Hearty Instant Pot Venison Stew

Transform your dinner routine with this incredibly simple yet profoundly satisfying Instant Pot Venison Stew. It’s the ultimate comfort food, delivering a rich, hearty meal brimming with exceptionally tender venison that literally falls apart with every spoonful. Forget hours of simmering; the Instant Pot makes quick work of this robust stew, bringing deep, slow-cooked flavors to your table in a fraction of the time.

For those of us fortunate enough to have a well-stocked freezer with wild game, this venison stew is a year-round delight. However, it truly shines during the colder months, offering a warming embrace that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Coincidentally, this often aligns with deer hunting season, making it a timely and popular choice for showcasing your harvest.

If you’re eager to get cooking, simply jump to the full recipe card below for all the details, ingredients, and step-by-step instructions. Otherwise, continue reading for helpful tips, ingredient insights, and delicious variations to customize your stew!

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Venison Stew

• Unbeatable Speed & Convenience: The Instant Pot significantly cuts down cooking time, allowing you to achieve fall-apart tender venison in under an hour, rather than waiting for hours in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you crave a wholesome, homemade meal without the long wait.
• Slow-Cooked Flavor, Fast: Despite its rapid cooking, this stew develops a depth of flavor that tastes as if it’s been lovingly simmered all day. The pressure cooking environment infuses every ingredient with rich, savory notes, creating an incredibly satisfying dish.
• Flavorful Venison: Venison, being a lean and flavorful red meat, truly shines in this stew. The pressure cooking method ensures it remains moist and tender, perfectly absorbing the aromatic spices and savory liquids.
• Homemade Seasoning Boost: Utilizing a quality pot roast seasoning (especially a homemade blend) elevates this stew to new heights, creating a balanced and robust flavor profile that complements the venison beautifully. This blend is key to achieving that classic, comforting stew taste.
• Hearty & Wholesome: Packed with lean venison, nutrient-rich vegetables like carrots, potatoes, celery, and onions, this stew is a complete meal in itself. It’s incredibly filling and offers a good source of protein and fiber, making it perfect for active lifestyles or a cozy family dinner.

This recipe isn’t just about speed; it’s about harnessing the power of pressure cooking to create a truly memorable meal that highlights the natural richness of venison. It’s a game-changer for wild game enthusiasts and a welcoming introduction for those new to cooking with deer meat.

Gather Your Ingredients for a Delicious Venison Stew

To create this mouthwatering Instant Pot Venison Stew, you’ll need a selection of fresh vegetables, high-quality venison, and a few pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building the rich flavors and satisfying textures of this dish. Here’s what to look for:

• Venison Roast: We recommend 3 pounds of venison roast, cubed into manageable pieces. This cut becomes incredibly tender under pressure. When preparing, remember to trim any silver skin or connective tissue to ensure the best texture.
• Pot Roast Seasoning: About ⅓ cup of your favorite pot roast seasoning blend. Our homemade pot roast seasoning is specifically designed to enhance hearty stews and roasts, bringing a balanced savory and aromatic profile.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon for searing the venison and sautéing the aromatics. Extra virgin olive oil adds a nice base flavor.
• Sweet Onion: 1 large sweet onion, diced. Sweet onions soften beautifully and add a gentle sweetness that balances the richness of the venison.
• Celery: 2 ribs of celery, diced. Celery contributes a fresh, subtle earthiness and essential aromatic depth to the stew base.
• Garlic: 3 cloves of garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is non-negotiable for its pungent, savory kick that forms the backbone of the stew’s flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes: 1 (15-ounce) can of diced tomatoes. These add a touch of acidity and sweetness, contributing to the stew’s body and overall complexity.
• Red Wine Vinegar: 1 tablespoon. A splash of red wine vinegar helps to deglaze the pot, lifting all those delicious browned bits from the bottom, and adds a bright, tangy note that cuts through the richness.
• Carrots: 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces. Carrots sweeten as they cook and provide essential nutrients and vibrant color.
• Yellow Potatoes: 5 yellow potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes. Yellow potatoes hold their shape well in stews and offer a creamy texture. You could also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes.
• Water: 3 cups. While broth can be used, water allows the venison and seasoning flavors to truly shine. The other ingredients contribute ample liquid and flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional, for garnish. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous finish.

For precise measurements and detailed instructions, scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this page. Having all your ingredients prepped and ready (mise en place) will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Instant Pot Venison Stew

Creating this flavorful venison stew in your Instant Pot is surprisingly straightforward. This overview will guide you through each essential step, ensuring a perfect result every time. For even more detailed instructions and expert tips, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located at the end of this post.

• Step 1: Season the Venison. Begin by placing your cubed venison roast into a large resealable bag. Add the pot roast seasoning, ensuring all pieces of meat are thoroughly coated by shaking the bag vigorously. This step is crucial for building a deep, savory base flavor.
• Step 2: Prepare for Sautéing. Pour the olive oil into the Instant Pot’s inner pot. Select the “Sauté” function and allow it to heat up until the oil shimmers.
• Step 3: Sear the Venison. Carefully add the seasoned venison to the hot olive oil. Sear the meat in batches, if necessary, to avoid overcrowding the pot. Brown the venison on all sides for a few minutes per batch, developing a rich crust. This searing locks in juices and adds immense flavor through the Maillard reaction. Once seared, remove the venison and set it aside.
• Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics. In the same Instant Pot, add the diced onions and celery. Sauté them until they begin to soften and become translucent, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

• Step 5: Deglaze the Pot. Once the vegetables are tender, add the chopped tomatoes and red wine vinegar. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape the bottom of the pot, lifting any browned bits that may have accumulated. This “deglazing” step is vital as these bits are packed with flavor and also prevents a “Burn” error on your Instant Pot.
• Step 6: Add Liquid. Stir in the water, ensuring everything in the pot is well combined.
• Step 7: Return Venison & Add Remaining Vegetables. Place the seared venison back into the Instant Pot, along with the carrots and potatoes. Gently push them down into the liquid, but do not stir excessively.
• Step 8: Pressure Cook. Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, making sure the sealing lever is turned to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Stew” or “Meat/Stew” function, or manually set it to pressure cook on High for 35 minutes.
• Step 9: Release Pressure & Serve. Once the pressure cooking cycle is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. This helps the meat absorb juices and become even more tender. After 10 minutes, carefully turn the sealing lever to the “Venting” position for a quick release of any remaining pressure. Once the floating valve drops, it’s safe to open the lid. Stir the stew gently and serve hot, perhaps with a side of warm, crusty bread.

Safety Tip: Always exercise caution when releasing pressure from your Instant Pot. Turn the lever away from your face and hands, as the steam can be very hot and cause burns.

Following these steps will result in a perfectly cooked, rich, and flavorful venison stew that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy the process of creating this comforting dish!

Recipe Variations & Creative Substitute Ideas

This Instant Pot Venison Stew is wonderfully versatile, allowing for numerous modifications to suit your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to get creative and make this recipe truly your own!

• Worcestershire Sauce: For an extra layer of savory depth and umami flavor, add a tablespoon or two of Worcestershire sauce along with the tomatoes. It complements venison beautifully.
• Tomato Paste: If you prefer a thicker, richer stew, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste when sautéing the vegetables. It concentrates the tomato flavor and adds body.
• Beef Roast: No venison? No problem! This recipe works equally well with beef chuck roast, creating a delicious and classic beef stew. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed, though 35 minutes is often perfect for beef too.
• Balsamic Vinegar: In place of red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar can be used to add a slightly sweeter and more complex tangy note, balancing the stew’s richness.
• Black Pepper: While your pot roast seasoning will have pepper, a pinch of freshly ground black pepper can be added when searing the venison for an extra kick and to help form a crust.
• Chili Powder: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a teaspoon or two of chili powder (or a pinch of cayenne) can be stirred in with the other spices to add a subtle warmth.
• Chicken or Beef Broth: Instead of water, use chicken or beef broth (or even a rich bone broth) to add an even deeper, more complex base flavor to your stew. This is especially good if you’re not using homemade pot roast seasoning.
• Frozen Peas or Green Beans: For added color and nutrition, stir in a cup of frozen peas or cut green beans during the last few minutes of cooking or after the pressure has been released. Their residual heat will warm them through.
• Ground Venison: If you have ground venison, you can brown it instead of searing cubed roast. The cooking time might be slightly reduced, but the flavors will still be fantastic. This will yield a more “chili-like” stew.
• Bay Leaves: For a classic stew flavor, add 1-2 bay leaves to the Instant Pot along with the liquid. Remember to remove them before serving.
• Yellow Onion: While sweet onion is lovely, a yellow onion can be used for a slightly more pungent and traditional stew flavor.
• Garlic Powder: If you’re out of fresh garlic, ½ to 1 teaspoon of garlic powder can be substituted. Add it when sautéing the onions and celery.
• Baby Carrots: For convenience, pre-packaged baby carrots can be used instead of large carrots, simply add them whole.
• Mushrooms: Sliced cremini or button mushrooms can be added with the onions and celery for an earthy flavor boost.
• Herbs: Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs can be added to the pot for an aromatic lift, complementing the venison exceptionally well.

Feel free to experiment with these ideas to create your perfect bowl of Instant Pot Venison Stew!

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Essential Equipment: Your Instant Pot & More

The right tools can make all the difference in the kitchen, especially when preparing delicious and efficient meals. For this Instant Pot Venison Stew, the star piece of equipment is, of course, your Instant Pot. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Instant Pot (or other electric pressure cooker): This is the hero of our recipe, transforming tough cuts of venison into incredibly tender meat in record time. Any model will work, but for specific recommendations, check the equipment section in the recipe card below, where I’ve included an affiliate link to the type I personally use and trust.
• Large Resealable Bag: Essential for easily coating the venison with seasoning.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For cubing the venison and dicing all your vegetables.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for searing the meat, sautéing vegetables, and crucial for deglazing the pot without scratching the non-stick surface.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient proportions.

Investing in a good quality Instant Pot will open up a world of quick and delicious recipes, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen. Its ability to pressure cook, sauté, and slow cook all in one pot simplifies meal prep and cleanup.

Explore More Delicious Venison Recipes

If you’re a fan of venison, you’re in for a treat! This hearty stew is just one of many incredible ways to enjoy this lean and flavorful wild game. Here are some other venison recipes from our collection that we think you’ll absolutely adore, perfect for any occasion:

And there are even more options to satisfy your wild game cravings:

• Flavorful Venison Tacos
• Crispy Venison Cutlets
• Hearty Slow Cooker Venison Roast with Red Wine

Beyond venison, if you enjoy other wild game, you should also try this incredibly comforting Slow Cooker Rabbit Stew – it’s another one of our family favorites. And for another fantastic pressure cooker meal, don’t miss our Instant Pot White Beans recipe, perfect as a side or a light main.

Storing & Reheating Your Delicious Leftovers

One of the best things about making a large batch of stew is enjoying the delicious leftovers! This Instant Pot Venison Stew is fantastic the next day as the flavors continue to meld and deepen. Here’s how to properly store and reheat your stew:

Refrigerator Storage:

Once your venison stew has cooled completely to room temperature (this is important for food safety), transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure the container is sealed well to maintain freshness and prevent any odors from mixing with other fridge contents.

Freezer Storage:

This venison stew freezes exceptionally well, making it a perfect meal-prep option. For freezing, allow the stew to cool completely. Divide it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. If using bags, lay them flat to freeze, which saves space. The stew can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months without compromising quality. Label your containers with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Tips:

• From the Refrigerator: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until thoroughly hot. For larger quantities, transfer the stew to a saucepan or Dutch oven and gently warm over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You might need to add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much.
• From the Freezer: For best results, thaw the frozen stew overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, reheat as you would refrigerated leftovers. If you’re in a hurry, you can gently reheat frozen stew directly on the stovetop over very low heat, stirring frequently and breaking it up as it thaws, adding a little liquid if necessary. Alternatively, use your Instant Pot’s “Sauté” function on low or “Keep Warm” setting, stirring until heated.

Enjoying this stew for days to come is easy, thanks to these simple storage and reheating methods!

Frequently Asked Questions: Instant Pot Venison Stew

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Instant Pot Venison Stew