Description
This Best Crockpot Venison Roast is the ultimate comfort food! A 2-3 pound venison roast is slow-cooked with hearty vegetables, red wine, and aromatic herbs to create a melt-in-your-mouth meal. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this easy recipe guarantees tender meat and a rich, flavorful gravy.
Ingredients
- 2–3 pound venison roast
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour (divided)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
- 1 cup red wine or beef broth
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cups beef broth or venison broth
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more for seasoning roast)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (plus more for seasoning roast)
- 4–5 large carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1.5 pounds baby yellow potatoes, cut into 2–3 inch pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the Roast:
Pat the venison roast dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper, then sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the entire roast. - Sear the Roast:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Sear the roast on all sides until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the roast to the crockpot. - Cook Aromatics:
In the same skillet, sauté the onion, garlic, thyme, and rosemary for 2 minutes. - Deglaze the Pan:
Pour in the red wine or beef broth and simmer until reduced by half. Scrape up the browned bits from the pan and stir in balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Pour this mixture into the crockpot. - Make the Gravy Base:
In a bowl, whisk 4 tablespoons of flour with 1 cup of beef broth. Add this to the crockpot, along with the remaining 1 cup of broth. - Add Vegetables:
Arrange the carrots and potatoes around the roast in the crockpot. Season with salt and pepper. - Slow Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the venison roast is fork-tender. - Serve:
Transfer the roast, vegetables, and gravy to a serving platter. Enjoy this hearty dish with crusty bread or a fresh side salad.
Notes
- Optional Marinade: To reduce the gamey flavor of venison, marinate it overnight in red wine or buttermilk.
- Searing Tip: Don’t skip searing the roast! It adds a deep, caramelized flavor to the dish.
- Vegetable Swaps: Feel free to swap the carrots and potatoes for parsnips, sweet potatoes, or your favorite root vegetables.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American