Hairy Bikers’ Venison Casserole is a hearty and rich dish that showcases the unique flavors of venison, making it the perfect meal for cooler months. This casserole is slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the tender venison to absorb the deep, earthy flavors of red wine, herbs, and vegetables. With its gamey yet delicate taste, venison provides a delicious alternative to beef, creating a rustic and satisfying casserole ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
What is Hairy Bikers Venison Casserole?
Hairy Bikers’ Venison Casserole is a slow-cooked stew made with venison, vegetables, red wine, and a blend of herbs. Venison, known for its lean and slightly gamey flavor, pairs beautifully with rich, robust ingredients like red wine and root vegetables. This dish is comforting and full of flavor, making it a fantastic option for those who enjoy traditional casseroles with a twist.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Unique flavor: Venison offers a slightly gamey taste that’s distinct from traditional beef stews.
- Rich and comforting: The combination of venison, red wine, and herbs creates a deep, flavorful dish.
- Healthy option: Venison is leaner than beef, making it a healthier choice for casseroles.
- Perfect for special occasions: This dish is impressive enough for entertaining, yet simple to make.
- Freezes well: Great for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers later.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Venison Casserole
- Venison (1 kg / 2.2 lbs): Diced into bite-sized chunks, providing the main protein.
- Red wine (300ml / 1¼ cups): Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
- Beef or venison stock (500ml / 2 cups): Provides the liquid base for the casserole.
- Carrots (2 large): Peeled and chopped, adding sweetness and texture.
- Onions (2 large): Finely chopped, forming the aromatic base.
- Celery stalks (2): Sliced, for added flavor and texture.
- Garlic cloves (3): Minced, giving the dish a subtle aromatic depth.
- Bay leaves (2): Adds an earthy aroma to the stew.
- Thyme (1 tsp dried or a few sprigs fresh): For an herbal touch.
- Tomato paste (2 tbsp): Adds a rich tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): For browning the venison and sautéing the vegetables.
- Flour (2 tbsp): To coat the venison and thicken the sauce.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
Equipment
- Large frying pan
- Slow cooker or casserole dish with a lid
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Venison Casserole
1. Prepare the Venison and Vegetables:
- Coat the venison: Toss the diced venison in the flour, seasoning it with salt and pepper. This helps to brown the meat and thicken the sauce.
- Brown the venison: Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Brown the venison on all sides, then transfer the meat to the slow cooker or casserole dish.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- Cook the vegetables: In the same pan, add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, then transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker with the venison.
3. Add the Liquid and Herbs:
- Pour in the wine and stock: Add the red wine, beef or venison stock, bay leaves, and thyme to the slow cooker. Stir everything together to combine.
- Season: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
4. Slow Cook the Venison Casserole:
- Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker or casserole dish and cook on low for 6-8 hours (or on high for 4-5 hours). The venison should be tender and the sauce thickened.
5. Serve:
- Remove the bay leaves before serving. Serve the venison casserole hot, with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables.
What Goes Well With Hairy Bikers Venison Casserole
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
- Crusty bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to enjoy with the casserole.
- Steamed vegetables: Green beans, broccoli, or carrots make a healthy and vibrant side.
- Polenta: A soft, creamy polenta pairs beautifully with the robust flavors of the casserole.
- Rice: Simple steamed rice provides a comforting base to balance the richness.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Hairy Bikers Venison Casserole
- Brown the venison: Browning the venison adds depth and richness to the casserole. Don’t skip this step, as it enhances the flavor.
- Use good-quality wine: The wine plays a significant role in flavor, so choose a good-quality wine that you would enjoy drinking.
- Cook low and slow: Slow cooking allows the venison to become tender and for the flavors to develop fully.
- Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, leave the lid off during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the liquid to reduce.
- Rest the casserole: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Venison Casserole
- Vegetable addition: Add parsnips, turnips, or potatoes for a heartier dish.
- Gluten-free option: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce for a gluten-free version.
- Pork instead of venison: Swap venison for pork shoulder for a different take on this classic dish.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes for a touch of heat and depth.
- Herb substitute: Use rosemary instead of thyme for a different herbal flavor.
Best Practices to Store Hairy Bikers Venison Casserole
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store leftover venison casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for later: This dish freezes well. Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Label and date: Always label your containers before freezing to track freshness.
Best Practices to Reheat Hairy Bikers Venison Casserole
- Stovetop reheating: Reheat the casserole gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Microwave method: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
How Can I Make Hairy Bikers Venison Casserole Healthier?
- Use lean cuts of venison: Venison is already lean, but trimming any visible fat can further reduce the fat content.
- Add more vegetables: Increase the vegetable content to boost fiber and nutrients.
- Use low-sodium stock: Opt for low-sodium stock to reduce the overall salt content in the dish.
- Reduce the oil: Use less oil when browning the venison to cut down on calories.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
FAQs
Can I use beef instead of venison in this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute venison with beef in this recipe. Beef chuck or stewing beef are great alternatives and will cook similarly, providing a rich flavor to the casserole.
How do I prevent venison from becoming tough in the casserole?
To keep venison tender, cook it low and slow. Venison is leaner than other meats, so slow cooking at a low temperature helps to break down the muscle fibers, resulting in tender, juicy meat.
Can I make venison casserole without wine?
Yes, if you prefer not to use wine, you can replace it with an equal amount of beef or venison stock. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar for a slight acidity and depth of flavor.
Can I freeze venison casserole?
Yes, venison casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Final Words
Hairy Bikers’ Venison Casserole is a delicious, hearty dish that’s perfect for colder months or when you’re in the mood for something rich and comforting. The slow-cooked venison, paired with red wine, vegetables, and herbs, creates a dish that’s packed with flavor and sure to impress.
More By British Baking Recipes
- Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
- James Martin Slow-cooked Brisket
- Delia Smith Slow Cooker Brisket
Hairy Bikers Venison Casserole
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 480
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Hairy Bikers’ Venison Casserole is a slow-cooked stew made with venison, vegetables, red wine, and a blend of herbs. Venison, known for its lean and slightly gamey flavor, pairs beautifully with rich, robust ingredients like red wine and root vegetables. This dish is comforting and full of flavor, making it a fantastic option for those who enjoy traditional casseroles with a twist.
Ingredients
- Venison (1 kg / 2.2 lbs): Diced into bite-sized chunks, providing the main protein.
- Red wine (300ml / 1¼ cups): Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
- Beef or venison stock (500ml / 2 cups): Provides the liquid base for the casserole.
- Carrots (2 large): Peeled and chopped, adding sweetness and texture.
- Onions (2 large): Finely chopped, forming the aromatic base.
- Celery stalks (2): Sliced, for added flavor and texture.
- Garlic cloves (3): Minced, giving the dish a subtle aromatic depth.
- Bay leaves (2): Adds an earthy aroma to the stew.
- Thyme (1 tsp dried or a few sprigs fresh): For an herbal touch.
- Tomato paste (2 tbsp): Adds a rich tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): For browning the venison and sautéing the vegetables.
- Flour (2 tbsp): To coat the venison and thicken the sauce.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Venison and Vegetables:
- Coat the venison: Toss the diced venison in the flour, seasoning it with salt and pepper. This helps to brown the meat and thicken the sauce.
- Brown the venison: Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Brown the venison on all sides, then transfer the meat to the slow cooker or casserole dish.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- Cook the vegetables: In the same pan, add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, then transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker with the venison.
3. Add the Liquid and Herbs:
- Pour in the wine and stock: Add the red wine, beef or venison stock, bay leaves, and thyme to the slow cooker. Stir everything together to combine.
- Season: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
4. Slow Cook the Venison Casserole:
- Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker or casserole dish and cook on low for 6-8 hours (or on high for 4-5 hours). The venison should be tender and the sauce thickened.
5. Serve:
- Remove the bay leaves before serving. Serve the venison casserole hot, with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables.
