Crock Pot Venison Stew Recipe: Hearty Winter Delight

Winter has a way of inspiring a hunger for hearty, soul-warming dishes. If you're lucky enough to have venison available, transforming it into a comforting stew in a Crock Pot is the perfect way to satisfy that winter craving. This Crock Pot Venison Stew recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy, allowing you to enjoy rich flavors with minimal effort. Here’s how you can make your own hearty winter delight.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs of venison, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• ¹⁄₂ cup red wine (optional)
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ¹⁄₄ cup water

Preparation

1. Preparation of Venison: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the venison with salt and pepper. Brown the meat in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet. This helps to sear the meat, locking in flavors. Once browned, transfer the venison to the Crock Pot.
2. Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Then, transfer these aromatics into the Crock Pot with the venison.
3. Add Vegetables: Mix in the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and chopped celery. If you’re using red wine, pour it in now for a rich flavor profile.
4. Broth and Seasonings: Pour the beef broth over the ingredients in the pot. Add the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaf, and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
5. Cooking: Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours. The venison should be tender and the flavors well melded.
6. Thicken the Stew: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the flour with water to create a slurry. Stir this into the stew to thicken it. Add the peas at this stage to retain their texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve your Crock Pot Venison Stew hot in bowls. Optionally, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for a touch of color and additional flavor.
• Accompany the stew with crusty bread to soak up the savory juices or over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes.

🔍 Note: Venison has a leaner profile than beef, so be sure not to overcook, as it can dry out. The long, slow cooking in the Crock Pot will help keep it tender.

In crafting this comforting stew, the Crock Pot proves its worth by gently coaxing out the rich flavors from the venison and the subtle earthiness of root vegetables. The result is a stew that not only warms the belly but also the heart, making it a perfect dish for those chilly winter nights.

Can I use other types of meat instead of venison?

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Yes, you can substitute venison with beef, elk, or lamb. The cooking times might vary slightly depending on the meat’s tenderness, but the stew will still be delicious.

How do I make the stew thicker if it turns out too watery?

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If your stew isn’t thick enough, you can mix additional flour with water to create a slurry and add it to the stew, then let it cook for another 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, leaving the lid off for the last hour of cooking will help reduce the liquid content.

What if I don’t have a Crock Pot, can I still make this stew?

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Absolutely! Use a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Brown the meat and vegetables as instructed, then combine everything in the pot. Simmer on low heat on the stove for several hours, ensuring to check and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.