Are you looking for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner that's also impressive? Look no further! This venison roast slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. Tender, flavorful venison, slow-cooked to perfection, will become a family favorite in no time. This healthy and satisfying meal is surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks. It's the ultimate in homemade cooking, offering a delicious alternative to traditional roasts. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 2-3 lb venison roast (chuck or shoulder work best)
- 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
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Venison
Pat the venison roast dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. This simple step enhances the natural flavor of the meat.
Step 2: 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 and creates a beautiful crust. If you skip this, that's okay too! The slow cooker will still create a fantastically tender roast.
Step 3: Assembling the Slow Cooker
Place the chopped onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the minced garlic. Place the seared (or unseared) venison roast on top of the vegetables.
Step 4: Adding the Liquid and Seasonings
Pour the beef broth and red wine (if using) over the roast. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary.
Step 5: Slow Cooking the Venison
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, and your slow cooker's capabilities.
Step 6: Shredding and Serving
Once the venison is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding it with two forks. You can then either serve the shredded venison over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish, or you can thicken the cooking liquid with a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) for a delicious gravy.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a bay leaf to the slow cooker along with the other seasonings.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it a complete meal: Add potatoes and other root vegetables to the slow cooker along with the venison.
- Different Cuts: While chuck and shoulder are ideal, other cuts will work – just adjust cooking time accordingly. A smaller cut may require less cooking time.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion size, but a general estimate for a 3lb roast serving 4 people is:
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 40-50g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
This venison roast slow cooker recipe is a fantastic example of how easy it is to create delicious and healthy meals. This is a go-to recipe for quick dinner ideas, perfect for busy families. Enjoy this simple, yet satisfying, dish! Remember to adjust seasonings to your preference for the best results. Happy cooking!