Slow Cooker Venison Spaghetti Sauce
No Comments Sep 07, 2023
Updated May 11, 2025
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This Slow Cooker Venison Spaghetti Sauce is made with all the classic ingredients of traditional homemade spaghetti sauce with the exception of adding ground venison and shredded carrots. Pair this delicious recipe for meat sauce with spaghetti noodles and a side of garlic bread for a tasty meal the whole family will enjoy.
When it comes to deer meat, people either love it or hate it. What I’ve found is that those who say they don’t care for it, may not have had it cooked properly. And that’s where a recipe like this ground venison spaghetti sauce comes in.
Similar to other sauces made with ground meat, the other ingredients include tomato sauce, fresh vegetables, and Italian seasoning. The prep time is quick and the cooking time is moderate, meaning you can have this homemade meat sauce ready for Sunday supper the same day. You will also love our easy crockpot spaghetti and meatballs or slow cooker bolognese.
Ingredients needed for Venison Spaghetti
The ingredients are very similar to beef spaghetti sauce! Find the full ingredient amounts in the recipe card below the images.
- Ground Venison: For this recipe, I like to use at least 2 lbs. of 80/20 mix or 90/10.
- Vegetables: You’ll need a handful of carrots so when they’re finely minced, you end up with about a 1/3 cup. A large yellow onion, green pepper, and a couple of celery ribs add the perfect flavor.
- Tomatoes: Every good spaghetti sauce has tomatoes and for this recipe, you’ll need a couple of cans of crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce.
- Seasonings: 5 cloves of minced garlic, Italian seasoning, all-purpose seasoning, and salt and pepper make this meat sauce taste delicious and free of any wild game taste.
How to Make Venison Spaghetti Sauce
Step One – In a large skillet, add the venison and cook over medium-high heat until barely any pink remains.
Step Two – Add the venison and remaining ingredients to the slow cooker (except salt and black pepper).
Step Three – Cover and cook on HIGH for 5 Hours or LOW for 8 hours. After the cooking time is finished, taste the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy!
My Serving Suggestions
Here are my favorite ways to serve this deer spaghetti sauce:
- One of the most traditional ways to serve this sauce is spooned over cooked spaghetti noodles. You can also serve it over any kind of fresh pasta of your choice. My favorite pasta is linguine.
- You can use the sauce to make lasagna as well.
- Serve with salad and garlic bread.
Slow Cooker Venison Spaghetti Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. ground venison, 80/20 mix or 90/10
- ⅓ cup finely minced carrots
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery ribs, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 56 oz. crushed tomatoes, (two 28-oz. cans)
- 20 oz. tomato sauce, (two 10 oz. cans)
- 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp. all purpose seasoning, (such as seasoning salt)
- salt and pepper to taste, (add at the end)
Instructions
- In a large skillet add the venison and cook over medium-high heat until barely any pink remains. Add the venison and remaining ingredients to the slow cooker (except salt and pepper).
- Cover and cook on high for 5 Hours or low for 8 hours.
- After the cooking time is finished, taste the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve spooned over cooked spaghetti noodles and some garlic bread on the side.
Sarah’s Notes
- Storage Instructions: Once the Venison Spaghetti Sauce has cooled completely store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This is the type of food that tastes better the next day!
- Can I freeze? Yes, this spaghetti sauce freezes well. Store in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months.
- What is meant by 80/20 or 90/10? When we have our venison meat processed we like to mix the ground meat with a little extra fat (usually pork) so that the venison doesn’t dry out – as it’s a really lean meat. We choose 80% venison 20% pork fat normally.
- What is the purpose of the carrots in this recipe? I like to add carrots for the sweetness, instead of sugar. Carrots add a natural sweetness, plus it’s a great way to sneak vegetables.
- Other Meats: If you don’t prefer to make this sauce with ground deer meat, you can use ground elk, ground beef, ground pork, or ground turkey.
- Pasta tip: The pasta must be cooked separately and not in the spaghetti sauce. The noodles will be mushy and chalky if cooked wit the sauce.
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
More Slow Cooker Venison Recipes
Venison Stew is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for slow cooking with tender chunks of meat and vegetables.
For something bold and smoky, Venison Barbecue is a delicious twist on pulled meat sandwiches or sliders. Try Venison Meatloaf for a leaner take on the classic, packed with savory flavor and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Slow Cooker Venison Roast comes out tender and flavorful, great for serving with potatoes or over rice.
Venison Tacos are a fun and easy way to enjoy ground venison, seasoned and tucked into warm tortillas with your favorite toppings. My popular recipe for venison chili is a must try- made with three kinds of peppers.
