Quick Venison Stew
A hearty and flavorful venison stew featuring tender canned venison, potatoes, carrots, and aromatic seasonings, perfect for comforting family meals and hunters' gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel and cube the carrots, then cook them until tender.
- Cut up the celery and small onion, then sauté them in a little butter until softened.
- In a large pot, add the canned potatoes (with juice or water), cooked carrots, canned venison, and sautéed onion and celery.
- Add a little water if needed to cover ingredients.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little water to make a paste.
- Gradually stir the cornstarch mixture into the pot and cook until the stew thickens slightly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider incorporating herbs like thyme or rosemary. If venison is unavailable, lean beef or turkey can be used for a different taste. Ensure the carrots are cut uniformly for even cooking. You can also add peas or green beans for more color and nutrition. If you prefer a thicker stew, increase the cornstarch or reduce the liquid further.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty venison stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a filling meal. It pairs excellently with a side salad, such as Holiday Waldorf Salad, to balance the richness. For a complete dinner, consider adding a dessert like Quick 'N Easy Strawberry Fluff Pie to finish off the meal on a sweet note.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. This stew can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw completely before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Venison Stew contains roughly 1389 calories, with 33g protein, 280g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (404% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1279mg per serving (56% 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 fresh potatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Just peel and cube them, then add them to the stew early on, allowing them to cook until tender. Keep in mind that fresh potatoes will take longer to cook compared to canned, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
What can I substitute for cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use flour or arrowroot powder as a thickening agent. Mix either with cold water to form a slurry before adding to the stew. If using flour, you may need to cook it a bit longer to eliminate the raw taste.
Is this stew suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This venison stew is perfect for meal prep. It stores well and the flavors intensify after a day or two. Just make sure to store it in individual portions for easy access during the week. You can reheat it quickly, making it a convenient option for busy nights.
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).