Slow-Cooked Venison Stew with Kumara and Red Wine
A rich, hearty venison stew slowly braised in red wine with sweet kumara and aromatic herbs, perfect for a comforting meal inspired by New Zealand game flavors. This european-inspired slow cooker ready in about 170 minutes pairs (dry, full-bodied) red wine, beef broth, large, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs, cut into 1.5-inch cubes venison stew meat
- 2 large (about 400g), peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks kumara
- 1 cup (dry, full-bodied) red wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 large, diced onion
- 2 medium, sliced carrot
- 2, sliced celery stalks
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 2 pounds cubed venison stew meat in batches, browning all sides for 3-4 minutes per batch, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large diced onion, 2 sliced carrots, and 2 sliced celery stalks. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tablespoons tomato paste; cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Step 4: Return the browned venison to the pot. Pour in 1 cup dry red wine and 2 cups beef broth, scraping the bottom to deglaze.
- Step 5: Add 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, 1 bay leaf, 1.5 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Step 6: Cook gently for 1.5 hours, then add 2 large peeled and chunked kumara. Continue to cook covered for another 45 minutes until the meat is tender and kumara is soft.
- Step 7: Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning to taste, and serve the stew hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Venison Stew with Kumara and Red Wine take to make?
Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 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 Slow-Cooked Venison Stew with Kumara and Red Wine?
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 (dry, full-bodied) red wine from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Venison Stew with Kumara and Red Wine?
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 Slow-Cooked Venison Stew with Kumara and Red Wine 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 Slow-Cooked Venison Stew with Kumara and Red Wine?
European slow cooker 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.
