Indulge in the rich flavors of venison with this simple, slow cooker recipe that brings out the natural tenderness of the meat. Harmonized by a sweet maple twist and a tangy mustard kick, this dish melds rustic charm with a gourmet finish. It’s an easy, comforting meal for hunters and home cooks alike.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds venison roast, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 cup beef or game stock
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Begin by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil warms, pat the venison roast dry with paper towels and season it generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Sear the roast in the hot skillet for about two minutes per side, just enough to develop a brown crust that will lock in flavor.
Arrange the sliced onions and carrot pieces at the bottom of your slow cooker, then place the seared venison on top. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef stock, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, and dried thyme. Pour this mixture over the venison and vegetables, allowing the flavors to begin melding immediately.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 7 to 8 hours (or on high for 4 to 5 hours), until the venison is fork-tender. Carefully remove the roast to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding as desired. Stir the caramelized vegetables and cooking liquid, and season one last time with salt and pepper if needed.
Serve the venison warm alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. Drizzle it all with a bit of the luscious slow-cooked sauce to finish.
This recipe creates a meltingly tender and subtly sweet venison that suits anyone looking to explore healthier, leaner meats without sacrificing taste. It’s perfect for both special occasions and cozy family dinners. Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup or swap Dijon for whole-grain mustard if you prefer extra texture.
For a more robust flavor, use red wine in place of stock—and if you have dietary restrictions, opt for a low-sodium broth or a gluten-free mustard to keep it in line with your needs. In every sense, this recipe highlights why the slow cooker is a game-changer: it’s easy, infuses complex flavor, and delivers a warm, homey meal you’ll crave again and again.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
