Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Venison Stew Casserole?
It is a comfort food dish that combines tender cubed venison with onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, mushrooms, red wine, and garlic, slow-baked for three hours.
What kind of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of cubed venison.
What type of onion soup mix is required?
You should use one envelope of dry onion soup mix.
What kind of canned soup is used?
The recipe uses one 10.5 oz can of cream of mushroom soup.
Should the mushrooms be fresh or canned?
The recipe specifies 4 ounces of drained whole mushrooms.
What type of wine is recommended?
A 1/2 cup of dry or semi-dry red wine is recommended for the best flavor.
How much garlic is included?
The dish uses 2 cloves of garlic.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic cloves should be crushed before being added to the mixture.
What is the oven temperature for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius).
How long does the casserole need to bake?
It needs to bake for 3 hours.
What is the 'no peek' promise?
The 'no peek' promise means you should not open the lid or foil during the three-hour baking time to ensure all flavors and moisture are locked in.
What size casserole dish is needed?
A 2-quart casserole dish is required for this recipe.
Can I make this in a crock-pot?
Yes, the instructions mention that the mixture can be transferred into a crock-pot.
Do I need to brown the venison before baking?
No, the instructions indicate mixing all ingredients together and placing them directly into the dish to bake.
What should I serve with the venison stew?
It is ideally served hot over rice or noodles to soak up the delicious gravy.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: venison, onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, mushrooms, red wine, and garlic.
Is this recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe and a one-pot meal that requires simple mixing and long baking.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is specifically described as the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings.
Can I substitute the red wine?
While the recipe calls for red wine for flavor depth, you could likely substitute it with beef broth if needed.
How should the dish be covered during baking?
The casserole should be covered tightly with a lid or aluminum foil.
How long should the dish sit after cooking?
It should sit for a few minutes before serving after being removed from the oven.
What is the texture of the venison after cooking?
The venison becomes very tender due to the slow-cooking process.
Does this recipe produce a gravy?
Yes, the combination of soup, wine, and juices creates a rich gravy.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, because it mostly involves mixing ingredients and waiting, it is very beginner-friendly.
Can I add other vegetables?
While not in the original recipe, you could potentially add root vegetables like carrots or potatoes.
How many servings does this make?
While not explicitly stated, 2 lbs of meat typically serves about 4 to 6 people.
Is this a slow-cooked meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a slow-cooked meal because of its 3-hour baking time.
What happens if I peek during the 3 hours?
Peeking lets out steam and heat, which might affect the tenderness of the meat and the concentration of the flavors.
Is this a hearty meal?
Yes, it is described as a hearty and satisfying meal, especially when served over starch.
Is the preparation time long?
The preparation time is short (mixing), but the total time is long due to the 3-hour bake.