Beer Braised Venison Roast with Carrots and Mashed Potatoes Recipe
This Beer Braised Venison Roast with Carrots and Mashed Potatoes is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy meal. Tender venison pieces are seared and slow-cooked in a rich brown ale and beef broth mixture infused with fresh herbs, garlic, and tomato paste, then served alongside creamy, buttery mashed potatoes and tender carrots.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Venison Roast and Braising Liquid
- 2–3 pounds venison roast, cut into 2-3 inch pieces (or beef chuck roast)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 12 ounces brown ale beer
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning the roast
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more for seasoning the roast
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces (about 7–8 carrots)
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds russet potatoes (about 4–6 potatoes)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Preheat Oven and Season Meat: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Generously season the venison pieces with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavors.
- Sear the Venison: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the meat pieces and sear them until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Once browned, remove the meat and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the Dutch oven along with the sliced onions, rosemary, and thyme. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions begin to caramelize.
- Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for about 1 minute to develop the flavors.
- Deglaze and Prepare Braising Liquid: Pour in the brown ale beer, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, and add brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir well to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add Meat and Carrots to Braise: Return the venison pieces to the pot along with the carrot pieces. Cover the Dutch oven with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Braise in Oven: Cook in the oven for 3 to 3 ½ hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Prepare Mashed Potatoes: While the meat is braising, peel and cut the russet potatoes into chunks. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook until potatoes are fork tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Mash Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, milk, and salt. Use an electric mixer or potato masher to mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Remove the rosemary and thyme sprigs from the braise. Serve the tender venison and carrots over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, spooning some of the braising liquid over the top for extra flavor.
Notes
- For a milder flavor, substitute brown ale beer with a darker malt beer or non-alcoholic beer.
- If venison is not available, beef chuck roast is an excellent alternative.
- Use a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or oven-safe pot for even heat distribution during braising.
- The dish can be prepared a day ahead; flavors often improve after resting overnight.
- Adjust salt and pepper seasoning according to taste preferences.
Keywords: venison roast, beer braised venison, mashed potatoes, braised carrots, hearty winter stew, Dutch oven recipe, comfort food, game meat recipe