pour the sauce mixture over the venison roast, ensuring it's mostly submerged.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the venison is fork-tender.
Serving Suggestions:
- Once cooked, remove the venison 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 thicken the remaining gravy by simmering it on the stovetop for a few minutes.
- Serve the sliced venison with the delicious gravy, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or your favorite side dishes.
Cooking Tips for the Best Venison:
- Choosing your roast: For the most tender results, opt for a venison roast from the chuck, shoulder, or round.
- Don't overcook: Overcooked venison can become dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 135-140°F (57-60°C) for medium-rare.
- Slow and low is key: Slow cooking is ideal for venison as it breaks down the tough connective tissues, resulting in incredibly tender meat.
- Make it your own: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Venison: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the cooking liquid for a spicy kick.
- Herb-infused Venison: Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley, sage, or oregano for a more aromatic dish.
- Mushroom Venison: Add a cup of sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the vegetables for an earthy and flavorful twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific cuts of meat and ingredients used. For a more precise nutritional breakdown, use a nutritional calculator with the exact ingredients and serving sizes. Generally, venison is a lean protein source, high in protein and low in fat, making this a relatively healthy meal option.
This easy crock pot venison recipe is a perfect example of delicious and healthy homemade cooking. It’s a quick dinner idea that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!