Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Venison Recipe
Why will you love this Crock Pot Venison recipe? It’s an absolute game changer for your dinner routine!
I can’t tell you how easy it’s to prepare. You just marinate the venison, sear it, and toss it in the Crock Pot with a few simple ingredients.
The slow cooking brings out incredible flavors and makes the meat so tender. Plus, it’s perfect for busy days—I can set it in the morning and come home to a delicious, hearty meal.
Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients of Crock Pot Venison
When it comes to whipping up a delicious meal in your Crock Pot, the ingredients you choose can really set the stage for greatness. This Crock Pot Venison recipe is no exception; it’s a delightful mix of savory and sweet, with a few tangy notes thrown in for good measure. Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to a comforting dinner that practically cooks itself.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3-4 lbs boneless venison roast
- 1/2 cup vinegar (plus an additional 1/3 cup)
- 7 teaspoons salt (divided)
- 7 garlic cloves, chopped (divided)
- Flour (for dredging)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (14 ounce) can tomatoes, chopped
Now, let’s talk about those ingredients for a second. First off, venison is such a lean meat and can be a bit intimidating if you haven’t cooked with it before. But trust me, once you give this a go, you’ll wonder why you waited so long!
And if you happen to have some leftover marinade, don’t toss it! It’s packed with flavor and can be used to marinate other meats or even vegetables.
Also, if you prefer a bit more kick, feel free to throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes or some hot sauce to really spice things up. Cooking is all about personal touches, after all.
How to Make Crock Pot Venison
To make this mouthwatering Crock Pot Venison, you’ll want to start with the star of the show: the 3-4 lbs boneless venison roast.
First things first, let’s whip up a marinade. In a deep bowl, combine 1/2 cup of vinegar, 2 tablespoons of salt, and 4 chopped garlic cloves. Give it a good stir, then pour this tangy mixture over the roast. You want to make sure the venison is fully submerged, so add enough water to cover it completely.
Cover that bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for the night. Trust me, the longer it marinates, the more flavorful it gets. You might even catch yourself dreaming about the deliciousness that awaits.
The next day, once you’ve sufficiently tortured your taste buds with anticipation, it’s time to get cooking. Remove the venison from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt all over the meat and dredge it in flour—this helps create a lovely crust when you brown it.
Heat up 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet, and once it’s hot, toss in that roast. Sear it on all sides until it’s golden brown; about 3-4 minutes per side does the trick. This step might seem tedious, but oh, those crispy bits are worth it!
Once the roast is all browned up, transfer it to your trusty Crock Pot. Toss in 1 sliced large onion for some extra sweetness and flavor.
Now, let’s make the sauce that will bring everything together. In a separate bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons of dry mustard, and 3 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce until it forms a paste.
Stir in the remaining 1/3 cup of vinegar, the rest of the chopped garlic (3 cloves this time), and a can of chopped tomatoes. This mixture is like a flavor bomb waiting to explode.
Pour it all over the roast in the Crock Pot, cover it up, and set it to cook on low for 8-10 hours. When it’s finally done, you’ll be greeted by a tender, juicy piece of meat that practically falls apart. Who needs a fancy restaurant when you can create magic like this at home?
Crock Pot Venison Substitutions & Variations
There are plenty of ways to customize your Crock Pot Venison recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. For a different flavor, I sometimes swap out the venison for lean beef or even pork.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, using low-sodium soy sauce in place of Worcestershire sauce works wonders. You can also add seasonal veggies like carrots or potatoes for extra nutrition.
For a spicy kick, tossing in some red pepper flakes or jalapeños makes a big difference. Don’t hesitate to experiment—your personal touch can elevate this dish to new heights!
What to Serve with Crock Pot Venison
What pairs well with the rich flavors of Crock Pot venison? I love serving it with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up all that delicious sauce.
A side of roasted vegetables, like carrots and Brussels sprouts, adds a nice crunch. Don’t forget a fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the meal.
If you want something heartier, a crusty bread or dinner rolls makes a great addition, perfect for sopping up the juices.
Finally, a glass of red wine brings everything together beautifully, enhancing the meal’s overall experience. Enjoy your feast!
Additional Tips & Notes
When enjoying your Crock Pot venison, it’s helpful to keep a few additional tips in mind for the best results.
First, consider marinating the roast for a full 24 hours; it really enhances the flavor.
Don’t skip the browning step—it adds depth to the dish.
If you like a thicker sauce, mix a bit of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the final hour of cooking.
Also, feel free to experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
Finally, always let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing; it helps retain juices!