Venison Bourguignon
A hearty venison stew infused with red wine and herbs, perfect for cozy dinners. Rich flavors of bacon, beef broth, and mushrooms make it a satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute the onions in a skillet containing the bacon drippings until the onion chunks are brown around the edges.
- Transfer the sautéed onions to a stew pot.
- In the same skillet, brown the cubed venison after dusting it with flour.
- Add the browned venison, remaining ingredients (except mushrooms) to the stew pot; cover and simmer on low heat for 3 hours.
- During the final 30 minutes of cooking, add the mushrooms.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the venison in the Burgundy wine overnight before cooking. If you don't have bacon drippings, olive oil or butter can be used as substitutes. Adding a few cloves of garlic can enhance the aroma, and you can also include carrots for added sweetness. This dish can also be served with mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the venison bourguignon over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or with crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce. A side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad pairs nicely with this dish. For a wine pairing, a glass of the same Burgundy used in cooking will enhance the meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the venison bourguignon on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if it’s too thick. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure it's in a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Venison Bourguignon contains roughly 361 calories, with 19g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (95% of the Daily Value), iron (81% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 637mg per serving (28% 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 type of meat instead of venison?
Yes, you can substitute venison with beef or lamb for a similar texture and flavor. Beef recipes like a classic beef bourguignon can be a great alternative if you prefer a more common meat option.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with a bit of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Is it necessary to add mushrooms?
While mushrooms add a wonderful earthy flavor and texture, they are not strictly necessary. If you prefer, you can omit them or substitute with other vegetables like carrots or parsnips for additional depth.
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).