Mountain Man’s Wild Berry and Venison Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Hearty venison stew slow-cooked with wild berries and root vegetables, inspired by Kristoff’s rugged wilderness journey. This european-inspired beef ready in about 130 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes venison stew meat, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 110 min Serves 6 European cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 2 lbs venison cubes with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Add venison in batches, browning all sides for 4-5 minutes per batch, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same pot, add 1 large diced yellow onion, 2 chopped carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Return venison to the pot along with 3 fresh thyme sprigs, 1 bay leaf, 4 cups beef broth, and 1 cup red wine. Bring to a boil.
  6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours until venison is tender.
  7. Step 7: Add 1 cup frozen wild berries and simmer uncovered for another 15 minutes.
  8. Step 8: Mix 2 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water until smooth, then stir into stew to thicken sauce. Cook for 3 minutes until glossy and thickened.
  9. Step 9: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf, then serve hot with crusty bread.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Mountain Man’s Wild Berry and Venison Stew take to make?

Total time is about 130 minutes (20 min prep + 110 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Mountain Man’s Wild Berry and Venison Stew?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mountain Man’s Wild Berry and Venison Stew?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Mountain Man’s Wild Berry and Venison Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Mountain Man’s Wild Berry and Venison Stew?

European beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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