Crock Pot Elk Stew Recipe for Hearty, Easy Meals

When it comes to hearty, flavorful meals that warm you up on chilly days, nothing quite compares to a slow-cooked stew. Elk stew is a fantastic alternative to traditional beef stew, offering a leaner, gamey flavor that’s rich and satisfying.

Using a crock pot to prepare this dish means you can set it and forget it—perfect for busy days or cozy weekend dinners. The slow cooking process tenderizes the elk meat beautifully, melding the savory herbs and vegetables into a mouthwatering medley of tastes and textures.

Whether you’re an experienced hunter or simply love trying new proteins, this crock pot elk stew recipe will become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Get ready for a delicious, comforting feast that’s both nutritious and easy to prepare!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This crock pot elk stew is a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty, slow-cooked meal with minimal effort. The elk meat is naturally lean and packed with protein, making it a healthier alternative to beef without sacrificing flavor.

The long, slow simmer allows the meat to become incredibly tender, soaking up the robust flavors of garlic, herbs, and root vegetables.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize the vegetables and seasonings to your liking or swap ingredients based on what’s in your pantry.

This recipe also makes excellent leftovers and freezes well, making it ideal for meal prep or batch cooking. Best of all, the crock pot does most of the work, so you can come home to a warm, flavorful stew ready to enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs elk stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with extra broth)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour or cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• Crock pot / Slow cooker (at least 5-quart capacity)
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle (for serving)
• Mixing bowl (optional, for thickening slurry)

Instructions

1. Prepare the elk meat: Pat the elk stew meat dry with paper towels. This helps it brown better in the skillet.
2. Brown the meat: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the elk cubes in batches, avoiding overcrowding, and brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Transfer browned meat to the crock pot.
3. Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Deglaze the skillet: Pour the red wine (or extra broth) into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
5. Add to the crock pot: Transfer the onion, garlic, and wine mixture to the crock pot with the elk meat. Add the carrots, potatoes, celery, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir to combine everything.
6. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. Be moderate with salt at this stage—you can adjust later.
7. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the meat and vegetables are tender.
8. Thicken the stew (optional): About 30 minutes before serving, mix 2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the crock pot to thicken the stew. Replace the lid and cook for the remaining time.
9. Final touches: Remove bay leaves, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

For the best flavor, brown the elk meat well before slow cooking. This step adds depth to the stew.

If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add pearl barley or diced turnips along with the vegetables. For a twist, substitute some of the potatoes with sweet potatoes for a subtle sweetness that contrasts nicely with the gamey elk.

Feel free to swap out the herbs based on your pantry—sage and oregano work wonderfully in this dish. If you want extra richness, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of smoked paprika.

For a gluten-free version, use cornstarch instead of flour, or skip thickening altogether for a brothier stew.

Nutrition Facts

This recipe is a great source of lean protein and dietary fiber, while remaining moderately low in calories and fat. Elk meat is also rich in iron and B vitamins, supporting energy and overall health.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your crock pot elk stew with a slice of crusty artisan bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up the delicious broth. A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully, adding freshness to the hearty stew.

For a rustic touch, consider serving alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles.

If you’re in the mood for something lighter, steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts complement the stew’s flavors perfectly. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top for color and a burst of herbaceous aroma.

Conclusion

This crock pot elk stew recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a comforting, wholesome meal with minimal fuss. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, creating tender, flavorful meat and perfectly cooked vegetables that meld together into a rich, satisfying stew.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish provides warmth and nourishment on even the coldest days.

Its versatility means you can adjust the ingredients and seasonings to your liking, making it a recipe you’ll return to time and again. If you enjoy this elk stew, be sure to check out other hearty slow cooker recipes like the Slow Cooker Roast Recipe With Vegetables Made Easy or explore vegan options with the Best Vegan Slowcooker Recipes for Easy Healthy Meals.

For a fresh take on nutritious meals, try the Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.

Enjoy the process and the incredible flavors this crock pot elk stew brings to your table!

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