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    Home » Cooking Methods » Slow Cooker

    Crockpot Venison Stew - Warm and Hearty

    Published: Oct 6, 2009 Last updated: Nov 14, 2022 by Shelby Law Ruttan · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    This flavorful, hearty Venison Stew slow cooker recipe has a rich red wine based broth and so easy to make. It cooks on low heat all day for tender stew meat and potatoes meal.
    Featured image for crockpot venison stew..
    Crockpot Venison Stew in overhead shot showing meat, potatoes, and carrots in the serving dish with homemade bread to the left.

    Crockpot Venison Stew is slow-cooked to perfection in a dark rich broth full of deer meat, potatoes, and tenderizing red wine or brown ale! Come home to a hot and hearty meal straight from your slow cooker! Pair your venison stew with a few slices of bread. Just right for sopping up all of the tasty rich broth at the bottom of your bowl!

    A gray bowl with pieces stew meat and veggies in a flavorful wine based broth.

    There is nothing that will draw your family to the kitchen like the wonderful aromas of venison stew hitting their nose as soon as they walk in the house! This Crockpot Venison Stew will do exactly that. So flavorful and delicious, there won't be a drop left in their bowls.

    Jump to:
    • Why I love this recipe
    • FAQ's
    • Ingredients
    • Variations
    • Top tips
    • Instructions
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Related Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Why I love this recipe

    I always start thinking about Crockpot Venison Stew when the fall gets here. Pretty soon, another deer hunting season will be right around the corner. We will be back in the woods, looking to bring home some more wild game for our freezer.

    When we return from the night watch in the woods, we are usually chilly and hungry. Coming home to a house filled with the aroma of a hot venison dinner ready to go on the table is so comforting. This Crockpot Venison Stew warms us up quite well after spending time in the woods!

    Slow cooked venison stew in an orange crock with slices of homemade bread in the background.

    FAQ's

    What is venison stew meat?

    Stew meat is basically the least tender cut of the deer. Grumpy says it is the bits and pieces of tougher meat that also can be made into ground venison. It is the tougher meat from the animal which is why slow cooking is the best way to prepare it.

    Can I use another cut of deer meat for stew?

    Stew meat is basically the least tender cut of the deer. Grumpy says it is the bits and pieces of tougher meat that also can be made into ground venison. It is the tougher meat from the animal which is why making venison stew in the crockpot is the best way to prepare it.

    Does all venison have a wild gamey taste?

    Wild game has a rich and earthy flavor. However, gaminess is caused by several factors. Undesirable flavor can be the result of taking an older buck, one that was in the rut (therefore his testosterone is high), or poor processing can all be factors of a gamey flavor.

    How long can I store venison in the freezer?

    It depends on how the meat is packaged. I recommend vacuum sealing. Good wrapping will assist in longer storage. We have had venison in the freezer for as long as 2 years and have never had freezer burnt meat.

    Ingredients

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from affiliate links.

    Below are just some of the basics you need to make this recipe. You will need several seasonings from the pantry which are listed in the recipe card itself.

    Venison Stew Meat

    Potatoes: I love to use gold potatoes. I feel like they have the creamiest texture and buttery flavor. They go excellent in this stew.

    Cremini Mushrooms are my favorite. If you don't like mushrooms, just leave them out. You can also use white button mushrooms or baby portabellas.

    Tomato Paste: this is an important ingredient. It will help thicken up the stew as well as add flavor.

    Red Wine or Beer: A dark or light beer will work, whichever you enjoy the most. I prefer a dry red wine.

    Beef Broth: Essential in this recipe. It adds flavor.

    Crockpot: I use this one. I love that it has a warm setting on it so if it finishes before we get home, it keeps it warm still.

    Crockpot Venison Stew in a orange serving crock sitting on a black plate with two slices of homemade bread.

    Variations

    • Use bacon grease to sear the stew meat for added flavor
    • Make the stew in a dutch oven on the stove top or in the oven. Just assemble all the ingredients into the dutch oven after the meat has been seared and simmer for 1 hour on low until vegetables are cooked and meat is tender.
    • Substitute beef stew meat for the venison.

    Top tips

    • Follow the recommended cooking method for this recipe. Cooking it longer is ok but do not cook it for less time.
    • If you cook this recipe on high, I recommend 4 hours. However, I highly recommend that you cook this recipe on low.
    • Be sure to dice your carrots and potatoes into smaller pieces. A good recommendation is 1" cubes. Anything larger can cause your vegetables to not cook.
    • Follow the instructions for layering the ingredients into your pot. Potatoes and carrots will take longer to cook than any of your other ingredients and need to be on the bottom layer closer to the heat.

    Instructions

    Prepare the stew meat by tossing it with flour, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.

    Deer meat cubes coated in flour in a mixing bowl.
    Stew meat is coated in flour before searing in a hot skillet.

    Heat a large non-stick skillet until it is hot. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and sear meat until browned on all sides. This should only take 2-3 minutes.

    Venison meat being browned in skillet with flour coating.
    The stew meat is seared until browned on all sides, but not cooked all the way through.

    While deer meat is searing, prepare your vegetables for the stew. Chop and measure your vegetables for the venison stew and set aside.

    Chopped potatoes, onions, and carrots, ready to go into the slow cooker
    Root veggies and onions add to the heartiness and flavor of this venison stew recipe.

    In your crockpot, layer your vegetables and seasoning in your slow cooker ceramic pot. Start with the potatoes and end with the seasonings (the first 13 ingredients listed in the recipe).

    Layered potatoes, carrots, and spices in slow cooker.
    Once the veggies are in the crockpot, the tomato paste and other herbs are placed on top.

    Place the browned stew meat on top of layered vegetables and pour broth over top. Place the lid on your crockpot and set you're it to cook on low temperature for about 7-½ hours. Cooking on high heat is not recommended for this recipe.

    Stew Meat on top of vegetable layer in crockpot
    Place a layer of seared stew meat on top of the veggies in the slow cooker.

    When your venison stew is done, remove the bay leaf, serve and enjoy!

    Meat, Potatoes, and Vegetables that have just finished cooking in the slow cooker.
    The end result is a tender meaty stew in a rich and flavorful broth!

    Serving Suggestions

    Whenever we eat a stew, we like to have some sort of starch to soak up the gravy at the bottom of our bowl. I usually will make a recipe for Homemade Soft White Bread or Homemade Sweet Dinner Rolls to serve with this stew!

    If you love Venison Recipes, be sure to check out my new website. Some of our favorite recipes there is Venison Stir-Fry, Venison Sloppy Joes, and BBQ Cheddar Meatloaves!

    Related Recipes

    The convenience of the slow cooker makes dinner time smooth going. Coming home to a hot meal with no mess is pretty darn satisfying! Below are some of our favorite slow cooker recipes:

    • Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket,
    • Slow Cooker Beef and Veggie Sliders
    • Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs
    Crockpot Venison Stew in overhead shot showing meat, potatoes, and carrots in the serving dish with homemade bread to the left.

    Don't forget to check out my Amazon storefront for some of my favorite products!

    When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!

    If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating

    📖 Recipe

    Featured image for crockpot venison stew..

    Crockpot Venison Stew

    Shelby Law Ruttan
    This flavorful, hearty Venison Stew slow cooker recipe has a rich red wine based broth and so easy to make. It cooks on low heat all day for tender stew meat and potatoes meal.
    4.45 from 208 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Go to Collections
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 7 hrs
    Total Time 7 hrs 20 mins
    Course Main Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 313 kcal

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cups Yukon gold or red potato peeled and cubed
    • 2 cups cremini mushrooms , quartered
    • 1 cup celery , sliced
    • 1 cup carrot , sliced
    • ½ cup onion , diced
    • ⅓ cup tomato paste
    • 1½ teaspoon sugar (optional)
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
    • ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 1 bay leaf
    • ¼ cup flour
    • ⅙ teaspoon salt
    • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1½ pound venison stew meat
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 cup red wine
    • 1 cup beef broth

    Instructions
     

    • In a large mixing bowl, sprinkle the flour, teaspoon salt, and teaspoon pepper over top of the venison stew meat. Toss to coat.
      dredging meat with flour
    • Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the venison. Cook for 4 minutes or until browned on all sides, turning frequently.
    • Add the potatoes, mushrooms, celery, carrots, onion, venison stew meat, tomato paste, oregano, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using).
    • Pour beer and broth over venison. Cover and cook on low 7 ½ hours or until meat is tender. Discard bay leaf before serving.

    Video

    Notes

    Make this recipe the way you like it

    • Substitute beer for the red wine
    • Feel free to substitute beef for venison to make beef stew
    • Substitute diced turnip for the potatoes for a lower carb version of venison stew.
    • Make this in a dutch oven instead of the crockpot. In step 2, instead of putting the ingredients in the slow cooker, put them in the dutch oven and bake at 350 for 1-½ hours.
    • Stew can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months; add a little more water or beer when reheating.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 313kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 30gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 96mgSodium: 617mgPotassium: 1164mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 3875IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 56mgIron: 6mg
    Keyword crockpot venison stew, Slow Cooker, slow cooker venison stew, stew recipe, venison recipe, venison stew
    Tried this recipe?Mention @grumpyshoneybunch or tag #grumpyshoneybunch!

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    About Shelby Law Ruttan

    Shelby is the author/owner of Grumpy's Honeybunch. Established in 2007, she shares and preserves family recipes as well as recipes for cooking light and keto. She has authored the One-Pot Paleo Cookbook and The Pescatarian Keto Cookbook. She is an experienced, self-taught home cook who loves to share recipes with others. She also authors the websites Honeybunch Hunts and The Best Vegetarian Recipes. You can see her work on websites such as Veal Made Easy, Parade, Community Table, SoFab Food, Yummly, and FoodGawker.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Anne Lawton

      December 05, 2018 at 5:23 pm

      you can't go wrong with stew this time of year! This looks good.

      Reply
    2. Caroline

      December 04, 2018 at 10:51 am

      I haven't had venison in so long since we don't really get it here, but I used to love it when we got it in the UK. This looks so comforting.

      Reply
    3. Karen

      December 02, 2018 at 11:44 am

      How awesome that you have someone who goes out and brings back dinner! Your bowl of the stew is gorgeous.

      Reply
    4. Liz @ The Lemon Bowl

      August 10, 2018 at 1:45 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so yummy! I don't often cook with venison - but this sounds fabulous! 🙂

      Reply
    5. ashley manila

      August 10, 2018 at 9:13 am

      I have to try this soon!

      Reply
    6. Carolyn

      August 09, 2018 at 9:58 pm

      5 stars
      This sounds lovely, bread dipped in this stew would be so amazing!

      Reply
    7. Jersey Girl Cooks

      August 09, 2018 at 1:49 pm

      5 stars
      I'm not a huge venison person but I think I'd love this stew! Or I could always use beef instead. Love your presentation!

      Reply
    8. Lauren Vavala @ DeliciousLittleBites

      August 06, 2018 at 9:29 am

      5 stars
      Sending this recipe right over to my fiance now! He's got a bunch of venison in the freezer and needed some new ideas for it! Thanks!

      Reply
    9. Lisa | Garlic & Zest

      August 06, 2018 at 9:26 am

      5 stars
      It seems that being a "hunters widow" is more beneficial than being a "golf widow". My husband never shows up with game after 18 holes. Your venison stew looks amazing!

      Reply
    10. Dahn

      August 06, 2018 at 9:23 am

      delicious stew! We still have some venison from last year that needs to get eaten so we can make room for this years supply. Time to make some stew!

      Reply
    11. Lisa

      August 06, 2018 at 9:19 am

      5 stars
      We have so much venison in the freezer. I was just thinking I need to make a stew and this one looks so delicious.

      Reply
    12. Claudia Lamascolo

      August 06, 2018 at 7:54 am

      5 stars
      We love venison and stew is the way to go, it makes it so tender. I love how delicious this looks and the flavors will be exactly what I would use my husband would love this. I will need to make this when he gets venision again!

      Reply
    13. Kaylee

      March 25, 2018 at 12:49 pm

      I have this is in my crockpot right now, but with Elk instead. Thank you so much for posting game recipes, my dad is a huge hunter so we get most our meat from him and since my husband is out of town I need to prep cook for the week.

      Reply
      • Shelby

        March 25, 2018 at 1:37 pm

        Hi Kaylee! Thanks for letting me know. I hope your family loves this recipe with the Elk! I have not had Elk yet, but Grumpy does want to do an Elk hunt so I'm pretty sure one day I will finally get to try it 🙂

        Reply
    14. Richa Gupta

      January 05, 2018 at 8:51 pm

      The soup looks spicy and yummy over all!

      Reply
    15. Carolyn

      January 03, 2018 at 3:58 pm

      This looks perfect for the colder days!

      Reply
    16. ashley

      January 03, 2018 at 1:44 pm

      This looks so warm and comforting!

      Reply
    17. Laura

      January 02, 2018 at 1:35 pm

      A family friend of ours hunts and always gives us some venison! YUM!

      Reply
    18. Kristine

      November 07, 2017 at 1:14 am

      My family doesn't like mushrooms. Would you substitute something else or just leave them out? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Shelby

        November 07, 2017 at 5:52 am

        You can leave the mushrooms out 🙂

        Reply
    19. ERIN

      October 19, 2017 at 3:18 pm

      COULD I USE VENISON "STEW MEAT" INSTEAD OF THE BACK STRAP? I HAVE SOME IN THE FREEZER AND I NEED A RECIPE FOR IT. THIS LOOKS PERFECT.

      Reply
      • Shelby

        October 20, 2017 at 5:37 am

        Absolutely and thank you!

        Reply
    20. BRIAN & JOANIE

      December 20, 2012 at 4:25 pm

      5 stars
      My husband has been making venison stew for years. I made your recipe 2 days ago. He says it was the best he's ever had. I made pop overs with them. Yummy!

      Reply
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