5 Easy Steps to Perfect Crockpot Venison Stew

The joys of home cooking become especially gratifying when utilizing the slow and savory method of preparing a crockpot venison stew. For those new to venison or simply looking to diversify their stew recipes, the appeal of this dish lies in its simplicity, the infusion of flavors, and the tenderness that only slow cooking can achieve. Here's a detailed guide on crafting the perfect venison stew with your trusty crockpot, ensuring a delightful meal that's sure to warm your heart and stomach.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you can embark on your culinary journey, you must gather your ingredients:

• Venison - 2 lbs, cubed
• Carrots - 4, sliced
• Potatoes - 3 large, diced
• Onion - 1, chopped
• Turnip - 1, cubed
• Beef broth - 4 cups
• Red wine - 1 cup (optional, for depth of flavor)
• Tomato paste - 2 tbsp
• Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
• Thyme - 2 tsp, dried or fresh
• Rosemary - 1 tsp, dried or fresh
• Bay leaves - 2
• Salt - to taste
• Pepper - to taste
• Oil - for browning

🍲 Note: Always choose fresh, lean venison to ensure a tender stew. If the venison seems tough or has a gamey flavor, marinating in red wine or vinegar overnight can help.

Step 2: Prepare the Venison

Preparation is key for a flavorful stew:

• Trim any excess fat from the venison.
• Cut the meat into 1 to 2-inch cubes.
• In a pan, heat oil over medium-high heat and sear the venison chunks until they are nicely browned on all sides. This step helps lock in juices and enhances flavor.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients in Your Crockpot

With your venison prepared, now it’s time to layer:

1. Add the browned venison to the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Layer the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, cubed turnip, and minced garlic over the meat.
3. Pour in the beef broth, ensuring it covers the ingredients.
4. If using wine, mix it with the broth before adding.
5. Stir in the tomato paste.
6. Add thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Cooking the Stew

Now, let the magic of slow cooking do its work:

• Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours.
• Stir occasionally if possible to ensure even cooking.
• About an hour before the stew is done, check for tenderness. If the meat or vegetables are not tender, continue cooking until satisfied.

🌿 Note: Cooking times can vary, so for the best results, trust your taste buds and the tenderness of the ingredients rather than the exact timing.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

As your stew nears completion, consider these final steps:

• Remove and discard the bay leaves.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper as needed.
• If you desire a thicker stew, you can either remove some of the broth and whisk in flour or cornstarch to create a slurry, then add it back, or you can leave the stew uncovered for the last hour to let some of the liquid evaporate.

After hours of slow cooking, your venison stew will have melded into a symphony of flavors. The meat, having been cooked low and slow, will have transformed into something tender and rich, soaked in the savory broth and surrounded by succulent vegetables. This dish is not just about eating; it's about enjoying a tradition, savoring the warmth, and sharing a meal that connects us to our roots or introduces us to new culinary delights. With this recipe, you've learned how to harness the power of your crockpot to turn venison, often overlooked, into the star of a comforting stew. Whether it's for a family gathering or a quiet night in, your stew, with its rich, layered flavors, is a testament to the beauty of slow cooking.