Slow Cooker Venison Stew Recipe

When I first tried this Slow Cooker Venison Stew Recipe, I was blown away by how simple yet flavorful it turned out. The rich aroma filled my kitchen as the dish slowly cooked, and the tender venison and hearty vegetables made each bite feel like a warm hug on a chilly day. 

I’m excited to share this recipe because it’s not only comforting but also so easy to prepare, even if it’s your first time cooking venison. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a trusty slow cooker, you’re only a few steps away from a satisfying, soul-soothing meal. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a winter favorite in your home just as it has in mine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

When it comes to comfort food, this venison stew is a standout. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your dinner table.

Easy to Prepare

Making this stew requires minimal effort. Sear the venison, toss in the veggies and aromatics, pour in your liquids, and leave the slow cooker to handle the heavy lifting. It’s perfect for busy days when you can’t keep an eye on the stove but still want a homemade meal ready for dinner.

Incredible Flavor

The combination of tender venison, rich beef broth, and a splash of red wine creates a savory, velvety stew with layers of flavor. The bay leaves and thyme add an earthy, aromatic note that ties it all together.

Dietary Flexibility

Venison is a lean, high-protein meat, making this dish a fantastic option if you’re watching your fat intake. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free. Modify it with your favorite veggies or broth varieties to suit dietary preferences.

Ideal for Meal Prep

This stew makes excellent leftovers. The flavors deepen as it sits, so you’ll have an even richer-tasting dish the next day. You can also make a big batch and freeze it for future no-fuss meals.

Customizable to Your Tastes

Don’t like potatoes? Swap them out for turnips or sweet potatoes. Prefer the stew thicker? Adjust the roux to your desired consistency. This recipe is a great base to experiment with and make your own.

Cooking Time

The beauty of this dish is the long, hands-off cooking process, allowing you to focus on other tasks while it simmers away.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6 hours (low)
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of venison, cubed
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 cups of beef broth
• 1 cup of red wine
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup butter
• ½ cup all-purpose flour

Variations

This recipe is versatile, and you can tweak it to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Replace red wine with additional beef broth if you prefer an alcohol-free dish.
• Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a touch of earthy sweetness.
• Use cornstarch instead of flour to make the recipe gluten-free.

Flavor Enhancers

• Add mushrooms for an umami kick.
• Stir in a spoonful of Dijon mustard for a tangy twist.
• Sprinkle in smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet for searing the venison.
• Slow cooker (6-quart or larger) to cook everything evenly.
• Whisk to mix the roux and avoid lumps.
• Cutting board and sharp knife for prepping veggies and meat.

How to Make Slow Cooker Venison Stew?

Making this stew is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can do it in easy steps.

Sear the Venison 🔥

Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat and adding a drizzle of oil. Sear the venison cubes until they’re browned on all sides. This seals in the juices and adds a deeper flavor to the stew.

Add the Vegetables 🥕

While the venison sears, prepare your veggies. Chop the carrots, dice the potatoes, mince the garlic, and finely chop the onion. Place them all in the slow cooker.

Combine Everything 🍷

Once the venison is browned, transfer it to the slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth and red wine, making sure the ingredients are fully submerged. Toss in the bay leaves, thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Make the Roux 🧈

Melt the butter in a small pan over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste. Cook until golden brown, then pour it into the slow cooker. Stir to evenly distribute the roux, which will thicken the stew as it cooks.

Slow Cook to Perfection 🍲

Set your slow cooker to the low setting, cover it, and cook for 6–8 hours. This extended cook time ensures the venison turns tender and the flavors meld beautifully.

Serve and Enjoy 😋

When ready, remove the bay leaves, ladle the stew into bowls, and serve with crusty bread or a side salad. The aromas alone will make you want to dig right in!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Sear with Care: Browning the venison first is key for locking in juices and boosting flavor.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear the meat in batches if needed to ensure even browning.
• Adjust Consistency: If the stew is too thick, add a splash of warm broth to loosen it up.
• Fresh Herbs Are Best: While dried thyme works well, fresh sprigs add a vibrant aroma.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Venison Stew?

Presentation plays a big role in making this stew even more appealing. Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the top for a pop of green. Serve it in warm bowls alongside a slice of toasted, buttered bread to soak up every last drop. If you’re hosting dinner, consider pairing it with a robust red wine or sparkling cider for a memorable meal.

Nutritional Information

This stew offers a balanced blend of protein and veggies to fuel your day. Here’s a quick breakdown per serving (approximate values):

• Calories: 360
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 14g

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can make it the day before, as the flavors only improve with time!

Refrigerate

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Freeze

For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

With its bold flavors and hearty ingredients, this slow cooker venison stew is bound to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. It’s cozy, nourishing, and perfect for gathering friends and family around the table. Give it a try and savor the comfort of homemade goodness!

Watch and cook along with this video: