how to cook deer stew in a crock pot

3 min read 18-01-2025

Deer hunting season is a time for celebration and delicious meals. One of the best ways to enjoy your venison harvest is by making a hearty and flavorful deer stew in a slow cooker. This method ensures tender, fall-apart meat and deeply infused flavors. This recipe is perfect for a chilly evening and will impress even the most discerning palates. Let's get started!

Ingredients for Crock-Pot Deer Stew

This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings of delicious deer stew. Adjust quantities as needed for your crock-pot size and the number of hungry people you're feeding.

2 lbs venison stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes. (Remove any excess silver skin or fat for a cleaner stew)
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth (or venison broth if you have it!)
1 cup red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor; substitute with more broth if needed)
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening, optional)
2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening, if using cornstarch)
Optional additions: 1 cup cubed potatoes, 1 cup frozen peas, mushrooms, other root vegetables

Step-by-Step Crock-Pot Deer Stew Recipe

This recipe is designed for ease and convenience. Even novice cooks can master this delicious stew!

Step 1: Searing the Venison (Optional but Recommended)

While not strictly necessary, searing the venison before slow cooking adds a delicious depth of flavor. 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 helps to develop a rich, savory flavor. Set the browned venison aside.

Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables

In the same skillet (no need to clean it!), sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients in the Crock-Pot

Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your crock-pot. Add the browned venison, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 4: Slow Cooking the Stew

Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the venison is fork-tender. The longer it cooks, the more tender the meat will become.

Step 5: Thicken the Stew (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker stew, in a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help thicken the sauce beautifully.

Step 6: Serving Your Deer Stew

Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish.

Tips for the Perfect Crock-Pot Deer Stew

Don't overcook the venison: Overcooked venison can become dry and tough. Check for tenderness after 6 hours on low.
Use a good quality Worcestershire sauce: This adds a depth of umami flavor.
Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices.
Add other vegetables: Potatoes, parsnips, turnips, and other root vegetables add wonderful texture and flavor.
Make it ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen venison?

A: Yes, you can use frozen venison, but you'll need to add about an hour or two to the cooking time. Make sure the venison is completely thawed before searing it (if you choose to sear).

Q: What kind of crock-pot should I use?

A: Any size crock-pot will work, just adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly. A 6-quart crock-pot is a good size for this recipe.

Q: Can I substitute other meats?

A: While this recipe is specifically for deer, you can substitute with other tougher cuts of beef or even lamb. Adjust cooking time as needed.

Enjoy your delicious and easy crock-pot deer stew! Let me know in the comments how yours turns out.