Slow Cooker Venison Stew Recipe | Hearty and Delicious

Craving a meal that’s both comforting and easy to make? You’re in for a treat with this Slow Cooker Venison Stew! It’s loaded with tender venison, fresh veggies, and rich flavors that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Don’t worry if you’ve never cooked venison before—this recipe is a breeze. Just toss everything into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it. By dinnertime, you’ll have a hearty stew that’s perfect for cozy nights at home.

Ready to fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas? Let’s jump into the steps and get cooking!

Why Choose Venison for Your Stew?

If you’ve never cooked with venison before, you’re in for a treat. Venison, the lean meat from deer, is rich in flavor and makes an amazing base for stews. Not only is it lower in fat than beef, but it’s also packed with protein and nutrients. Venison has a slightly gamey taste that pairs beautifully with hearty vegetables and a slow-cooked broth. It’s also a sustainable option if you have access to wild game. Plus, with this slow cooker method, you’ll end up with meat that’s incredibly tender and flavorful.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Venison Stew

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful stew:

• 1.5 lbs venison, cubed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 4-5 medium potatoes, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups venison or beef stock
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Herbs de Provence (or thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

How to Make Slow Cooker Venison Stew

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies the Night Before (Optional)

To make your mornings easier, you can prep all your veggies the night before. Start by chopping up an onion, dicing your celery stalks, and peeling and chopping your carrots. You can store them in an airtight container overnight, so in the morning, all you have to do is toss everything into the slow cooker.

Step 2: Sear the Venison

Before we let the slow cooker take over, we’re going to add some extra flavor by searing the venison. First, toss your cubed venison in flour, salt, and pepper. This will not only season the meat but also help thicken the stew. In a hot skillet, sear the venison until it’s browned on all sides, then transfer it to the bottom of your slow cooker.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pan with Red Wine

If you’ve got a little extra time, this step makes a big difference. After searing the venison, pour in 1 cup of red wine to deglaze the pan. Scrape up all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom, then add this wine to your slow cooker for an extra layer of richness. If you don’t want to use wine, you can substitute it with additional beef or venison stock.

Step 4: Add Your Vegetables and Aromatics

Now, it’s time to build your stew. Add your chopped potatoes, onions, celery, carrots, and minced garlic into the slow cooker. Sprinkle the Herbs de Provence over the top for a fragrant, earthy flavor. This blend of thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves complements venison perfectly, bringing out the best in this hearty dish.

Step 5: Add Liquids and Set It to Cook

Pour in the venison or beef stock, along with the diced tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce. Give everything a gentle stir to combine all the ingredients. Set your slow cooker on low and let it cook for 8 to 9 hours. You can totally forget about it during the day and come home to a house filled with the irresistible aroma of slow-cooked venison stew.

Thicken Your Stew (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker stew, you can make a cornstarch slurry about 30 minutes before the stew is done. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the stew. Let it cook for another 30 minutes until the stew thickens to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Once your venison stew is ready, serve it up with some crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a side of steamed vegetables. The tender venison and rich broth make this the perfect cozy meal for any night of the week. Pair it with a glass of the same red wine you used in the recipe or a hard cider for an even more comforting experience.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Venison stew actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months. When reheating, use a low heat setting to prevent the meat from drying out.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of a warm, hearty stew, especially when it’s as flavorful and rich as this slow cooker venison stew. It’s packed with tender meat, wholesome vegetables, and deep flavors that will leave everyone coming back for seconds. So, grab your slow cooker and give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed! If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to subscribe to my blog for more comforting, easy-to-make meals. Happy cooking!