Always Tender Squirrel
Savory, slow‑cooked squirrel stew with creamy mushroom gravy, perfect for adventurous diners craving hearty, game‑based comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut squirrel pieces and season with salt and pepper, then coat each piece in flour.
- Heat cooking oil in a large frying pan and brown the squirrel pieces on both sides.
- Transfer the browned squirrel to a crock‑pot.
- Add creamy chicken mushroom soup, water, chopped onion, and sliced mushrooms to the crock‑pot.
- Cook on high for 30 minutes, then reduce to low and stir in sour cream, cooking for an additional 6 hours.
- Thicken or thin the gravy with flour or water as desired, and serve over mashed potatoes.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the squirrel in buttermilk or adding garlic powder to the flour mixture. If you don't have creamy chicken mushroom soup, you can substitute it with a homemade cream sauce or another canned soup like cream of mushroom. Using fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also enhance the dish. For a slight twist, pair it with the Easy Parmesan Cream Sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the tender squirrel over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. Pair it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness. This dish also goes well with crusty bread to soak up the gravy. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Grandma'S Broccoli Soup for an added veggie boost.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Avoid reheating multiple times to ensure the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Always Tender Squirrel contains roughly 311 calories, with 22g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (44% of the Daily Value) and iron (33% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1492mg per serving (65% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different meat instead of squirrel?
Yes, you can substitute the squirrel with chicken or rabbit. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken may require less time in the crock-pot compared to squirrel. Ensure the meat is cooked thoroughly and reaches a safe temperature.
How can I make this dish less rich?
To lighten the dish, use low-fat sour cream instead of regular sour cream and opt for a low-fat creamy soup. You can also reduce the amount of cooking oil used for browning the meat. Serving with a side of fresh vegetables can help balance the richness.
What can I serve with this squirrel dish?
This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, but you can also serve it over rice or egg noodles for a different texture. Consider serving with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for freshness. For a complete meal, try it with the Different Chicken Casserole.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).