Why You’ll Love This Venison Casserole Recipe
If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful dish, you’ll love this venison casserole recipe. It’s packed with rich flavors that warm you from the inside out.
The tender venison perfectly complements the earthy vegetables and aromatic herbs, creating a comforting meal that feels like a big hug. I can’t get enough of the savory red wine sauce; it elevates the whole dish.
Plus, it’s perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners at home. Your kitchen will smell divine as it cooks, making it hard to resist.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more!
Ingredients of Venison Casserole
When diving into the world of cooking, having a solid list of ingredients is like having a map before you set off on a road trip. And let me tell you, this venison casserole is worth every ingredient. It’s a dish that brings warmth and comfort, especially on chilly evenings when you want to snuggle up with something hearty.
So, let’s gather what we need to turn this dream casserole into reality. Here’s what you’ll need for that delicious venison casserole:
- 500 g venison
- 2 large carrots
- 1 onion
- 2 celery ribs
- 150 g mushrooms
- 1 (400 g) can borlotti beans
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 25 g butter
- 1 tablespoon red currant jelly
- 1 beef stock cube
- 350 ml red wine
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- salt and pepper
Now, if you’re wondering about the ingredients, let’s chat a bit more. First off, venison is leaner than beef, which is why it’s such a great choice for this dish. Plus, it has that lovely, rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the earthy veggies.
Carrots and celery add sweetness and crunch, while mushrooms give it that umami kick. And let’s not forget about the herbs—they’re essential for creating that aromatic experience that makes your home smell divine.
If you can’t find fresh herbs, don’t sweat it; dried versions are a fine substitute. Just remember, cooking is all about improvisation and making it your own.
How to Make Venison Casserole
Alright, let’s plunge into making this warming venison casserole that will have you feeling like a master chef in no time. First things first, preheat your oven to 170°C. This is vital because we want that cozy warmth to envelop our casserole as it cooks.
Now, grab your 25 g of butter and melt half of it in a large lidded casserole. As the butter melts, the aroma will start to waft, and you’ll feel like you’re already winning at this cooking game.
Next, finely dice 1 onion, 2 celery ribs, and a couple of cloves of garlic if you have them lying around (because garlic makes everything better, right?). Sauté those until they’re softened, which should take a few minutes—just enough time to contemplate life or maybe even your next Netflix binge.
Once they’re looking good, toss in 150 g of halved or quartered mushrooms, your 1 (400 g) can of borlotti beans (drained, of course), and 2 large carrots, chopped into bite-sized pieces. Give it all a good stir and fry for another couple of minutes, just to get everything mingling.
Now it’s time for the fun part—add 2 tablespoons of flour to the mix. This will help thicken our casserole and create that rich, luscious sauce we’re after. Stir it around until the flour is well-coated and absorbed, cooking for another two minutes because patience is a virtue in cooking.
Next, grab your 350 ml of red wine and pour it in, along with a sprig of fresh thyme, a sprig of fresh rosemary, and a bay leaf to elevate those flavors. Crumble in 1 beef stock cube, add a tablespoon of red currant jelly (trust me on this one), and season with salt and pepper. Stir well, let it simmer for a bit, and then it’s time for the venison.
Brown 500 g of cubed venison in the remaining butter in a small frying pan. Don’t overdo it; a quick sear is all you need to keep that meat tender and juicy. Once browned, add the venison to the casserole, cover it, and pop it into the oven.
After about half an hour, lower the temperature to 130°C and let it cook for 2 to 3 hours. Yes, I know, it feels like a long time, but trust me, the wait is worth it. Just check on it every so often, and if it looks too dry, add a splash of water.
Sit back, relax, and let the delicious aromas fill your kitchen. You’re on your way to a comforting, hearty meal that will warm your soul.
Venison Casserole Substitutions & Variations
Now that we’ve mastered the art of making a delicious venison casserole, let’s explore some substitutions and variations to make this dish your own.
If you can’t find venison, you can easily swap in beef or lamb for a similar flavor. For a lighter option, consider using turkey.
Replace borlotti beans with chickpeas or lentils for a different texture. Try adding root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes for extra sweetness.
To enhance the flavor, incorporate different herbs like oregano or basil. Experiment with various wines or even stock for a new depth of flavor.
Enjoy personalizing your casserole!
What to Serve with Venison Casserole
What should you serve alongside your hearty venison casserole to create a comforting meal?
I love pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up the rich sauce beautifully.
Roasted vegetables, like carrots and Brussels sprouts, add color and balance to the dish.
A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette brightens the plate and refreshes the palate.
If I’m feeling indulgent, crusty bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
Finally, a glass of robust red wine enhances the flavors and rounds out the experience.
Enjoy your meal!
Additional Tips & Notes
To elevate your venison casserole experience, consider a few additional tips and notes.
First, marinating the venison overnight in red wine and herbs can enhance flavor and tenderness. I also like to add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasonings before serving!
Finally, let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes after baking—this helps the flavors meld beautifully. Enjoy your hearty dish!