Venison crock pot meals are a fantastic way to introduce kids to wild game in a form that’s tender, flavorful, and easy to eat. Slow cooking makes venison mild and juicy, softening the texture and blending it with veggies and comforting sauces. This method is perfect for busy families, as it requires minimal prep and lets you set a healthy, protein-rich meal to cook during the day. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to creating venison crock pot meals that are kid-friendly, nutritious, and sure to become family favorites.
What You’ll Need
- Crock pot (slow cooker, 4-6 quart recommended)
- Venison (roast, stew meat, or ground)
- Vegetables (carrots, potatoes, onions, peas, corn, etc.)
- Low-sodium broth (beef, chicken, or vegetable)
- Kid-friendly seasonings (garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, pepper, paprika)
- Thickener (cornstarch or flour, if making stew or gravy)
- Optional: tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup
- Cutting board and knife
- Mixing bowl (for prepping ingredients)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving utensils and bowls
Step-by-Step
- Choose Your Cut of Venison: For crock pot meals, venison roast, stew meat, or even ground venison work well. Remove any silver skin or excess fat, as these can cause a gamey flavor.
- Prep the Vegetables: Wash, peel, and chop vegetables into bite-sized pieces. For kids, consider using carrots, potatoes, celery, peas, and sweet corn, as these have mild flavors and add color.
- Brown the Venison (Optional): For extra flavor, heat a little oil in a skillet and brown the meat on all sides before adding to the crock pot. This step is optional but helps develop a richer taste.
- Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot: Layer the vegetables on the bottom, then add venison on top. Pour in enough broth to cover about two-thirds of the contents. Add seasonings (e.g., 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, 1 tsp Italian herbs, ½ tsp garlic powder).
- Customize for Kids: If your children are sensitive to new flavors, keep seasonings mild and avoid spicy additions. You can add a little ketchup or tomato sauce for sweetness and familiarity.
- Set the Crock Pot: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or high for 4-5 hours. Venison should reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C) for food safety. The meat will become fork-tender and easy for kids to chew.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you want a stew-like consistency, mix 2 tbsp cornstarch or flour with ¼ cup cold water. Stir into the crock pot for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt or a splash of broth if flavors need brightening.
- Serve: Ladle the venison and veggies into bowls. Pair with buttered rolls, rice, or noodles for extra kid appeal.
- Store Leftovers: Cool leftovers quickly and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Common Mistakes
- Not trimming venison properly: Leaving on silver skin or excess fat can make the dish taste gamey and tough.
- Using too little liquid: Crock pot meals need enough broth to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Over-seasoning: Strong herbs and spices can overwhelm young palates. Stick to simple flavors for kids.
- Adding vegetables too early: Very soft veggies (like peas or corn) should be added in the last hour to avoid mushiness.
- Cooking on high for too long: Venison dries out if cooked too quickly. Low and slow yields the best texture.
- Not checking doneness: Always check that venison reaches a safe temperature. Undercooked wild game is unsafe.
Tips
- Soak or marinate venison before cooking: This helps further reduce any gamey flavor and tenderizes the meat.
- Mix in familiar flavors: Add a spoonful of barbecue sauce, a splash of apple juice, or a few diced apples for sweetness.
- Make it a one-pot meal: Add rice or small pasta shapes in the last hour for a complete dinner.
- Let kids help: Letting them add chopped veggies or stir in seasonings can make them more excited to try the finished dish.
- Use leftovers creatively: Shred leftover venison for tacos, sandwiches, or over baked potatoes.
- Serve with colorful sides: Bright veggies or fun-shaped noodles can make the meal more appealing to picky eaters.
- Freeze in portions: Store leftovers in individual portions for quick lunches or dinners.
Troubleshooting
- Venison is tough: This usually means it needs more time in the crock pot. Cook on low until it shreds easily. If already overcooked, shred and mix with extra broth or sauce to restore moisture.
- Gamey taste: Add a splash of vinegar, a bit of brown sugar, or more tomato sauce to mellow out strong flavors. Next time, trim fat and silver skin more thoroughly and consider marinating the meat before cooking.
- Vegetables are mushy: Cut veggies into larger pieces or add delicate ones (like peas, corn, or zucchini) in the last hour of cooking.
- Too watery: Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes to let liquid evaporate, or stir in a cornstarch slurry to thicken.
- Not enough flavor: Add a dash of soy sauce, Worcestershire, or a bit more salt at the end. Avoid overwhelming the dish—taste as you go.
- Kids won’t try it: Present the meal with familiar sides, or serve venison in a fun way (e.g., in a wrap or over cheesy mashed potatoes).
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen venison in the crock pot?
- It’s best to thaw venison first for even cooking and food safety. If cooking from frozen, add extra time and ensure it reaches 160°F.
- What vegetables work best for kids in venison crock pot meals?
- Carrots, potatoes, peas, corn, and mild onions are favorites. Avoid bitter greens or strong-flavored vegetables unless your kids already like them.
- How do I make the meat less gamey?
- Trim all fat and silver skin, marinate the meat, and use mild, sweet or tangy sauces. Slow cooking with veggies also helps mellow the flavor.
- Is venison safe for young children?
- Yes, as long as it’s cooked to a safe temperature (160°F). Be sure to remove bones and cut into small, manageable pieces for younger kids.
- Can I substitute ground venison for stew meat?
- Yes, ground venison works well for chili or sloppy joe-style crock pot meals. For stew, chunked meat gives better texture.
- How long can leftovers be stored?
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking and use within 3 days. Freeze for up to 3 months in airtight containers.
Venison crock pot meals are a practical, healthy, and kid-friendly way to make the most of wild game. With a few simple tweaks and the tips above, you can create dishes that even picky eaters will enjoy, all while saving time and effort in the kitchen.
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Venison Crock Pot Meals for Kids: Easy Family Recipes