Venison is a flavorful, protein-rich meat that’s leaner than beef. It’s got a unique, gamey flavor that, when cooked right, can be absolutely delicious. And one of the easiest ways to cook venison, especially if you’re busy, is in a crockpot.
Crockpots are perfect for cooking tougher cuts of venison because the slow-cooking process tenderizes the meat. Plus, it’s a hands-off approach that lets you set it and forget it. This is especially helpful for those long work days or busy weekends.
From roasts to stews to even tacos, there’s a whole range of delicious crockpot deer meat recipes out there. So, let’s dive into some of my favorites!
Understanding Venison Cuts and Preparation
Not every cut of venison is ideally suited for slow cooking. Here are a few that are:
Common Venison Cuts Suitable for Crockpots
- Roasts (rump, neck, shoulder): These cuts become meltingly tender when cooked on low heat over a long period, which breaks down the tough connective tissue.
- Stew Meat (chunks from tougher cuts): Stews and chili are excellent choices for these cuts, as they become tender over the long cooking time.
- Ground Venison (when browned first): Ground venison can be used in chili or taco recipes.
Preparing Venison for the Crockpot
A bit of prep work makes a big difference in the finished dish.
- Searing the venison before slow cooking enhances the flavor because it creates a flavorful crust and seals in the juices.
- Trimming excess fat minimizes any “gamey” flavor.
- Marinating or brining the venison cuts down on that gamey flavor and tenderizes the meat.
Crockpot Venison Roast Recipes
One of the easiest ways to prepare venison is in your slow cooker. Here are a few ideas to try:
Basic Crockpot Venison Roast with Vegetables
You’ll need a 2- to 3-pound venison roast, carrots, potatoes, onion, garlic, beef broth, red wine, and your favorite herbs.
Sear the roast on all sides in a hot skillet. Then, place the vegetables in the bottom of the crockpot, and put the roast on top of them. Pour in the broth and wine, season with herbs, and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
Serve with the cooked vegetables and gravy made from the cooking liquid.
Crockpot Apple-Scented Venison Roast
One home cook raves, “This is wonderful! I have made it several times and it always turns out delicious! It’s sooo easy too! I usually add chunked carrots and they are a great addition!”
To impart a subtle sweetness to the roast, use apple cider or add a few apple slices to the slow cooker.
Crockpot Venison Roast with Gravy
The gravy will thicken naturally in the slow cooker as the roast cooks. If you’d like it to be a bit thicker, whisk a little flour with some broth before adding it to the slow cooker.
After searing the roast, deglaze the pan with red wine to add even more depth of flavor to the gravy.
Crockpot Venison Stew and Chili Recipes
The slow cooker is your friend when it comes to turning tougher cuts of venison into savory, fork-tender meals. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started.
Hearty Venison Stew
This one’s a classic for a reason. Simmering low and slow coaxes maximum flavor from the meat and vegetables.
Here’s what you’ll need: venison stew meat, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, beef broth, red wine, herbs de Provence, and Worcestershire sauce.
Sear the venison first, then toss all the ingredients into your crockpot. Cook on low for about 8 hours.
Tip: If you like a thicker stew, stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Venison Chili for the Big Game
Venison chili is always a crowd-pleaser. One reader told us, “The family is scraping the pot as we speak so I have to say it’s a keeper!”
You can use ground venison or cubed venison for this recipe. Just add beans, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and your favorite chili spices for that classic chili flavor.
Creative crockpot venison dishes
Once you’ve mastered the basics of cooking venison in a slow cooker, you can start experimenting with different recipes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Crockpot shredded venison tacos
For this simple dish, you’ll need:
- Cooked venison roast, shredded
- Taco seasoning
- Beef broth
- Lime juice
Combine all the ingredients in your crockpot and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. Serve in tortillas with your favorite taco toppings, such as sour cream, lime, red cabbage, cheese, avocado, and cilantro.
Venison stroganoff
Cube some venison and combine it in your crockpot with mushrooms, onions, and a creamy sauce made from sour cream or cream cheese. Serve over egg noodles or rice.
Slow-cooked teriyaki venison
One user raved, “I’ve made this 2 times now and it is excellent! Both times the roast came out so tender and shredded with a fork.”
Marinate your venison in teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes, then cook in your crockpot on low for 6-8 hours.
Tips and tricks for perfect crockpot venison
Crockpots and slow cookers are ideal for making delicious and succulent venison dishes. Here are a few tips to ensure your venison turns out perfectly every time.
Tenderizing techniques
- Cook your venison roast on low for six to eight hours, or even longer.
- Use acidic ingredients like vinegar or wine to break down the meat’s connective tissues.
- Sear the venison in a hot skillet before putting it in the crockpot, to seal in all the flavorful juices.
Minimizing gamey flavor
- Trim away as much fat as possible before cooking.
- Marinate the venison for several hours before cooking.
- Use robust seasonings like garlic, onions, and fresh or dried herbs to cover any gamey taste.
Troubleshooting common issues
- Tough roast? Let it cook longer on low heat.
- Dry roast? Make sure there’s enough liquid in the crockpot.
- Vegetables too mushy? Layer the vegetables on top of the roast in the crockpot so they don’t overcook.
Summary
Cooking venison in a crockpot is easy, and the results are incredibly versatile. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different recipes and flavor combinations. Slow cooking is the secret to making tough cuts of venison tender and flavorful. Enjoy!