Rustic Eastern UP Venison Stew with Root Vegetables

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

A hearty stew inspired by the rural heritage of Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula, featuring tender venison simmered with carrots, potatoes, and parsnips in a savory broth. This american-inspired beef ready in about 150 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 350 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: 130 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 2 lbs venison stew meat with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, then toss with 1/4 cup all-purpose flour until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Brown the venison in batches for 4-5 minutes per batch until all sides are golden, then remove to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 large diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Return the venison to the pot along with 3 chopped carrots, 2 chopped parsnips, and 4 quartered red potatoes. Stir in 4 cups beef broth, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1 bay leaf.
  5. Step 5: Bring stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 2 hours until venison is tender and vegetables are cooked through. Remove bay leaf.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Rustic Eastern UP Venison Stew with Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 150 minutes (20 min prep + 130 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 Rustic Eastern UP Venison Stew with Root Vegetables?

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 Rustic Eastern UP Venison Stew with Root Vegetables?

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 Rustic Eastern UP Venison Stew with Root Vegetables 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 Rustic Eastern UP Venison Stew with Root Vegetables?

American 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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