Bear Roast Recipe Slow Cooker: Easy and Delicious Guide

There’s something uniquely satisfying about a slow-cooked bear roast. The rich, robust flavor of bear meat melds beautifully with slow cooker magic, resulting in a tender, juicy roast that practically falls apart at the touch of a fork.

Whether you’re an adventurous foodie or simply looking to try a new wild game recipe, this bear roast recipe slow cooker method is a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Slow cooking not only enhances the flavor but also ensures the meat is cooked gently to perfection, making it incredibly tender and infused with the seasonings.

This recipe is perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or whenever you crave a slow-cooked roast that’s full of character and depth. Plus, using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, allowing you to focus on other tasks or simply relax while your kitchen fills with irresistible aromas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This bear roast recipe slow cooker style is a game-changer for wild game enthusiasts and home cooks alike. Here’s why you’ll love making it:

• Simple preparation: Minimal hands-on time means you can prep and leave it to cook all day.
• Tender, juicy results: The slow cooker breaks down the tougher fibers of bear meat, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Rich flavor profile: The combination of herbs, spices, and slow cooking brings out the natural earthiness of bear meat while balancing it perfectly.
• Versatile: Pair it with your favorite sides or use leftovers in sandwiches, stews, or tacos.

Ingredients

• 3 to 4 pounds bear roast (shoulder or rump cut preferable)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth or wild game broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional, but recommended for flavor depth)
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening the sauce)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Slow cooker (at least 6-quart capacity)
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Sharp knife for trimming and slicing
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Tongs or spatula
• Mixing bowl (for flour slurry)
• Whisk (for mixing flour and sauce)

Instructions

1. Prepare the bear roast: Trim any excess fat or silver skin from the roast. Pat it dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
2. Season the meat: Generously season the roast all over with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Rub the seasoning in to coat evenly.
3. Brown the roast: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the bear roast on all sides until deeply browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step locks in juices and adds flavor.
4. Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add sliced onions and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. This builds a flavorful base for the slow cooker.
5. Transfer to slow cooker: Place the browned roast in the slow cooker. Add the sautéed onions and garlic on top.
6. Add vegetables and herbs: Scatter the carrot chunks and celery pieces around the roast. Nestle rosemary, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves among the veggies.
7. Pour in liquids: Pour beef broth and red wine (if using) over the roast and vegetables. Add Worcestershire sauce for depth.
8. Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. Avoid opening the lid frequently to maintain heat.
9. Thicken the sauce: Once cooked, remove the roast and vegetables to a serving platter and cover to keep warm. Mix 2 tablespoons flour with 1/3 cup cold water in a bowl to form a slurry. Stir this into the cooking liquid in the slow cooker. Turn heat to high and whisk until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
10. Serve: Slice or shred the bear roast and drizzle generously with the thickened sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

“If you’re new to cooking bear meat, marinating the roast overnight in a mixture of red wine, garlic, and herbs can help tenderize and mellow the flavor.”

• Substitute broth: If you don’t have beef broth, vegetable broth works fine, though beef or game broth adds a richer taste.
• Vegetable options: Feel free to add potatoes, parsnips, or mushrooms alongside the carrots and celery for a heartier meal.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder for a smoky heat.
• Make it a stew: Dice the roast after cooking and add back to the sauce with extra broth and vegetables for a thick bear meat stew.
• Leftover ideas: Use shredded bear roast in tacos, sandwiches, or salads for creative next-day meals.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

Serving Suggestions

This bear roast pairs wonderfully with classic comfort sides. Consider serving it with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower
• Roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes
• Buttery green beans or sautéed kale with garlic
• Fresh crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce
• A crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette for contrast

For a complete meal, try pairing this recipe with some of our favorite slow cooker sides found in our Slow Cooker Roast Recipe With Vegetables Made Easy post.

Conclusion

Slow cooker bear roast is a fantastic way to enjoy the unique flavors of wild game meat without the hassle of constant monitoring. This recipe’s simplicity, combined with the slow cooker’s magic, guarantees a tender, richly flavored roast that will impress family and friends alike.

Whether you’re an experienced hunter or simply curious about cooking with bear meat, this method is approachable and rewarding.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs and spices to suit your taste, and remember the leftovers make for some truly delicious next-day meals. If you enjoyed this recipe and want to explore more slow cooker meals with vegetables or other creative dishes, check out our Slow Cooker Roast Recipe With Vegetables Made Easy, or get inspired by Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping, and Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.

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