Are you looking for a hearty, healthy, and incredibly delicious meal that practically cooks itself? Then look no further! This venison stew recipe, slow-cooked to perfection, is the answer to your weeknight dinner woes. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking, transforming humble ingredients into a truly satisfying and flavorful dish. Perfect for chilly evenings, this recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks looking for easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. Let's dive in!
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
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth (or venison broth, if available)
- 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with more broth)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 lb potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sear the Venison: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the venison cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. This step adds incredible depth of flavor to your stew. Set aside.
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Sauté Vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the browned venison, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, red wine (if using), thyme, rosemary, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
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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 very tender.
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Add Potatoes: About 30 minutes before serving, add the cubed potatoes to the slow cooker. This prevents them from becoming mushy.
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Stir in Peas: In the final 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas.
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Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy your delicious homemade venison stew! Serve with crusty bread for dipping – it's the perfect complement to this hearty and flavorful meal.
Tips for the Best Venison Stew:
- Don't overcrowd the pan when browning the venison. Work in batches to ensure proper browning and prevent steaming.
- For a richer flavor, use venison broth instead of beef broth.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can add more herbs, spices, or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Variations:
- Spicy Venison Stew: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Mushroom Venison Stew: Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms along with the onions and carrots.
- Root Vegetable Venison Stew: Include parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes for added sweetness and nutrients.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients used, but a general estimate per serving is:
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This venison stew recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and delicious dishes. It’s a perfect example of how easy it can be to create satisfying and flavorful food using simple ingredients and a slow cooker. Enjoy!