A hearty dish combines tender, flavorful venison with smoky barbecue beans for a comforting meal that's perfect any night of the week. Easy to prepare and full of rich, savory goodness, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Prep Time30 min
Cook Time16 hr 30 min
Total Time17 hr
Difficulty
Hard
Chef Tips
Make sure to brown the venison well before baking to lock in flavor.
Use low and slow cooking to keep the meat tender and juicy.
Stir the beans occasionally while baking to prevent them from sticking or drying out.
Ingredients
0/18
Why This Recipe Works
This dish combines the rich, lean flavor of venison with the sweet and smoky taste of barbecue beans. It’s hearty and satisfying, perfect for a cozy meal. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy game meat with familiar, comforting sides.
Step 1
Place the venison roast in your slow cooker along with ginger ale, chicken broth, a teaspoon of cumin, some pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cover it up and let it cook on low for about 10 hours, or until the meat is so tender you can easily shred it with a fork. Once it’s done, drain the liquid and pull the meat apart.
Step 2
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine the shredded venison with the pork and beans — black beans, kidney beans, baked beans — plus the tomatoes, green pepper, and onion. Stir in the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and molasses. Season everything with another teaspoon of cumin, a little more red pepper flakes, chili powder, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix it all up until everything is well combined.
Step 3
Pour this mixture into a deep 9x13-inch baking dish. Lay the bacon strips over the top in a single layer. Pop it into the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the bacon is cooked through and starting to get crispy. Let it cool a bit before serving, and enjoy!
129
people cooked this recipe
ByRyan Parker
Ryan shares simple recipes made for everyday cooking and easy family meals.
How To Plate This Dish
Serve with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. Cornbread or crusty bread also pairs nicely, helping to soak up the sauce. A glass of red wine or a dark beer complements the smoky flavors well.
Storage Suggestions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven to keep the meat tender. This dish also freezes well; thaw overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of venison for this recipe?
Yes, any boneless venison roast or stew meat works well as long as it can be slow-cooked until tender.
What can I substitute for ginger ale in the slow cooker?
You can use apple juice, white grape juice, or even water with a splash of lemon for a similar effect.
Is it necessary to drain the liquid after slow cooking the venison?
Yes, draining the liquid helps prevent the bean mixture from becoming too watery before baking.
Can I prepare this dish without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can braise the venison in a covered pot on low heat in the oven or stovetop for several hours until tender.
How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust the heat?
The recipe has a mild to moderate spice level; you can adjust chili powder, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it?
Yes, it tastes great reheated and can be prepared a day in advance; just cover and refrigerate before baking.
What can I use instead of bacon on top?
You can omit the bacon or use turkey bacon or cooked, crumbled sausage as alternatives.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked venison and bean mixture before baking; thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
This simple and flavorful burger combines ground chicken with hearty chickpeas for a healthy twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for a quick weeknigh...
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Snacks
Meals
Drinks
Vegan
