Slow Cooker Venison Spaghetti Sauce

If possible, let the sauce sit for a little while before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Adding a splash of red wine can add to the sauce's flavor depth.

Pair your pasta with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra touch.

Double the batch and freezing half for an easy meal later on.

If sensitive to gamey flavors, marinate the venison prior to cooking in milk or buttermilk for an hour to help mitigate it.

Try different types of pasta to create varied textures; whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are good alternatives.

If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender before serving.

What is venison and how is it different from beef?

Venison is the meat from deer, and it is generally leaner than beef, with a richer flavor due to the animal's diet and lifestyle.

Can I use other types of meat instead of venison?

Yes, ground beef, ground turkey, or ground pork can be substituted, but the flavor will change. Venison's unique taste comes from its low-fat content and the presence of certain gamey characteristics.

How can I adjust the spice level of the sauce?

You can increase or decrease the amount of hot pepper sauce or add diced jalapenos or other spicy peppers. If you prefer a milder sauce, omit the hot pepper sauce entirely.

What if I don't have chili sauce?

If you don't have chili sauce, you can substitute it with a mixture of ketchup and hot sauce or a combination of tomato sauce with a dash of cayenne or paprika for heat.

Can I add more herbs or spices?

Feel free to experiment with additional herbs such as oregano, parsley, or basil to taste.

How can I make this sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, you can let it simmer longer (uncovered) to reduce the liquid or add a cornstarch slurry (mixing cornstarch with water and then stirring it in) towards the end of cooking.

Is it okay to use fresh herbs instead of dried?

You can use fresh herbs in place of dried herbs. Typically, you will want to use three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried to get the same level of flavor.

Can I freeze the venison spaghetti sauce?

Yes, venison spaghetti sauce freezes well. Cool the sauce completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers, where it can be stored for up to 3 months.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let the sauce cool down before sealing it to avoid condensation.

Can the sauce be reheated?

Yes, the sauce can be reheated on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Stir occasionally for even heating.

Can I add mushrooms or other vegetables?

Adding mushrooms can enhance the sauce's umami flavor. Other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or squash can also be included for added nutrition and texture.

What is the best way to serve this sauce?

Venison spaghetti sauce is typically served over spaghetti noodles, but it can also be paired with other pasta shapes, polenta, rice, or even served in a baked potato.

Crock Pot: For slow cooking the spaghetti sauce, allowing flavors to meld together over several hours. A larger-sized crock pot is recommended to accommodate the volume of ingredients.

Skillet: For browning the ground venison before combining it with the other ingredients in the crock pot.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: For measuring ingredients such as the celery, onion, hot sauce, steak sauce, and dried thyme.

Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for chopping the vegetables such as celery, green bell pepper, onion, carrots, and garlic.

Sharp Knife: For chopping the vegetables.

Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the browned venison in the skillet and for mixing it with other ingredients together in the crock pot.

Can Opener: For opening the canned tomatoes, tomato soup, and tomato paste if they do not have pull tabs.

Ladle (optional): For serving the spaghetti sauce once it is finished cooking, helping to portion out the sauce without making a mess.

Pasta: Serve the venison sauce over a bed of al dente spaghetti or pappardelle to complement the hearty texture of the sauce.

Polenta: Pair with creamy polenta for a comforting alternative to pasta. The smooth texture and mild flavor of polenta create a nice contrast to the rich and savory sauce.

Garlic Bread: Serve with toasted garlic bread to add a crunchy element. The garlic flavor enhances the sauce, while the bread is perfect for mopping up any leftovers.

Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted seasonal vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant, adds freshness and balance to the hearty sauce.

Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the venison sauce.

Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan over the top before serving. The nutty, salty flavors will enhance the meaty sauce.

Baked Potatoes: Serve the sauce over baked potatoes for a hearty meal.

Cottage Cheese: A side of cottage cheese provides a cooling effect, adding creaminess that contrasts with the boldness of the sauce.

Wine Pairings
Merlot: A nice choice for venison spaghetti sauce, Merlot is smooth with soft tannins. Look for one with dark fruits like plum and blackberry that can balance the rich, gamey sweetness of the venison.

Sangiovese: This red wine is bright and has a good acidity, which pairs well with tomato-based sauces. Look for a Sangiovese with cherry notes.

Cabernet Sauvignon: A well-structured Cabernet with bold flavors complements venison well. Aim for one that offers hints of dark berries and a little oakiness.

Other Alcohol Pairings
Chianti: This classic Italian red wine with its robust flavors can stand up to that big venison taste. With cherry and earthy qualities, it's perfect here.

Craft Beer: Look for an amber ale with a balanced taste; its malty sweetness and slight bitterness will work beautifully with the richness of your sauce.

Bourbon Cream Liqueur: If you're feeling adventurous, the vanilla and caramel notes of a bourbon cream liqueur can create a pleasantly sweet pairing.

Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Sparkling Water: A refreshing choice with its bubbles acting like a little burst of freshness. Think about a twist of lemon to chill your drinks while cutting through the hearty sauce flavors.

Herbal Iced Tea: Select a herbal blend like peppermint or hibiscus that brings a note of sweetness to the mix without clashing with the savory dish.

Tomatillo Juice: A bit offbeat, sure! But its bright, tart flavor plays nicely with tomato-based fare.