For families who honor the tradition of hunting, having a bunch of savory recipes that showcase the rich flavors of venison is essential. It’s not just about the hunt but also about the memorable meals that follow, bringing everyone together around the dinner table.
In this post, I’ve gathered a selection of the best recipes, each guaranteed to warm the heart and soul. Whether you’re after a classic venison stew meat that echoes generations of family hunts or seeking innovative flavors to elevate your venison, I’ve gathered recipes to suit every palate.
From the slow-cooked tenderness of traditional stews to modern interpretations that blend unexpected spices and ingredients, this collection promises to transform your venison stew meat into culinary masterpieces.
Join us as we explore the versatility of venison through the art of stew-making, ensuring that your next family dinner is not just nourishing but also a testament to your hunting prowess.
1. The Best Venison Stew You’ll Ever Eat
This extraordinary recipe comes to us from Miss Allie’s Kitchen, where the focus is on wholesomeness without compromising taste.
This made-from-scratch recipe is easy to make and transforms deer meat into fall-apart tender goodness. It’s generously packed with veggies and relies on simple, accessible ingredients to deliver a flavor-packed dining experience.
Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this recipe embodies the essence of home cooking while showcasing the rich, unique taste of venison.
2. Venison Stew
This dish is a hearty, comforting recipe featured on You Say Potatoes…, known for turning simple ingredients into unforgettable meals.
It showcases tender venison chunks simmered to perfection in a rich, savory beef broth, accompanied by robust potatoes and a variety of vegetables that add texture and depth to every bite.
It’s a dish that envelops you in warmth, making it an ideal choice for cozy evenings or friendly get-togethers.
Whether you prefer the convenience of a slow cooker or the traditional approach of stovetop cooking, this recipe comes with instructions for both, ensuring that anyone can create this flavorful dish. Find it at You Say Potatoes… and make your next meal one to remember.
3. The Best Recipe for Venison Stew
For those in search of the ultimate venison stew recipe, take a look at the Midwest Nice Blog. Hailed as the BEST recipe, (aren’t they all!) it combines succulent, tender pieces of venison with perfectly cooked vegetables, all simmered gently in a rich and flavorful beef broth.
It’s not just the ingredients that make this dish a standout; it’s the love and care put into each step of the cooking process. Ideal for anyone wanting to impress with their culinary skills, this recipe guarantees a memorable dining experience.
Don’t just take our word for it, though. Check out the tasty recipe video below and prepare to be amazed by the depth of flavor in every bite.
4. Crock Pot Venison Stew
From the cozy kitchen of Honey Bee’s Homestead comes a dish that embodies the comfort and simplicity of home cooking. This flavorful, meaty Crock Pot Venison Stew is more than a recipe—it’s a day-long commitment to deliciousness.
Set it in your crock pot or slow cooker on low in the morning, and by the time you walk through the door in the evening, you’re greeted by the wonderful aroma of stew that instantly makes your mouth water.
It’s the perfect welcome home on a chilly day.
5. Dutch Oven Venison Stew
Check out this mouthwatering venison stew recipe from the culinary experts at Peak to Plate!
Picture fall-apart tender venison shanks mingling with hearty veggies in a Dutch oven, creating a rich, flavorsome meal. If you’re craving the ultimate venison comfort food, this recipe has got you covered!
If you’re looking for the perfect venison comfort food, this recipe is it!
6. Easy Hearty Deer Stew
From the heartwarming kitchen of The Rustic Elk, comes a venison stew that’s as tender as it is hearty.
This Easy Hearty Deer Stew is the essence of comfort food, ideal for thawing the chill of autumn and winter evenings. After a successful hunt, there’s nothing quite like celebrating with a dish that honors the harvest.
Simple to prepare, yet brimming with flavor, it’s a recipe set to warm the heart and soul of everyone at your table.
7. Venison Gumbo
From the seasoned kitchens of Hunt, Gather, Cook, immerse yourself in a culinary adventure with this classic Venison Gumbo.
A staple in Cajun cuisine, this venison gumbo stands out for its dark, savory, and rich flavors, carefully crafted without tomatoes and centered around a deeply flavored dark roux. This dish is particularly wonderful on cold nights, promising warmth and comfort with every spoonful.
Whether you’re a seasoned gumbo enthusiast or eager to explore the depths of Cajun cooking, this recipe is a must-try for those chilly evenings when only the heartiest of meals will do.
8. Red Wine Venison Stew
Discover this exquisite Red Wine Venison Stew on Midwest Nice Blog, where comfort meets sophistication in a dish that is perfect for weekend nights or as a delightful weekday lunch.
Crafted in the style of the classic French bœuf bourguignon, this stew combines the rich flavors of red wine, bacon, mushrooms, and fresh herbs to create a simple yet supremely satisfying dining experience.
It’s an ideal meal to cozy up with, promising warmth and a gourmet touch to your table.
9. Chunky Venison Stew
Explore the heartwarming flavors of this Chunky Venison Stew from Country at Heart Recipes. Deborah’s husband, like mine, enjoys hunting deer and elk in the fall, making this very rich venison stew a cherished method for using some of the processed meat.
This stew epitomizes rustic comfort food, with tender chunks of venison, potatoes, carrots, and a rich, flavorful broth. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to savor the bounty of the hunt in a deliciously traditional way.
10. Instant Pot Venison Stew with Sweet Potatoes
Discover another culinary masterpiece from Honey Bees, the Instant Pot Chipotle Venison Stew with Sweet Potatoes.
This recipe brings to your table chipotle seasoned tender pieces of venison, smothered in a smoky, sweet, and spicy sauce, perfectly complemented by sweet potatoes. It creates a delightful sweet heat contrast that is not only innovative but utterly delicious.
Ideal for those who love to add a bit of spice to their meals, this stew promises comfort with a kick.
11. Irish Stew
For a twist on a classic recipe that warms the soul, visit Allie’s Kitchen for the Irish Stew, a versatile dish that can be prepared with either venison or beef stew meat, to suit your tastes.
Tender chunks of deer meat (or beef!) simmered with vegetables in a rich broth, flavored with dry, stout beer, embody the essence of this phenomenal Irish stew recipe. It’s a perfect dish to enjoy regardless of the occasion, blending traditional Irish cooking with the deep, robust flavors of wild game or beef.
12. Venison Stew Homemade Old Fashioned Vintage Recipe
This gem comes from The Homestead Survival, featuring the Venison Stew Homemade Old Fashioned Vintage Recipe.
This recipe is a homesteader’s delicious delight, epitomizing the essence of comfort food with every spoonful. True to its name, this stew combines traditional cooking techniques with simple, wholesome ingredients to create a dish that not only fills your stomach but also cheers your soul.
Perfect for those chilly evenings or whenever the craving for something deeply satisfying strikes.
13. Rustic Venison Stew
This delight comes from Grey & Brianna, and is perfect for the stovetop or slow cooker. This just might be your next go-to stew recipe!
Bursting with flavor, it showcases venison in a rich, hearty beef broth, surrounded by tender vegetables and herbs that meld beautifully for a truly comforting meal. The versatility of this recipe means it can easily become a beloved staple in your kitchen, ready to warm you up on any cold day.
14. Hearty Venison Barely Stew
This robust stew recipe, excellent with either venison or duck, hails from Life on Misty Acres.
Tailor-made for those crisp fall or biting winter evenings, it’s a concoction that promises to warm you from the inside out. Thick and brimming with an assortment of vegetables, each bite is a testament to its heartiness and flavor.
Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or a soft dinner roll, and you’ve got a hearty winter meal on your table. There’s seldom any leftovers when this dish makes an appearance, a clear indicator of its irresistible appeal!
15. Carbonnade Flamande
This recipe comes from Hunt Gather Cook, and can be made with elk, deer, or beef shanks.
Belgian carbonnade flamande is one of the few dishes from that little country to gain popularity. Cousin to the more-famous French Beef Bourguignon, this is a sort of hybrid stew-braise that relies on beer, not wine.
Its unique flavor profile blends the rich, deep taste of the meat with the tangy sweetness of beer, creating a dish that’s both complex and comforting. Ideal for those who appreciate a hearty meal with a twist, carbonnade flamande is sure to delight the palette and warm the soul.
16. Venison Stew Tunisian Style
Here’s another one from Hunt Gather Cook, and this one is inspired by the flavors of Tunisia and North Africa.
Virtually everything you need to make this recipe you already have, or you can easily find in the supermarket. Rich with spices like cumin, coriander, and a hint of cinnamon, this Venison Stew Tunisian Style brings a warm, aromatic flair to the table.
Perfect for an adventurous palate looking to explore global flavors from the comfort of home.
17. Northern Hearty Venison Stew
This one is from Off the Grid Life, and it is delicious. It’s a great way to transform your deer, elk, or moose venison stewing meat into an easy, delicious meal.
The ingredients are easy to come by, whether you’re a backwoods hunter or an urban foodie. Look for juniper berries, maple syrup, and sage.
And the venison stew requires minimal attention while simmering, making it the perfect dish to prepare for a cozy evening in.
The combination of sweet and earthy flavors brings out the best in the venison, creating a stew that’s as comforting as it is flavorful.
Download Our Printable Recipe Binder Organizers!
Make your culinary adventure even smoother with our stylish and functional Printable Recipe Binder Organizers. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, keeping your favorite recipes well-organized is key to mealtime success.
Click below to download and start your collection today – happy cooking!
Venison Stew FAQs
After trying out these delicious and hearty venison stews, you might be wondering how to make your dish even better or tweak the recipes to suit your preferences. Check out the FAQ section below for answers to common questions, so your venison stew turns out absolutely scrumptious!
What to use for stew meat?
When selecting stew meat for venison stew, opting for tougher cuts of meat is best, as these benefit greatly from the long, slow cooking process. Cuts such as the shoulder or neck, often referred to as chuck when talking about beef, are ideal choices.
These parts may be tougher, but they are full of flavor and become incredibly tender and pleasing to the palate after simmering for hours. Remember, the key to delicious stew meat lies not just in the cut but also in how it’s cooked.
Does boiling stew meat make it tender?
Boiling stew meat can indeed make it tender, but the term “boiling” might be a bit misleading. The ideal method for cooking stew meat, especially for tough cuts like venison, is a slow simmer.
This process allows the meat to cook gently, breaking down the connective tissues without toughening the muscle fibers, which typically happens at a rolling boil.
Keeping the stew at a low simmer, just barely bubbling, ensures that the meat becomes wonderfully tender and infuses the broth with rich flavor over several hours.
How do you make stew tender fast?
Making stew meat tender quickly can be a challenge, particularly with tough cuts like venison. However, there are a few techniques to accelerate the tenderization process.
One method is to use a pressure cooker, which can significantly reduce cooking time while still breaking down the tough fibers in the meat.
Another approach is to marinate the meat in acidic ingredients such as wine, vinegar, tomato paste, tomato sauce, or even worcestershire sauce, before cooking. The acid helps to break down some of the connective tissues in the meat, making it more tender.
Lastly, cutting the meat into smaller, uniform pieces can also help it cook and tenderize more quickly when simmering.
Keep in mind, these methods may speed up the process, but slow cooking at a low temperature remains the best way to achieve the most flavorful and tender stew.
What is the secret to good stew?
The secret to good stew lies in a combination of factors including the choice of ingredients, the cooking method, and patience. Selecting the right cut of meat is crucial; look for pieces with a bit of fat and connective tissue, as these break down during slow cooking, enhancing flavor and tenderness.
Layering flavors by browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables before simmering can add depth to the stew.
Incorporating a balance of herbs, spices, salt, and pepper, tailored to the specific type of stew can elevate the dish from good to great.
Lastly, the key is to cook the stew low and slow, allowing time for the flavors to meld together and the ingredients to reach the perfect texture.
What part of the deer do you use for stew meat?
The ideal parts of a deer for stew meat are the tougher, more muscular sections that benefit from long, slow cooking times. These include the shoulder, neck, and leg areas.
Using meat from these parts not only ensures your stew will be flavorful but also helps tenderize cuts that might otherwise be too tough for other cooking methods.
By slow cooking, the connective tissues in these cuts break down, resulting in meat that’s both tender and rich in taste, perfect for a hearty stew.
Is venison stew good for you?
Venison stew is not only a delicious and hearty meal, but it’s also quite beneficial for your health. Venison is a lean source of protein, lower in fat and calories compared to traditional red meats like beef.
It’s rich in essential nutrients, including iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which are crucial for energy metabolism, immune function, and blood formation.
Additionally, the slow-cooking process of making stew allows for the inclusion of a variety of vegetables, further enhancing the meal’s nutritional value by adding fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
In moderation, venison stew can be a healthy addition to a balanced diet.
Hoe do you cook venison so it is tender?
Cooking venison so it’s tender involves a few key techniques. Firstly, marination plays a vital role. Marinating venison for several hours, or even overnight, in an acidic or enzymatic marinade can help break down tough muscle fibers.
Use ingredients like vinegar, wine, lemon juice, worcestershire sauce, or yogurt. Secondly, choose your cooking method wisely.
Slow-cooking methods such as braising or stewing are perfect for making venison tender. These methods involve cooking the venison slowly in a liquid for several hours, which not only tenderizes the meat but also imbues it with moisture, making it juicy and flavorful.
Lastly, be mindful of the internal temperature; overcooking can easily dry out venison, making it tough. Aim to cook your venison until it reaches a safe internal temperature but remains as moist and tender as possible.
Why is my venison stew tough?
If your venison stew is turning out tough, it’s likely due to insufficient cooking time or too high cooking temperature. Venison is leaner than most traditional red meats, which means it contains less fat.
Fat acts as a natural tenderizer during the cooking process, so without it, venison can easily become tough if not handled correctly. To ensure tenderness, it’s crucial to cook venison stew over low heat for a long enough period.
This slow cooking process allows the tough fibers in the meat to break down gradually, resulting in a tender stew.
Additionally, make sure the venison stays submerged in the liquid throughout the cooking process to prevent it from drying out.
At the End of the Day…
At the end of the day, the secret to a delicious venison dish lies in the understanding and appreciation of the meat’s unique characteristics.
Proper preparation, choice of cooking method, and careful monitoring of cooking time and temperature can transform venison from tough and gamey to tender, succulent, and rich in flavor.
Whether it’s your first attempt or you’re an experienced chef looking to refine your technique, remember that patience and attention to detail will yield the best results.
And so, armed with these insights, may your next venison meal be a testament to the art of cooking this exquisite meat!
