Slow Cooker Ground Venison Stew: Easy Beginner Recipe

Nothing beats a hearty bowl of stew, especially when it’s made with ground venison. This slow cooker ground venison stew is simple, beginner-friendly, and packed with flavor. You won’t need any fancy ingredients, just good, wholesome food that comes together easily in a slow cooker. Let’s get started!

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Venison Stew Recipe

You probably have most of these in your kitchen already. If not, they’re easy to find!

Soup Ingredients

• 2 pounds of Russet potatoes, chopped into bite-sized pieces (about 6 potatoes)
• 1 bag of baby carrots
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of dried fresh rosemary (optional, but so flavorful)
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 pound ground venison
• 2 (15-ounce) cans stewed tomatoes (with juice)
• 3 cups beef broth (or beef stock)
• 4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 small bag frozen peas

Stew Thickening Ingredients

This step is optional, but it does give you a thicker stew.

• 6 tablespoons of butter, softened
• 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons of cornstarch

Directions for Making This Hearty Slow Cooker Venison Stew

Step 1: Load Up the Slow Cooker

Chop the potatoes into one-inch cubes. Peel them if you want, but it’s not required. Toss them into the slow cooker. Add the baby carrots. If they seem too big, you can chop them smaller, but again, no need.

Dice the onion and add it in. Mince the garlic and throw that in, too. Now, sprinkle in the rosemary, black pepper, and salt. Pour in the stewed tomatoes, beef broth (slowly add in the last cup of broth to make sure you like the amount of liquid), Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Finally, add the frozen peas. Give everything a good stir.

Step 2: Brown the Venison

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground venison until browned. Do not drain it. Venison is lean, so there’s no excess fat to get rid of. Keeping the juices adds flavor. Once browned, add it to the slow cooker. You can even add one to two tablespoons of olive oil while heating up the skillet to add in just a bit more fat. 

Step 3: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic

Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours. Let the crock pot do the work. If the stew seems too thin at the end, you have two options:

1. Stir in ½ to 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.

2. Lightly mash some of the potatoes with a fork to naturally thicken it.

That’s it! Ladle into bowls and enjoy. Serve with some soft or crusty bread and you are good to go!

Why I Love This Stew

This is comfort food at its best. It’s simple, filling, and packed with nutrients. You don’t need a bunch of special ingredients or fancy techniques. Just chop, stir, and let the slow cooker do the work. 

I also love that it is so versatile. You can add in a bay leaf, a small can of tomato paste, green beans, corn, diced green onions, and even some diced celery stalks. But….you don’t have to. 

It’s also a great way to use deer meat. If you have a freezer full of it, this recipe is perfect. And if you’re new to venison, this stew is an easy way to start cooking with it.

Why We Love Venison

Venison has been a staple in my family for years. We’ve been swapping it into beef recipes for as long as I can remember. It’s part of our lifestyle. We harvest, process, and freeze it ourselves. From the field to the table, we know exactly where our food comes from. That’s something we’re grateful for.

Three Reasons Venison is So Healthy

1. No additives, hormones, or preservatives – It’s as natural as it gets.

2. High in lean protein – Great for building muscle and keeping you full.

3. Packed with vitamins and minerals – It’s a nutrient powerhouse.

FAQ: Slow Cooker Ground Venison Stew

1. How long do you cook ground venison stew in a slow cooker?

Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.

2. When should I add potatoes to the stew?

Right at the beginning! You can peel them or leave the skins on. Slow cooking the potatoes and all the other veggies is a great way to bring out all the flavors. 

3. Can you put raw ground venison in the slow cooker?

Not for this recipe. Browning it first prevents clumping and adds a better texture. 

4. Can I use a venison stew meat in this recipe?

You sure can! Just replace the ground venison with the venison roast, throw in the rest of the ingredients, and watch the flavorful broth emerge as it slow cooks. Okay, don’t really watch it. Go do something else!

I have a great recipe for a venison roast stew if you are interested. Also, you can substitute beef stew meat for the venison if you would like. 

5. How do I store the leftovers?

Let the soup cool and then put it in an airtight container. This is a great soup to use for meal prepping.

Good Cooking, Delicious Meals, Healthy Recipes 

If you love a hearty venison stew, I’ve got another recipe you’ll want to check out—my Mississippi Deer Roast Stew. It’s a fantastic way to take a venison roast and turn it into tender stew meat, packed with bold flavors. You can make it in a slow cooker, a Dutch oven, or a big ol’ pot on the stove. Either way, it’s one of the best ways to cook your wild game.

And if you’re looking for more ways to enjoy venison, don’t miss my Venison Steak Carne Asada Bowls for a flavor-packed twist or my Ground Venison Loaded Nachos for the ultimate game-day snack. Venison is versatile, delicious, and perfect for so many recipes! Oh, I almost forgot, I have a great Chunky Venison Chili Recipe as well. 

Time to Be a Doer and Make This Easy Beginner Stew

This stew is easy, delicious, and packed with goodness. Whether you’re new to venison or have been cooking with it for years, it’s a great go-to meal. Give this hearty meal a try and let me know how it turns out!

With love,

Anna Sue