Are you a beginner looking to try out some delicious and easy venison recipes? Look no further! Venison, the lean meat from deer, can be cooked in a variety of ways, but sometimes it can be intimidating to get started. With the help of your slow cooker, however, you’ll be able to create mouth-watering dishes that are perfect for any occasion.
In this article, we’ll explore 20 simple and easy venison slow cooker recipes that are perfect for beginners. From hearty stews to flavorful tacos and burgers, there’s something for everyone on this list. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just looking to try out some new flavors, these recipes will guide you through the process of cooking with venison in your slow cooker.
In our next section, we’ll dive into the first 5 recipes on our list, including Slow Cooker Venison Stew with Root Vegetables and Easy Venison Pot Roast with Gravy. Keep reading to get started!
Slow Cooker Venison Stew with Root Vegetables
This rich and flavorful stew is a perfect way to warm up on a chilly day, featuring tender venison and a medley of root vegetables slow-cooked in a savory broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound venison steaks or ground venison
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and chopped
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the venison with salt, pepper, and thyme.
2. Place the venison in the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, carrots, potatoes, and sweet potato.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth and tomato paste. Pour over the vegetables.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Easy Venison Pot Roast with Gravy
A hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion, this easy venison pot roast recipe yields tender meat smothered in a rich, savory gravy. With minimal prep time and a straightforward cooking process, you’ll be enjoying a delicious meal in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs venison pot roast
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Season venison with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown venison on all sides, about 5 minutes.
4. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add broth, wine (if using), and tomato paste. Bring to a boil, then cover and transfer to the preheated oven.
6. Cook for 2-1/2 hours or until venison is tender. Serve with juices spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Venison Slow Cooker Chili
A hearty and flavorful chili recipe perfect for a cold winter’s day, made with tender venison and a blend of aromatic spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb venison steaks or ground venison
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup beef broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: jalapenos or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. Brown the venison in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. In the slow cooker, combine the cooked venison, vegetable mixture, chili powder, cumin, paprika, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Herbed Venison Roast with Garlic and Rosemary
Elevate your game meat with this flavorful venison roast recipe, infused with the savory flavors of garlic, rosemary, and herbs. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-2 pound) venison roast
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, olive oil, rosemary, and thyme.
3. Rub the herb mixture all over the venison roast, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place the venison roast in a roasting pan and cook for 2-3 hours, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
6. Let the roast rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Venison and Mushroom Slow Cooker Casserole
This rich and savory casserole is perfect for a cold winter’s day, with tender venison and mushrooms slow-cooked in a flavorful broth. Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground venison
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and button), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz lasagna noodles
Instructions:
1. Brown the venison in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
3. In the slow cooker, combine the cooked venison mixture, mushrooms, garlic, beef broth, heavy cream, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, add the lasagna noodles to the slow cooker to warm through.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Venison Tacos
Experience the bold flavors of the Wild West with this easy-to-make Slow Cooker Venison Tacos recipe. With tender venison, savory spices, and a hint of cumin, these tacos are sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb venison steaks or ground venison
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Shredded cheese, sour cream, and any other desired toppings
Instructions:
1. Brown the venison in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the browned venison, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, cumin, and chili powder to the slow cooker.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Shred the venison with two forks and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Warm tortillas according to package instructions.
6. Assemble tacos by spooning the venison mixture onto a tortilla and topping with cheese, sour cream, and any desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 3-8 hours (low) or 1-4 hours (high)
Venison Barbacoa for Sliders
This recipe takes the rich flavors of traditional barbacoa and condenses them into bite-sized sliders, perfect for snacking or serving at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound venison steaks (or substitute with beef or pork)
– 1/4 cup barbacoa seasoning
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beer (optional)
– 8 hamburger buns
– Shredded cheese, lettuce, and other toppings of your choice
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to low.
2. In a small bowl, mix together barbacoa seasoning, olive oil, onion, and garlic.
3. Add the venison steaks to the mixture and coat evenly.
4. Cook for 6-8 hours or overnight.
5. Shred the venison with two forks and stir in beer (if using).
6. Assemble sliders by spooning the barbacoa onto buns, followed by your choice of toppings.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Easy Venison Stroganoff in the Slow Cooker
This comforting dish is a twist on the classic beef stroganoff, featuring tender venison and a rich mushroom sauce. Perfect for a chilly evening or game day gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound venison steaks (or ground venison), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 oz mushrooms (button, cremini, or shiitake), sliced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz sour cream
– Chopped fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and mushrooms; cook until the mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker with the venison, beef broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Stir in the sour cream just before serving. Garnish with parsley or dill.
Venison and Bean Slow Cooker Soup
This rich and flavorful soup is perfect for a cozy dinner or a comforting meal on-the-go. With tender venison, creamy beans, and aromatic spices, this slow cooker recipe is a delicious way to warm up on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound venison steak or ground venison
– 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Brown the venison in a skillet over medium-high heat, then set aside.
2. In the slow cooker, combine the browned venison, kidney beans, onion, garlic, red bell pepper, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and thyme.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or thyme, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Venison Bourguignon
This rich and flavorful stew is a perfect way to enjoy the tender flavor of venison. With minimal prep work, this slow cooker recipe allows you to simmer your ingredients all day for a deliciously comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb venison steaks or stew meat
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brown the venison in a skillet over medium-high heat; set aside.
2. In the slow cooker, combine onion, garlic, red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, carrots, celery, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the browned venison to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Venison Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
This recipe combines the rich flavor of venison with the classic comfort of tomato sauce, perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground venison
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 jar (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine venison, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well with hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
3. Form into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. While meatballs are cooking, heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
6. Stir in crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let sauce thicken for 10-15 minutes.
7. Serve meatballs with tomato sauce and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Easy Slow Cooker Venison Curry
This hearty and flavorful curry is a perfect way to enjoy the rich taste of venison without much fuss. Simply throw all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound venison steak or roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
Instructions:
1. Add the venison, onion, garlic, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
2. Pour in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and coconut milk.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Serve hot over rice or with naan bread.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Venison and Sweet Potato Stew
This comforting stew is a perfect way to warm up on a chilly day. Tender venison, sweet potatoes, and aromatic spices come together in a rich and flavorful broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb venison steak or ground venison
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Brown the venison in a large pot over medium-high heat. Remove from pot and set aside.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the cubed sweet potatoes, beef broth, red wine (if using), and thyme to the pot. Stir to combine.
5. Return the venison to the pot and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 1/2 hours or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Slow Cooker Venison Ragu over Pasta
Slow Cooker Venison Ragu over Pasta: A hearty and comforting meal perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound venison steaks, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g. pappardelle, spaghetti)
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Season the venison pieces with salt and pepper.
2. In the slow cooker, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, red wine, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and dried oregano.
3. Add the seasoned venison to the slow cooker and stir to coat.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, cook pasta according to package instructions.
6. Serve the venison ragu over cooked pasta, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Venison and Cabbage Slow Cooker Dinner
This comforting slow cooker recipe combines tender venison with sweet and savory cabbage, making it a perfect meal for a chilly evening. With minimal prep time and effortless cooking, you’ll be enjoying a satisfying dinner in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound venison steak or roast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine venison, cabbage, onion, and garlic.
2. Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Easy Venison Goulash in the Slow Cooker
Perfect for a hearty and comforting meal, this slow cooker venison goulash is a great way to enjoy the rich flavors of game meat. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound venison stew meat
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup red wine
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 ounces mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
Instructions:
1. Place the venison, onion, garlic, beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, paprika, salt, and pepper in a slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Add the mushrooms during the last hour of cooking.
4. Serve hot over egg noodles or with crusty bread.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Venison and Lentil Soup
This slow cooker recipe combines the rich flavor of venison with the comforting warmth of lentils, perfect for a cozy night in. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound venison steaks or ground venison
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 medium carrots, chopped
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Brown the venison in a skillet over medium-high heat; set aside.
2. Add the lentils, carrots, celery, and onion to the slow cooker.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the broth mixture over the vegetables and venison in the slow cooker.
5. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
Serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.
Venison and Vegetable Slow Cooker Stew
This hearty stew is a perfect way to enjoy the flavors of venison with a medley of vegetables, all cooked to tender perfection in a slow cooker. With minimal prep time and no fuss, this recipe is ideal for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb venison steaks, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, carrots, potatoes, and red bell pepper to the slow cooker.
2. Place venison pieces on top of vegetables.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth.
4. Sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper over the stew.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours (depending on slow cooker setting)
Easy Slow Cooker Venison BBQ Sandwiches
Transform tender venison into mouthwatering BBQ sandwiches with this effortless recipe. Perfect for a crowd, these slow-cooked wonders are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound venison steaks or ground venison
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup barbecue sauce
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw and pickles (optional)
Instructions:
1. Place the venison in a slow cooker.
2. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic on top of the venison.
3. Pour the barbecue sauce over the mixture, making sure everything is coated.
4. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
5. Assemble the sandwiches by placing the cooked venison onto a hamburger bun.
6. Add coleslaw and pickles if desired.
Cooking Time: 8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
Venison and Barley Slow Cooker Meal
This slow cooker recipe combines the rich flavor of venison with the comforting warmth of barley, making it a perfect meal for a chilly evening. With minimal effort required, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb venison steak or roast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine venison, beef broth, barley, onion, garlic, and thyme.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Summary
Get ready to savor the rich flavor of venison with these 20 simple and easy slow cooker recipes perfect for beginners! From hearty stews and roasts to flavorful curries and tacos, this collection offers a variety of delicious and comforting options. Whether you’re looking for a classic pot roast or something more adventurous like venison BBQ sandwiches, these recipes are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, these slow cooker recipes are perfect for busy days and weeknight meals.
