Deer roast in crock pot with vegetables

Q: How long does it take to cook deer in the crock pot?

The best way that Ive found to make sure a venison roast (bone-in or out) tender is to cook it in the crockpot or slow cooker on low for 8-9 hours, or until it is falling apart. If you cook it on low you wont dry it out.

As Rick has indicated, I found this to be a very simple recipe. I substituted cream of mushroom soup for the condensed tomato soup, only because I was in the mood for a slightly less "tomatoey" taste at the time. It was delicious! The family loved it.

Table of Contents Show

Ingredients
The Secret to Cooking Venison Roast Cuts
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Directions
How to serve
Recipe FAQs
Slow Cooker Venison Roast
Equipment Needed:
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information:
How long does it take to cook deer in the crock pot?
Do veggies go on top or bottom of roast in crock pot?
How do you layer meat and vegetables in a slow cooker?
When should I add my vegetables to my pot roast?

Ingredients

Directions

Place roast in bottom of crockpot. Put vegetables on top of roast. Add seasonings & water. Cover & cook on High for 4-5 hrs or on Low for 10-12 hrs. Remove roast from crockpot and slice it. Serves approximately 8.
Serving = 1 slices of meat and 3/4 cup of veggies.

Number of Servings: 8

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user PSYCH_JOLYN.

Using a slow cooker is one of the best ways to get the most tender and flavorful venison roast. Using similar spices for a traditional roast, they come together to make a juicy roast your family will crave more of. Not to mention, it is super easy!

The Secret to Cooking Venison Roast Cuts

It is also true for venison roast that the longer you cook it, the more tender the meat will get. However, that’s only part of it. It’s good to also take into consideration the type of cut. Roasts from the neck or shoulder will typically have a lot of connective tissue, which can become rubbery if not cooked correctly.

Although the longer the meat cooks, the softer it gets, you want to bring out the flavors that can often be overcooked if cooked too long. This is why we use acidic-like ingredients that complement and take out the bitter taste that can develop during long cooking times.

Last but not least, searing. Searing the meat on all sides before adding it to the slow cooker adds texture and flavor. Be sure to use a fatty oil with a high smoke point.

So, what’s the secret? Perfectly blended ingredients, searing, the perfect cooking time, and the perfect temperature (low)!

Ingredients

Venison Roast: This recipe calls for a 4-pound roast (which may be two pieces).
Beef Broth: Adds a beef flavor and cooking juice.
Ghee (or Cooking Oil): Used for searing the venison roast prior to cooking in the crockpot.
Vegetables: Gold potatoes, white onion, and carrots help create a one-pot meal.
Spices & Herbs: Thyme, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper are all classic seasonings used to help create the perfect tasting roast.
Cornstarch: Helps create a flavorful gravy.
Other: Worcestshire sauce, tomato paste, and red wine vinegar are the acids that will help override any bitterness that would otherwise come through with an elongated cooking time.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step One – Using ghee (or another cooking oil of your preference), sear the deer roast on all sides until brown.

Step Two – Add the sliced onion to the bottom of the slow cooker (or crockpot) and place the seared venison roast on top.

Step Three – Pour the liquid ingredients on top of the roast (beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, and red wine vinegar). Also, add about half of the seasonings.

Step Four – Place potatoes and cut carrots on top, followed by the remainder of the dried seasoning and garlic.

Step Five – Cook on low for 9-10 hours or until the venison roast and vegetables are tender.

Step Six – Pour sauce into a saucepan and add cornstarch to create a gravy.

Step Seven – In the meantime, remove meat and shred it from the bone.

Step Eight – Slice vegetables into the desired shape and add everything back into the slow cooker. Serve and enjoy!

How to serve

As is: With this recipe having meat, vegetables, and potatoes, you can serve it in a bowl or on a plate as is. Don’t forget to pour a little extra gravy on top.
Mashed Potatoes: Use the potatoes in the recipe to mash or create an additional side.
Bread: A pot roast always goes well with a side of bread. Choose from sweet or butter rolls to homemade cornbread or a slice of baguette.
Additional Sides: If you want a light and fresh side dish, go with a small side salad. Other complementary side dish ideas are asparagus, corn on the cob, or even macaroni and cheese.

Variations

Substitute red wine vinegar for balsamic vinegar: Both are acidic and offer a great flavor to the cooking juice.
Use sweet yellow onion: White onion is a bit spicier but not overbearing, whereas sweet yellow onion is much less spicy and sweet.
Add other herbs: Parsley makes a great addition to the thyme and oregano.

Recipe FAQs

How do you store leftovers?

If you just so happened to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container. It will keep up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Or in the freezer for 3-4 months.

Can you use a different type of broth or stock?

Yes. Some people use an onion soup mix base, venison stock, or bouillon cubes with water.

Do the vegetables have to be placed on top?

For the best results, yes. Putting them on top will prevent them from being overcooked and mushy.

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Slow Cooker Venison Roast

5 from 3 votes

Tender venison roast cooked with root vegetables and a homemade gravy made with the drippings.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 9 hours

Total Time: 9 hours 25 minutes

Servings: 8

Calories: 431kcal

Author: Sarah Olson

Equipment Needed:

▢
Slow Cooker- 6 quart or larger

Ingredients:

▢1 large onion sliced
▢1 Tbsp. Ghee or other cooking oil
▢4 lbs. venison roast
▢1 1/2 tsp. salt
▢1/2 tsp. pepper
▢3 cups beef stock
▢2 Tbsp. tomato paste
▢2 tsp. dried thyme divided
▢2 tsp. dried oregano divided
▢5 garlic cloves minced, divided
▢1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
▢1 Tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce
▢4-5 carrots peeled
▢2 lbs. gold potatoes left whole, not peeled
▢1/4 cup cornstarch

Instructions:

Arrange the slices of onion on the bottom of your slow cooker.
Melt the ghee in a large skillet then add the venison roast (or use a cooking oil). Season the roast well with the salt and pepper and sear all sides over a medium-high heat until nice and brown and no red remains (on the sides either). It’ll take about 3 minutes on each side.
Lay the roast on top of the onions in your slow cooker. Add the beef stock, red wine vinegar and Worcestershire sauce – it should only come up to about ¾ of the way up the roast.
Spread the tomato paste over the roast then sprinkle ¾ of the thyme and oregano over the roast.
Add the potatoes and carrots on top of the roast and sprinkle with the remaining oregano, thyme and garlic, and season with salt and pepper.
Cook on low for 9-10 hours or until the roast and vegetables are tender.
Remove the carrots and potatoes and cut them into desired shape.
Remove the roast and shred.
Take the gravy that’s left in the slow cooker and add to a sauce pan, along with the cornstarch. Heat, stirring continuously until the gravy starts to bubble. Add additional salt and pepper to taste.
Add the meat, carrots and potatoes back to the slow cooker and pour the gravy back.
Keep on warm / serve immediately.

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Recipe Notes:

How to store:If you just so happened to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container. It will keep up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Or in the freezer for 3-4 months.Can I use a different kind of liquid:Yes. Some people use an onion soup mix base, venison stock, or bouillon cubes with water.Do the vegetables have to be put on top?For the best results, yes. Putting them on top will prevent them from being overcooked and mushy.

Nutrition Information:

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

How long does it take to cook deer in the crock pot?

The best way that I've found to make sure a venison roast (bone-in or out) tender is to cook it in the crockpot or slow cooker on low for 8-9 hours, or until it is falling apart. If you cook it on low you won't dry it out.

Do veggies go on top or bottom of roast in crock pot?

Layer wisely: For even cooking, cut food into uniform-size pieces. Place firm, slow-cooking root vegetables like potatoes and carrots at the bottom of the crock and pile the meat on top.

How do you layer meat and vegetables in a slow cooker?

The trick to a perfectly-cooked Crock Pot is to layer the ingredients in the right order: Dense, tough veggies on the bottom, delicate ones on top – and meat or lentils on top of everything.

When should I add my vegetables to my pot roast?

Add the Vegetables You should be able to cut the cooked pot roast on your plate with a fork. To ensure that both the meat and the vegetables will be cooked perfectly, it's usually best to cook the meat until it is almost done before adding most vegetables.