Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Venison Soup Recipe
You’ll absolutely adore this Crock Pot Venison Soup recipe for its rich flavors and hearty ingredients.
Every time I make it, my kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma that promises warmth and comfort. It’s incredibly easy to prepare; just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the magic.
The tender venison pairs beautifully with the vegetables, creating a dish that’s both filling and nutritious. Plus, it’s perfect for those chilly nights when you crave something cozy.
Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become a staple in your home, just like it’s in mine!
Ingredients of Crock Pot Venison Soup
When it comes to making a delicious Crock Pot Venison Soup, having the right ingredients is key. This recipe is packed with a variety of flavors and textures that come together beautifully. It’s a warm hug in a bowl, especially on those cold, blustery days when all you want is something comforting and hearty.
The best part? You probably already have some of these ingredients in your pantry or fridge. Let’s explore what you’ll need to whip up this delightful soup.
Ingredients:
- 1 (2 ounce) packet dry onion soup mix
- 1 (10 1/2 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 lb ground venison
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil (canola or grapeseed)
- 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1/3 cup red lentils
- 1 onion, diced
- 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups water
- 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 3 small red potatoes, diced
- 1 cup cabbage leaf, chopped
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup macaroni noodles (uncooked)
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 beef bouillon cubes
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Now, let’s talk a bit about these ingredients. The venison is the star of the show, providing a lean source of protein, but if you don’t have any on hand, ground beef or turkey can work in a pinch.
The dried onion soup mix adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat, and the cream of mushroom soup gives the dish a lovely creaminess that balances the heartiness of the lentils and vegetables.
Feel free to customize the veggies based on what you have. Got some leftover carrots or bell peppers? Toss them in!
And don’t forget to taste as you go—adding a splash of hot sauce or some herbs can really elevate the flavor. Cooking should be fun, so don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own.
How to Make Crock Pot Venison Soup
Making Crock Pot Venison Soup is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a chilly day. First things first, grab yourself a large crock pot—this is where all the magic happens.
Start by mixing 6 cups of water with a packet of dry onion soup mix and a can (10 1/2 ounces) of condensed cream of mushroom soup in your crock pot. This combo is the base of your soup, giving it that wonderful, rich flavor that makes you feel all warm inside.
While that’s getting cozy, let’s move on to the ground venison. You’ll need 1 pound of it, which you’ll want to brown in a skillet with 2 tablespoons of cooking oil (canola or grapeseed work great). Cook it until it’s no longer pink—this is where the delicious aroma begins to fill your kitchen. Don’t forget to save those pan juices; they add extra flavor to your soup.
Once the venison is browned, toss it into the crock pot with your soup base. Now, let’s sauté one diced onion in those reserved pan juices until it’s slightly translucent. Add in 1-2 minced garlic cloves, and cook just until you can smell that garlicky goodness wafting through the air.
Transfer this fragrant mixture to the crock pot, and then it’s time to throw in the rest of the veggies. Add 3 cups of frozen mixed vegetables, 3 small diced red potatoes, 1 cup of chopped cabbage, 1 (15-ounce) can of tomato sauce, and 1/3 cup of red lentils. Don’t forget those bay leaves and 4 beef bouillon cubes for some serious depth of flavor.
Mix everything well, and let the crock pot do its thing on high for about 6 to 8 hours until the potatoes and lentils are tender.
As the soup simmers away, your home will smell incredible. About 30-45 minutes before you’re ready to serve, toss in 1 cup of uncooked macaroni noodles. This is where the soup really becomes a meal.
Just remember to adjust your seasonings! Add a tablespoon of soy sauce, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you’re feeling adventurous, a splash of hot sauce or some dried herbs can really elevate the flavors.
And just like that, you’ve got a heartwarming bowl of venison soup that’s perfect for sharing—or hoarding all to yourself, no judgment here.
Crock Pot Venison Soup Substitutions & Variations
While crafting your Crock Pot Venison Soup, it’s easy to customize the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
I often swap ground venison for ground turkey or beef for a different flavor. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can use a cream of chicken soup instead.
For a heartier soup, I sometimes add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Lentils can be replaced with barley or quinoa for variety.
If you want it spicier, toss in some jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes. Experimenting makes the soup your own and keeps it exciting!
What to Serve with Crock Pot Venison Soup
Crock Pot Venison Soup pairs beautifully with a variety of sides that enhance its rich flavors.
I often serve it with crusty bread or warm rolls to soak up the delicious broth. A simple side salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette adds a rejuvenating contrast.
For a heartier option, consider garlic bread or cheesy cornbread, which complements the soup’s warmth. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more substantial, roasted vegetables or a potato dish work wonders.
Whatever you choose, these sides elevate the meal and make it even more satisfying. Enjoy!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Crock Pot Venison Soup turns out perfectly, I’ve found a few helpful tips worth noting.
First, don’t skip browning the venison; it adds depth to the flavor. If you prefer a thicker soup, consider adding a cornstarch slurry towards the end.
Also, feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand. For extra kick, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
Finally, let the soup sit for about 10 minutes before serving; it allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Trust me, these little tweaks make a big difference in taste!