Venison Steak Recipe Crockpot
To make a venison steak in a crockpot, start by trimming the meat and seasoning it with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs. Brown the steaks in a skillet with oil for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Then, place the browned steaks in the crockpot with broth, optional cream of mushroom soup, and vegetables like onions and carrots. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until tender. For tips on enhancing flavor, continue exploring this recipe.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
When you try this venison steak recipe, you’ll quickly see why it’s a favorite for many home cooks. The recipe offers ease and convenience with minimal preparation time—under 15 minutes.
You’ll love that it’s a hearty one-pot meal, cooking all ingredients together, including veggies and sauce. You can serve it with different sides like mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes, making it versatile. Additionally, tougher cuts of venison, like shoulder or round, are perfect for slow cooking, ensuring optimal tenderness and flavor.
The slow cooker does all the work for you. You can choose to cook it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
Additionally, venison is lean, providing a healthier protein option, and pairs well with seasonal vegetables, making it an ideal comfort food for colder months.
Recipe
Ingredients:
– 2-3 venison steaks (or tougher cuts of deer meat)
– High heat tolerant oil (such as canola or avocado oil)
– Salt and pepper (to taste)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 2 cups broth (beef or vegetable)
– Optional: 1 cup condensed cream of mushroom soup
– Optional vegetables: 1 onion (sliced), 1 bell pepper (sliced), 2 carrots (chopped), 2 potatoes (cubed)
Cooking Instructions:
1. Begin by trimming any excess fat and silver skin from the venison steaks. This will help reduce any gamey flavor and guarantee a more enjoyable dish.
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Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of high heat tolerant oil. Season the venison steaks with salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, and paprika. Once the oil is hot, add the steaks to the skillet and brown on both sides for about 3-4 minutes each. Remove the steaks and set them aside.
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In the same skillet, deglaze by adding a splash of broth or water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This will add extra flavor to your sauce.
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In the slow cooker, add the browned venison steaks and pour in the deglazing liquid, along with the remaining broth and optional cream of mushroom soup. If using, add the sliced onions, bell peppers, carrots, and potatoes.
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Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the venison is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. If desired, you can make a slurry with cornstarch and water to thicken the sauce in the last hour of cooking. Low and slow cooking is essential for tenderizing tough cuts; if the meat is not falling apart, reduce heat and extend cooking time.
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Once cooked, serve the venison steaks topped with the gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or your choice of side.
Extra Tips:
For an even more flavorful dish, consider marinating the venison steaks overnight in a vinegar-based solution. This will help tenderize the meat and infuse it with additional flavor.
Also, don’t hesitate to experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy the leftovers, as they often taste even better the next day!
Final Thoughts
Cooking venison steak in a crockpot can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
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Cooking Time: Cook on low for 4-8 hours for best results.
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Tenderization: Slow cooking breaks down tough fibers, making the meat tender.
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Flavor: Use herbs like thyme and rosemary, and consider adding cream of mushroom soup.
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Vegetables: Incorporate onions, bell peppers, and carrots for added flavor.
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Preparation: Browning the steaks beforehand enhances taste. Rhiannon Cotner’s positive experience highlights how this dish can be a hit for family dinners.
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Nutritional Benefits: Venison is low in fat, high in protein, and offers essential vitamins.
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Versatile: You can use venison in many recipes, not just steak.
Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Venison for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen venison, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. Thawing guarantees better texture and flavor, and helps meet food safety guidelines for a delicious outcome.
What Side Dishes Pair Well With Venison Steak?
When serving venison steak, consider pairing it with roasted root vegetables, mashed potatoes, or sautéed green beans. These sides enhance the rich flavors and create a well-balanced meal that you and your guests will enjoy.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers in the Fridge?
You can store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days. Always check for off smells or unusual textures before consuming. If you’re unsure, it’s better to discard it to avoid any health risks.
Can I Substitute Venison With Another Type of Meat?
Yes, you can substitute venison with another type of meat, like beef. Just keep in mind the flavor differences and adjust your seasonings, cooking times, and techniques to achieve the best results.
What Spices Enhance the Flavor of Venison Steak?
Imagine a flavor explosion that takes your venison steak to new heights! You’ll love using thyme, rosemary, black pepper, or a mix of cumin and coriander to enhance its natural richness. Spice it up!
