Ella Walter
Cooking a bone-in venison roast in a crock pot is a great way to prepare this meat. Venison is lean, so it requires a different approach to cooking compared to beef. The best way to ensure a tender roast is to cook it slowly on low heat for an extended period. This breaks down the connective tissue, resulting in juicy and tender meat. The cooking time will depend on the weight of the roast, but it typically takes 8-10 hours on low heat. Before placing the roast in the crock pot, it's important to sear it on all sides to create a nice crust and more complex flavours. Then, place the roast on a bed of vegetables and herbs, and add broth or wine to the pot for extra flavour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking Time | 8-10 hours on low heat |
| Cooking Temperature | 285-300°F |
| Cooking Method | Slow cooking in a crock pot |
| Ingredients | Venison roast, potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, butter, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, red wine, broth/stock |
| Cooking Tips | Brown the roast on all sides before putting it in the crock pot, season generously, use bone to make stock |
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What You'll Learn
Prep and seasoning
To prepare a bone-in venison roast in a crock pot, you'll first want to let the meat come to room temperature. Remove it from its packaging and pat it dry with a paper towel—this will help you achieve a good sear. Next, heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the roast generously with salt and sear it on all sides until browned. You can also add some black pepper to your seasoning.
After searing, deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine—a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon is best—and scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. These browned bits are packed with flavour, so you don't want to waste them. Pour this mixture over the roast in the crock pot.
Now it's time to add your vegetables and broth. Place the potatoes and carrots on top of the roast, not underneath, to prevent them from turning mushy. You can also add onions, either sliced or in powder form, and garlic, either whole cloves or in a powder or minced form. If you have fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, add them now, or use dried herbs in smaller quantities. Then, fill the crock pot with broth until the meat is covered. Venison bone broth is the best option, but homemade beef broth or even just water with a splash of apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar will work. You can also add a bit of Worcestershire sauce for extra flavour.
Finally, put the lid on your crock pot and let it cook. Set it to low heat and plan for a cooking time of at least 8 hours, though longer is fine and may even be better. If your roast is frozen, it will need a longer cooking time. You'll know it's ready when the meat is falling apart.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for bone-in venison roast in a crock pot depend on the cut of meat and the desired level of doneness. It's recommended to cook it slowly using low heat for an extended period. This helps break down the connective tissue, making the meat tender and juicy. Here are the guidelines for cooking times and temperatures:
Cooking Time:
- Low Heat: Cook for at least 8 hours on low heat. Longer cooking times may even yield better results, and some sources recommend up to 9 hours. This slow cooking method ensures the meat is tender and juicy.
- High Heat: If you're short on time, you can cook the roast on high heat for 1 hour, followed by 7 to 8 hours on low heat. However, the meat may not be as tender and juicy as when cooked entirely on low heat.
Temperature Settings:
- Low Heat Setting: Set your crock pot to low heat, typically around 200°F (93°C). This temperature range is ideal for slow cooking, allowing the meat to cook gently and become tender.
- High Heat Setting: The high heat setting on a crock pot is usually around 300°F (149°C). This setting is used for searing or browning the meat before reducing to low heat for slow cooking.
It's important to note that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and cut of your venison roast. Larger roasts, such as those over 6 pounds, may require slightly longer cooking times, even up to 10 hours. Additionally, if your roast is frozen, plan for a longer cooking time as well.
The key to cooking bone-in venison roast in a crock pot is patience. Allow the slow cooker to work its magic at low temperatures for an extended period. This will result in a tender, juicy, and flavorful roast.
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Choosing a cooking liquid
When it comes to choosing a cooking liquid for your bone-in venison roast in the crockpot, there are several options to consider. Firstly, it's important to note that you only need around 1 to 1.5 cups of liquid to create enough moisture in the crockpot. Here are some suggestions for cooking liquids:
Broth or Stock
Using a broth or stock as your cooking liquid is a great way to add flavour and moisture to your venison roast. You can use a homemade venison stock or broth, which will impart a rich flavour to the dish. Alternatively, you can opt for a good quality beef stock or bone broth, ensuring it is unsalted or homemade so you can control the sodium level.
Wine
Adding wine to your cooking liquid can enhance the flavour of your venison roast. A dry or semi-dry red wine is typically recommended, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, or Zinfandel. However, you can use whatever red wine you have on hand as long as it's not too sweet. If you're not a wine drinker, you can substitute the wine with apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar to add acidity and depth to the dish.
Beer
If you're looking for a heartier flavour, beer can be a great addition to your cooking liquid. A slow-cooked beer-braised venison roast is a popular option, resulting in a rich flavour that pairs well with mashed potatoes.
Water
For a simpler approach, water can be used as the primary cooking liquid. You can then enhance the flavour by adding other ingredients such as soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, herbs, or spices. This allows you to customise the flavour profile to your taste.
Combinations
You don't have to stick to just one cooking liquid; feel free to experiment with combinations. For instance, you can try mixing wine with stock or beer with stock to create unique flavour profiles. Additionally, a mix of broth and Worcestershire sauce can add richness to your dish.
Remember, the key to choosing a cooking liquid is to ensure that your venison roast remains moist, tender, and flavourful. By using the crockpot on low heat for an extended period, you'll achieve delicious results with whichever cooking liquid you choose.
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Adding vegetables
When it comes to adding vegetables to your bone-in venison roast crock pot meal, there are several options to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to cut your vegetables into larger pieces to prevent them from becoming too soft or mushy during the lengthy cooking process. Carrots, for instance, should be peeled and cut into 2-inch or 3-inch pieces. You can also use baby carrots or carrot chunks to avoid them turning mushy.
Onions are another popular choice, and they too should be cut into larger pieces. You can use regular onions or green onions, depending on your preference. Potatoes are also a favourite, with baby potatoes being a good option as they hold their shape, don't need peeling, and taste great. If using larger potatoes, it's recommended to cut them into wedges or chunks. You can place the potatoes at the bottom of the crock pot, or on top of the roast to prevent overcooking.
Other vegetables that can be added include squash, Brussels sprouts, and mushrooms. You can also experiment with herbs and spices to add extra flavour. Fresh or dried rosemary, thyme, parsley, garlic, and black pepper are all excellent choices to pair with your vegetables.
When preparing your bone-in venison roast crock pot meal, it's important to remember that the cooking time will depend on the type of vegetables you choose to add. Harder vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and squash will require a longer cooking time, while softer vegetables like mushrooms and green onions may cook faster. Therefore, it's a good idea to add the softer vegetables towards the end of the cooking process to ensure they don't overcook.
Additionally, remember to taste the cooking liquid towards the end of the cooking process. This will allow you to adjust the seasoning and add additional salt, pepper, or other spices to suit your taste preferences.
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Making gravy
To make gravy for your venison roast, you can follow these steps:
Firstly, it's important to prepare the roast correctly. Let the venison come to room temperature and pat it dry with a paper towel. This is important for achieving a good sear. Next, heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the roast generously with salt and sear on all sides until beautifully browned.
After searing, deglaze the skillet by pouring in some red wine (a dry red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, is recommended). Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan, as this adds flavour. You can also add some balsamic vinegar to balance out the rich flavour of the venison.
Now, you can transfer the roast to your slow cooker. If you want to make gravy, it's a good idea to use a bone-in roast, as you can save the bone to make a batch of venison stock or broth. Place the roast inside the slow cooker and scatter onions around it. You can also add potatoes and carrots on top of the roast to steam them and prevent overcooking.
To make the gravy, you can use the bone to create a venison stock or broth. Alternatively, you can use beef broth or bone broth for a rich, silky texture. If you want a thicker gravy, you can mix flour or cornstarch with the broth before adding it to the slow cooker. You can also add fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme to enhance the flavour.
Let the roast cook slowly on low heat for an extended period, usually around 8-9 hours. The gravy will thicken as the roast cooks, and you won't need to pull out the liquid to thicken it separately. Once the meat is fork-tender and falling apart, your venison roast and gravy are ready to serve!
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to cook a bone-in venison roast for 8-10 hours on low heat in a crock pot.
You should cook the roast on low heat.
You can add vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic. You can also add herbs such as rosemary and thyme, and liquids such as red wine, broth, stock, or water.
You should trim any visible fat from the meat and season it with salt and pepper. You can also sear the meat on all sides in a skillet before adding it to the crock pot.
After cooking, you can transfer the roast to a platter and arrange the vegetables around it. You can also pour some of the juices from the crock pot over the meat before serving.
