Slow-Cooked Venison Roast with Savory Mushroom Gravy

Tender venison roast smothered in a savory bacon and mushroom gravy—this slow cooker recipe is not your typical roast and is definitely worth trying.

If you have a freezer full of venison, consider other favorite recipes like venison chili, venison barbecue, venison meatloaf, or a classic venison roast to vary your menu.

This dish is ideal for anyone who loves venison. The mushroom and bacon gravy is rich and flavorful—perfect poured over mashed potatoes.

My husband doesn’t always bring home a deer, but when he does I love making this recipe. If you don’t hunt, check with your local butcher—many keep venison roast available when it’s in season.

How to make venison roast in the slow cooker:

• Venison roast – Any deer roast will work; an arm roast is a good choice. See the soaking tip below to reduce gaminess.
• Broth – Use beef broth or water with bouillon for depth of flavor.
• Vegetables – Mushrooms and onions add body to the gravy.
• Cornstarch – Used to thicken the cooking liquid into a gravy.
• Beer or wine – 1 cup of beer or a splash of red wine adds complexity. Substitute extra broth if you prefer no alcohol.
• Bacon – Cooked and crumbled, it adds smoky richness.
• Butter – Venison is lean, so butter (or bacon drippings) helps keep the roast moist and flavorful.
• Seasonings – Montreal steak seasoning provides bold flavor; additional salt is usually unnecessary.

How do I reduce the gamey flavor of venison?

• Place the roast in a large bowl or zip-top bag and cover with buttermilk.
• Refrigerate overnight, then rinse the meat before cooking.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a simple substitute with milk and an acid (lemon juice or vinegar) and let it sit briefly.
• This method won’t make venison identical to beef, but it does help mellow the gamey notes and tenderize the meat.

How long to cook

• Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8–9 hours.
• After cooking, shred the meat with two forks and serve with the gravy.

What to serve with this

• Mashed potatoes—creamy mashed red or Yukon gold potatoes are excellent for soaking up the gravy.
• Steamed white rice or a simple rice pilaf.
• Green vegetables—steamed green beans or a crisp green salad balance the richness.
• Garlic bread or a crusty loaf to mop up sauce.

Slow Cooker Venison Roast with Mushroom Gravy

4.80 from 5 votes

A unique venison roast with a bacon and mushroom gravy that develops in the slow cooker.

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How to Video

Equipment

• Slow cooker (5 quart or larger)

Ingredients

• 2 cups buttermilk (optional, for soaking to reduce gaminess)
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1/3 cup cold water
• 15 oz. beef broth
• 1 cup beer (or red wine)
• 3-4 lb. venison roast
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 1 yellow onion
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and drained
• 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
• 1 Tbsp. Montreal steak seasoning
• 4 Tbsp. salted butter

Instructions

• OVERNIGHT SOAK (OPTIONAL): Place the roast in a large bowl and cover with buttermilk. Refrigerate overnight, then rinse before cooking.
• In a small bowl, whisk the cold water and cornstarch together. Add this slurry to the slow cooker along with the beef broth and beer; stir to combine.
• Add the venison roast to the liquid. Tuck in the sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, and the cooked bacon.
• Sprinkle the thyme and Montreal steak seasoning over the roast and vegetables.
• Slice the butter and arrange it over the roast and veggies.
• Cover and cook on LOW for 9 hours without lifting the lid.
• Remove the roast, shred with two forks, and return meat to the slow cooker to coat with the gravy. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 432kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 46g

Nutrition info is auto-generated and provided as an estimate; if you follow a special diet, calculate values using your own tools.

More pot roast recipes to try:

Mississippi Pot Roast and Three Packet Pot Roast are easy, flavorful options that rely on pantry staples for a tender, savory result.

Grandma’s Pot Roast delivers classic comfort, while Horseradish Pot Roast adds a zesty kick.

For a tangy variation, try a balsamic beef roast for a slightly sweet and bright flavor profile.