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Slow Cooker Venison Roast with Carrots and Homemade Gravy Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 4 reviews
  • Author: Lora
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 hours
  • Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Slow Cooker Venison Roast recipe offers a tender, flavorful roast cooked low and slow to bring out the best in lean venison meat. Seared to lock in juices and bathed in a savory broth infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce, the roast becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after several hours in the slow cooker. Served with hearty carrots and an optional rich gravy, this dish makes a comforting and elegant meal, perfect for a special dinner or weekend family feast.

Ingredients

Meat and Seasoning

  • 1 ½ – 2 lbs venison roast*
  • 1 teaspoon fine salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided, plus more to taste
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium yellow onion, sliced (1 ½ – 2 cups)
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 4-5 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1- to 2-inch pieces

Seasonings and Liquids

  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 ½ cups low-sodium beef broth, divided
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

Optional

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for making gravy)
  • Mashed potatoes (for serving)
  • Fresh herbs (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season the venison: Pat the venison roast dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season all sides evenly with 1 teaspoon of fine salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper to enhance the flavor.
  2. Sear the roast: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the avocado or olive oil. Once hot, place the roast in the skillet and sear each side for about 3 minutes until it develops a rich brown crust. Transfer the seared roast to a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker.
  3. Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add sliced onion, minced garlic, and dried Italian seasoning. Cook over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions begin to soften and release their fragrance.
  4. Deglaze and reduce: Pour 1 cup of the beef broth into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the pan’s bottom. Let the liquid reduce by about half over 5-7 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
  5. Add remaining seasonings: Stir in tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard into the reduced liquid. Pour this flavorful mixture over the venison roast in the slow cooker.
  6. Add broth and carrots: Pour the remaining ½ cup of beef broth into the slow cooker. Arrange the peeled and chopped carrots around the roast for even cooking and added flavor.
  7. Slow cook the roast: Cover the slow cooker and set it to the LOW setting. Cook for 7 to 9 hours, or until the venison is very tender and can be easily pulled apart with two forks. Avoid using the HIGH setting to allow the flavors to fully develop and the meat to become perfectly tender.
  8. Prepare gravy slurry (optional): When the roast is cooked, remove ¼ cup of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker and transfer it to a small bowl. Whisk in the cornstarch until a smooth slurry forms with no lumps.
  9. Make the gravy: Pour all of the remaining cooking liquid into a saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat on the stovetop. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the gravy thickens. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  10. Serve: Shred the venison roast into your preferred size pieces. Serve alongside the cooked carrots, over mashed potatoes if desired, and drizzle generously with the homemade gravy. Garnish with fresh herbs to add color and aroma.
  11. Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 3 days for best freshness and flavor.

Notes

  • For best results, choose a venison roast with some marbling or consider marinating beforehand to enhance tenderness.
  • If you prefer a thicker gravy, increase the cornstarch amount slightly or let the gravy simmer longer.
  • The slow cooker LOW setting is crucial for gently breaking down the tough fibers in venison; cooking on HIGH is not recommended.
  • This dish pairs excellently with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary complement the rich flavors beautifully as a garnish.

Find it online: https://meallora.com/slow-cooker-venison-roast-with-carrots-and-homemade-gravy-recipe/