Grouse Crockpot Recipe for Tender, Flavorful Meals

Grouse is a wonderfully flavorful game bird that, when cooked correctly, offers a rich and earthy taste unlike any other poultry. Using a crockpot to prepare grouse is a fantastic way to tenderize this lean meat slowly, ensuring it remains juicy and infused with aromatic herbs and spices.

Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or simply looking to try a new delicacy, this grouse crockpot recipe is perfect for an effortless yet impressive meal. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over hours while you go about your day.

This recipe combines traditional ingredients with a few modern twists, creating a hearty and comforting dish that’s ideal for colder months or whenever you crave a robust, home-cooked meal. Plus, it’s an excellent alternative to your usual chicken or turkey dishes.

Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s dive into why you’ll love this grouse crockpot recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow-cooked perfection: The crockpot gently simmers the grouse, making the meat incredibly tender without drying it out.

Rich, savory flavors: Herbs, garlic, and a splash of red wine enhance the natural gamey taste, creating a complex and satisfying dish.

Easy prep: Minimal hands-on time means you can set it and forget it, making this recipe perfect for busy days or relaxed weekends.

Versatile serving options: Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or alongside roasted seasonal vegetables for a complete meal.

Plus, this recipe is a great way to introduce game meat to your kitchen repertoire without fuss or stress.

Ingredients

• 2 whole grouse, cleaned and patted dry
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 cup red wine (choose a dry variety)
• 1 cup chicken or game stock
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup pearl onions, peeled (optional)
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)

Equipment

• Crockpot (slow cooker) – 4 to 6 quart size preferred
• Large skillet or frying pan for searing
• Sharp knife for chopping vegetables
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring

Instructions

1. Prepare the grouse: Season the grouse generously with salt and pepper both inside and out. Pat dry to ensure a good sear.
2. Heat olive oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering.
3. Sear the grouse: Brown each grouse on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per side until a golden crust forms. This step locks in flavor and juices. Transfer the grouse to the crockpot.
4. Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add sliced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and aromatic.
5. Deglaze the pan: Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen browned bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Add tomato paste and stock: Stir in tomato paste and then pour in the chicken or game stock. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.
7. Transfer to crockpot: Pour the vegetable and wine mixture over the grouse in the crockpot.
8. Add herbs and extras: Tuck in rosemary, thyme, bay leaf, pearl onions, and mushrooms around the grouse.
9. Cook low and slow: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the grouse is tender and easily pulls from the bone.
10. Check seasoning: Before serving, taste the cooking liquid and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove herb sprigs and bay leaf.
11. Serve and enjoy: Plate the grouse alongside your favorite sides and spoon the luscious sauce over the top.

Tips & Variations

“For an even deeper flavor, marinate the grouse overnight in red wine, garlic, and herbs before cooking.”

• Try adding root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for a hearty winter stew variation.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Substitute red wine with cranberry juice for a different fruity undertone if you want to keep it alcohol-free.
• For a smoky touch, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the vegetable mix.
• Grouse breasts can be removed and cooked separately if you want a faster cooking time; just keep the legs in the crockpot.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and will vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

Serving Suggestions

This grouse crockpot recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of rustic and comforting sides:

• Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option.
• Buttery polenta or a wild rice pilaf to soak up the savory sauce.
• Roasted root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts.
• A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• Crusty artisan bread for mopping up the delicious juices.

For more slow cooker inspiration, check out our Slow Cooker Roast Recipe With Vegetables Made Easy or explore hearty vegan options like Best Vegan Slowcooker Recipes for Easy Healthy Meals to diversify your crockpot repertoire.

Conclusion

Embracing the rich, gamey flavor of grouse through this slow cooker recipe offers a delightful culinary adventure that is both approachable and deeply satisfying. The crockpot’s gentle heat breaks down the lean meat, turning it tender and juicy, while the combination of herbs, red wine, and vegetables layers the dish with complexity and warmth.

Whether you’re preparing a special meal for guests or simply want to enjoy a new protein, this recipe delivers on taste and ease.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with the suggested variations or pair it with your favorite sides to make it your own. And if you love cooking with the slow cooker, be sure to check out other delicious recipes like our Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious or quick meals like Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.

Happy cooking and bon appétit!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Grouse Crockpot Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A tender and flavorful grouse slow-cooked to perfection with herbs and vegetables. Perfect for a hearty and comforting meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT6H”, “totalTime”: “PT6H20M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 whole grouse, cleaned and plucked”, “1 large onion, chopped”, “2 carrots, sliced”, “2 celery stalks, sliced”, “3 garlic cloves, minced”, “1 cup chicken broth”, “1/2 cup dry white wine”, “2 tbsp olive oil”, “1 tsp dried thyme”, “1 tsp dried rosemary”, “Salt and pepper to taste”, “2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season grouse with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a pan and brown the grouse on all sides.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Place chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in the crockpot.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add browned grouse on top of the vegetables.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour chicken broth and white wine over the grouse.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “350 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “45 g”, “fatContent”: “15 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “8 g”}}