The Redneck Redskins Crock Pot Venison Roast

My earliest memories of fall aren’t filled with apple orchards or pumpkin patches, but rather the distinct, woodsy aroma of venison simmering in a crock pot. My dad, a proud Navajo man with a surprisingly down-to-earth palate, would often prepare this hearty roast after a successful hunt. He’d jokingly refer to himself as a “redneck redskin” while liberally seasoning the meat, a nickname that always brought a smile to my face. This recipe, born from his unique blend of cultures and culinary preferences, is more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace of family, tradition, and the flavors of home.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 8-10
• Yields: 1 roast
• Dietary Type: Varies depending on salt and soup ingredients

Ingredients

• 1 medium venison roast
• 1 (14 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
• 16 ounces onion soup mix
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic salt, to taste
• Seasoning salt, to taste

Equipment Needed

• Crock Pot (Slow Cooker)

Instructions

1. Begin by cutting the venison roast into serving-size pieces while the meat is still raw. This ensures the flavors penetrate deeply and the meat cooks evenly.
2. Place the cleaned and washed venison pieces into the crock pot.
3. Generously sprinkle the venison with Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, seasoning salt, and garlic salt. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; venison can handle bold flavors.
4. Add the cream of mushroom soup and onion soup mix to the crock pot.
5. Stir the ingredients together to ensure the venison is well coated with the soup and seasonings.
6. Place the sliced onion rings on top of the meat mixture. The onions will caramelize slightly and add a layer of sweetness to the roast.
7. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. The longer cooking time allows the venison to become incredibly tender and flavorful.
8. After the cook time, check the meat for tenderness with a fork. If it pulls apart easily, then it is ready to serve.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Sear for extra flavor: For a richer, more complex flavor, quickly sear the venison pieces in a hot skillet with a little oil before adding them to the crock pot. This creates a beautiful crust and adds depth to the final dish.
• Adjust seasoning to your preference: The amount of seasoning salts can be adjusted to your liking. Start with less and add more to taste. Remember, the onion soup mix also contains salt.
• Deglaze the pan: If you sear the venison, don’t waste those flavorful browned bits in the skillet! Deglaze the pan with a little beef broth or red wine, scraping up the fond, and add it to the crock pot for an extra layer of flavor.
• Add vegetables: For a more complete meal, add hearty root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and parsnips to the crock pot along with the venison. They’ll soak up the delicious gravy and become incredibly tender.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Redneck Redskins Crock Pot Venison Roast hot, spooning the flavorful gravy generously over the meat. It’s delicious served over rice, mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even creamy polenta. A side of steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple salad makes a perfect accompaniment.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the roast in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the roast in the refrigerator overnight and then gently warm it in a saucepan on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can also reheat it in the crock pot on low heat. Add a little beef broth or water if the gravy has thickened too much during storage.

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	240 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	52g	22%
Total Fat	5.9 g	9%
Saturated Fat	0.9 g	4%
Cholesterol	2.9 mg	0%
Sodium	5581.1 mg	232%
Total Carbohydrate	43.5 g	14%
Dietary Fiber	4.1 g	16%
Sugars	14.6 g	58%
Protein	6.2 g	12%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure the onion soup mix and Worcestershire sauce are also gluten-free.
• Low-Sodium: Use a low-sodium onion soup mix and soy sauce, and be mindful of the amount of seasoning salt you add. You can also substitute fresh herbs and spices for some of the salt.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the crock pot for a little heat.
• Vegetarian Option: While this recipe is specifically for venison, you can adapt it for a vegetarian option by using seitan or a hearty vegetable like butternut squash instead of the meat. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different cut of venison?
A: Yes, you can use other cuts of venison, such as a shoulder roast or stew meat. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is tender.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to the crock pot?
A: Absolutely! Hearty vegetables like carrots, potatoes, parsnips, and celery are great additions to this roast. Add them at the beginning of the cooking process.

Q: What if I don’t have onion soup mix?
A: If you don’t have onion soup mix, you can substitute it with a mixture of beef broth, dried minced onion, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of sugar.

Q: Can I cook this on high instead of low?
A: While it’s generally recommended to cook roasts on low for maximum tenderness, you can cook it on high for a shorter amount of time (about 3-4 hours). Just be sure to check the meat for doneness more frequently.

Q: What can I serve with this roast?
A: This venison roast pairs well with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple salad.

Final Thoughts

This Redneck Redskins Crock Pot Venison Roast is more than just a simple recipe; it’s a celebration of flavor, family, and the joy of home cooking. The ease of preparation and the depth of flavor make it a perfect dish for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the comforting warmth it brings. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasonings and vegetables to make it your own. Share your feedback, and let me know how it turns out! Consider pairing it with a robust red wine or a hearty craft beer for the ultimate culinary experience. Happy cooking!