Delicious and Easy Deer Meat Crock Pot Recipes

Deer hunting season is a time of excitement and anticipation, but what happens after the hunt? You're left with a bounty of venison, and the question becomes: what to do with all that delicious meat? Crock pot cooking offers a fantastic solution, providing tender, flavorful results with minimal effort. These slow-cooked recipes are perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals. Let's explore some mouthwatering deer meat crock pot recipes!

Why Choose a Crock Pot for Venison?

Venison, leaner than beef, can sometimes be tough if not cooked properly. The low and slow cooking method of a crock pot is ideal for breaking down the connective tissues, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy venison. This method also maximizes flavor infusion, allowing the meat to absorb the tastes of your chosen spices and ingredients.

Top 3 Deer Meat Crock Pot Recipes

Here are three recipes guaranteed to impress, each showcasing the versatility of venison in a crock pot:

1. Classic Crock Pot Venison Stew

This hearty stew is a family favorite, perfect for chilly evenings.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs venison stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup frozen peas (added during the last 30 minutes)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Sear the venison cubes in olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned on all sides. This step is optional but adds depth of flavor.
2. Transfer the browned venison to your crock pot.
3. Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the crock pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in the garlic, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
5. Continue cooking on low for another 2-3 hours, or on high for 1-1.5 hours, until the venison is very tender.
6. If desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
7. Stir in the frozen peas during the last 30 minutes.
8. Serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

2. Slow Cooker Venison Chili

A flavorful and warming chili perfect for a crowd.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs venison, ground
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, onions

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground venison in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Transfer the ground venison to your crock pot.
3. Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the crock pot.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until heated through.
6. Serve hot with your favorite chili toppings.

3. Crock Pot Venison Pulled Pork Style

A surprisingly delicious twist on a classic!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs venison shoulder roast
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Burger buns, coleslaw, BBQ sauce (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Place the venison roast in your crock pot.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture over the venison roast.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the venison is fork-tender and easily shreds.
5. Shred the venison with two forks. Mix some of the cooking liquid back into the shredded meat for extra moisture.
6. Serve on burger buns with coleslaw and BBQ sauce.

Tips for Success with Crock Pot Venison

• Trim excess fat: While some fat is desirable for flavor, trimming excess fat will prevent your venison from becoming greasy.
• Don't overcook: Venison can become dry if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for medium-well doneness.
• Experiment with flavors: Venison pairs well with a variety of herbs and spices. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combinations.

These recipes are just a starting point. With a little creativity, you can create countless delicious crock pot venison meals. Enjoy!