Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Venison Stew With Bacon and Mushrooms Recipe
When you cozy up with a bowl of this Crock Pot Venison Stew, you’ll instantly understand why it’s a favorite in my kitchen.
The rich, savory flavors meld together beautifully, creating a warm, comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings.
I love how easy it’s to make; just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
Plus, the tender venison and crispy bacon add a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Each bite’s a delightful mix of textures and tastes, making it a meal that brings family and friends together, sharing stories and laughter.
Ingredients of Crock Pot Venison Stew With Bacon and Mushrooms
When it comes to whipping up a delicious meal in no time, this Crock Pot Venison Stew with Bacon and Mushrooms is truly a gem. It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience that wraps you in warmth and comfort, making it perfect for those chilly nights when you want to huddle up with something hearty and satisfying.
Imagine the aroma wafting through your house as the stew simmers away, filling the air with mouthwatering scents that make your stomach growl in anticipation. And the best part? You get to toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. It’s like having your own personal chef, but without the fuss of a fancy kitchen.
Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this delightful stew:
- 2 lbs venison stew meat, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2 inch chunks
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 slices smoky bacon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced into half moons
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup dry red wine or dry sherry
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 (10 1/2 ounce) can beef broth
- 12 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced or quartered
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Now that you’ve got your ingredients lined up, let’s think about a few things while you prep. If you’re like me, you might’ve a fondness for a certain type of wine that’s just too good to cook with—don’t worry, no one will judge you if you sip a little while you stir!
And speaking of substitutions, if venison isn’t your jam, you can easily swap it out for beef or even turkey. Just remember, the cooking times might vary slightly.
Also, feel free to experiment with the veggies; throw in some potatoes or parsnips if that tickles your fancy. Cooking should be fun, so don’t be shy to make this recipe your own!
How to Make Crock Pot Venison Stew With Bacon and Mushrooms
Making the Crock Pot Venison Stew with Bacon and Mushrooms is as simple as pie, or should I say, as simple as stew? First things first, grab your 2 lbs of venison stew meat. You’ll want to trim off any excess fat, tenderize it by pounding, and cut it into 1 1/2 inch chunks. This step can be a little therapeutic—just imagine you’re taking out the day’s frustrations on that meat.
Once you’ve got your chunks ready, season them generously with salt and pepper.
Now, let’s get sizzling. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook 2 slices of smoky bacon until they’re nice and crispy. The sound of that bacon crackling? Pure music to any foodie’s ears. Once it’s done, transfer it to a paper towel to drain, and crumble it up like you’re the world’s most skilled bacon crumblist.
In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the bacon drippings—yes, you want all that flavor. Brown the venison in batches, making sure each piece gets a nice golden hue. This should take about 10 minutes total, and trust me, your patience will pay off when the stew is done.
After the meat is browned and happily transferred to the slow cooker, toss in 1 large yellow onion, sliced into half moons, 2 chopped carrots, and 1 minced garlic clove into that same skillet. Cook them for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Then sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to thicken things up, stir it around, and transfer the mixture to the slow cooker. Now comes the fun part—pour in 2/3 cup of dry red wine or sherry (I promise, this is where the magic happens) and bring it to a boil, scraping up all those delicious bits stuck to the pan.
Once it’s thickened a bit, pour it into the slow cooker, adding 1 bay leaf, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme if you’re feeling fancy), and the 10 1/2 ounce can of beef broth. Stir it all together, cover it up, and let it cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours.
As the hours pass, the aroma will weave through your home, and you might find yourself checking on it more often than necessary—no judgment here. When the time is almost up, toss in 12 ounces of fresh mushrooms, along with the crumbled bacon. Stir it all together and let it cook on LOW for another 3 hours.
Finally, remove that bay leaf, stir in 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar for a tangy finish, and voilà! You have a hearty, flavorful stew that’s perfect for cozy nights. Now, grab a bowl, and let the feast begin.
Crock Pot Venison Stew With Bacon and Mushrooms Substitutions & Variations
While you might love the classic flavors of the Crock Pot Venison Stew with Bacon and Mushrooms, there are plenty of ways to mix things up.
For a twist, try substituting the venison with beef or even turkey for a lighter option. You can also swap out the bacon for pancetta or turkey bacon if you prefer.
Experiment with different mushrooms, like shiitake or portobello, for added depth. If you want a bit of heat, toss in some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
Finally, consider adding root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for extra heartiness. Enjoy!
What to Serve with Crock Pot Venison Stew With Bacon and Mushrooms
Crock Pot Venison Stew with Bacon and Mushrooms pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides that enhance its rich flavors.
I love serving it with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up the savory broth beautifully. A side of roasted vegetables, like carrots and Brussels sprouts, adds a nice crunch and color to the meal.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the stew’s heartiness.
Finally, crusty bread is perfect for dipping and enjoying every delicious bite. These sides make for a truly satisfying dining experience!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Crock Pot Venison Stew turns out perfectly, it’s important to remember a few key tips.
First, don’t skip browning the meat; it adds depth to the flavor. If you can, let the venison marinate in the seasonings overnight for even better taste.
Adjust the cooking time based on your slow cooker, as they can vary. Feel free to add more veggies like potatoes or peas for extra nutrition.
Finally, let the stew cool completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container. Enjoy it the next day; the flavors meld beautifully!