Slow Cooker Moose Roast Recipe

Name: Slow Cooker Moose Roast
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 370 min
Total time: 375 min
Yield: 16
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 4 pounds moose roast; 1 (1 ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix; 2 cups apple juice

Cook Time: 370 minutes

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 pounds moose roast
1 (1 ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix
2 cups apple juice, or more as needed

Directions

Step 1: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the moose roast and brown it on all sides.

Step 2: Transfer the browned roast to a slow cooker. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the roast.

Step 3: Pour the apple juice over the roast. Make sure the roast is partially submerged in the liquid. Add more apple juice if necessary.

Step 4: Cover the slow cooker and set it to medium heat. Let the roast cook for 6 to 8 hours, or until the meat becomes very tender. Check occasionally to ensure there is enough liquid, and add more apple juice if needed.

Step 5: Once the roast is tender, remove it from the slow cooker. Serve the roast with the cooking juices, or for a thicker sauce, simmer the juices on the stove until they reach your desired consistency to make a flavorful gravy.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 186
Fat: 3g
Carbs: 5g
Protein: 33g

Nutrition Breakdown

Servings per Recipe: 16
Calories: 186
Total Fat: 3g (4% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 1g (3% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 88mg (29% Daily Value)
Sodium: 222mg (10% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 5g (2% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 0g (1% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 3g
Protein: 33g (67% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 18mg (20% Daily Value)
Calcium: 12mg (1% Daily Value)
Iron: 5mg (27% Daily Value)
Potassium: 423mg (9% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

Origin Story: The Slow Cooker Moose Roast is a dish with roots in the northern parts of North America, particularly in regions where moose hunting is common. Moose meat, known for its rich flavor and lean texture, is a staple in many Indigenous and northern communities, especially in Canada and Alaska. This recipe captures the essence of slow cooking, which has been a traditional method for cooking tougher cuts of meat for centuries, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender and juicy.

Regional Variations: While the basic preparation for moose roast remains the same, there are numerous regional twists. In Alaska, for example, people might add a splash of beer instead of apple juice to enhance the savory flavors and cut the gamey taste. In parts of Canada, wild herbs such as spruce tips or juniper berries might be added to infuse the dish with an earthy, aromatic flavor. Some hunters also prefer using local roots or berries in their cooking, creating unique variations that reflect the areas natural resources.

What Makes it Unique: Unlike other game meats such as venison or elk, moose meat has a notably milder taste, though still distinct. The slow cooker method helps break down the tough fibers, making the meat incredibly tender. The addition of onion soup mix and apple juice creates a balance of savory and sweet flavors, making the dish both hearty and comforting. This contrasts with similar recipes that might call for red wine or more robust seasoning, which can overpower the more delicate moose flavor.

Where it's Typically Served: The Slow Cooker Moose Roast is a favorite in homes across northern North America, especially during hunting season. Its a popular dish to serve at family gatherings, community feasts, and even casual get-togethers where moose meat is available. This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a side of bread to soak up the delicious gravy. In some remote communities, it may also be served as part of a traditional meal celebrating local wildlife.

Interesting Facts: Moose are the largest members of the deer family, and their meat is prized for being both lean and nutrient-dense. In fact, moose meat contains high levels of protein, iron, and essential fatty acids. A single serving of moose roast can provide a substantial portion of daily nutritional needs. Despite its strong game flavor, moose meat is a highly versatile ingredient and can be used in a variety of recipes, from stews to burgers. Moose hunting remains an important cultural and subsistence practice in many northern communities, helping to provide food for families and maintain a connection to traditional ways of life.

Recipe Ingredients:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 pounds moose roast
1 (1 ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix
2 cups apple juice

Instructions:

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add roast and brown on all sides, then transfer to a slow cooker.
Sprinkle onion soup mix over roast, then pour in apple juice. Cover and cook on Medium until meat is very tender, 6 to 8 hours, checking occasionally to make sure there is sufficient liquid and adding more apple juice if necessary.
Serve roast with cooking juices, or thicken the juices for a tasty gravy.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

Calories: 186 kcal
Fat: 3g
Protein: 33g
Carbs: 5g
Sodium: 222 mg
Cholesterol: 88 mg

FAQ about Slow Cooker Moose Roast Recipe

Store any leftover moose roast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the roast for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing to avoid condensation, which can affect texture and flavor.

Yes! If you prefer not to use apple juice, you can substitute it with other liquids such as beef broth, red wine, or even beer. Each liquid will impart a different flavor to the roast. Experiment with what suits your taste!

If the roast is too tough, it's likely that it needs more cooking time. Moose meat can be tougher than other meats, so it's essential to cook it long enough for the connective tissue to break down. Try extending the cooking time by 1-2 hours on low in the slow cooker, checking periodically for tenderness.

Absolutely! Many people add vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, onions, and celery to the slow cooker along with the moose roast. Add them in the last 1-2 hours of cooking to ensure they don't overcook. You can also add them at the start, but be mindful they may turn softer and more like a stew.

Browning the moose roast before slow cooking is not mandatory, but it adds depth of flavor. Searing the meat creates a Maillard reaction that enhances the roast’s savory taste. If you're short on time, you can skip this step, but your roast might be a bit less flavorful.

To thicken the cooking juices into gravy, remove the roast and vegetables from the slow cooker. In a separate pan, combine some of the cooking liquid with a thickening agent like cornstarch or flour. Cook over medium heat until it thickens, and then pour the gravy over the roast or serve on the side.

Yes! If you're cooking a smaller moose roast, adjust the cooking time. For a 2-3 pound roast, you can cook it on low for about 4-6 hours, depending on your slow cooker and the roast's size. Always check the tenderness to ensure it's fully cooked.

If your slow cooker doesn't have a medium setting, you can use the low setting for a longer period (6-8 hours), or the high setting for a shorter period (3-4 hours). The key is ensuring the roast is cooked until tender and juicy.

Comments

Carolyn Rodriguez

08/11/2024 01:18:43 PM

This dish was incredible! I decided to enhance the flavors by including an extra cup of apple juice and a whole pack of Lipton's onion soup mix, resulting in a deliciously juicy outcome. Midway through cooking, I tossed in some diced potatoes, transforming it into a hearty stew. The end result was so delicious that my husband even enjoyed the leftovers for breakfast.

Diane Gomez

03/12/2024 03:24:54 AM

I tried this recipe and was extremely impressed by the results, so much so that I have now made some personal adjustments to suit my taste preferences. Here is my variation: - Substitute pulp-free orange juice (2 cups) for apple juice - Add 1 1/4 cups of red wine of your choice - Include 6 garlic cloves (peeled and halved), 3 celery stalks cut into 1/2 inch slices, 1 large coarsely chopped onion, 6 carrots cut and quartered into 2 inch lengths - Use 1 Knorr onion soup packet and 1 tablespoon of hot mustard Instructions: 1. Place all solid ingredients into the slow cooker and then add the braised moose roast. 2. Sprinkle the dried onion soup mix over the top of the roast. 3. Pour the orange juice and red wine over the roast. 4. Rub the hot mustard over the top, sides, and ends of the roast. 5. Cover the cooker and cook on high for 4-6 hours until tender. Adjust cooking time to suit your preference. 6. Optional: Add nugget potatoes to the cooker with 90 minutes remaining on the cooking time. Once done, let the roast stand for at least 10 minutes before carving. Remove the vegetables and potatoes from the pot. The remaining liquid can be used as au jus or as a delicious base for a thick gravy.

Stephen Martinez

01/03/2025 07:16:42 PM

My friend gave me some moose roasts, so I decided to try out this recipe. And it was absolutely delicious! I enhanced it with half a cup of red wine and 3 teaspoons of minced garlic. I cooked it in the slow cooker on low heat for 8 hours. Additionally, I included 2 ounces of onion soup mix and covered the meat with apple juice. It was a winning combination!

Laura Martinez

12/22/2022 01:02:38 AM

I received a Moose roast as a gift from a friend and was unsure of what to do with it. This recipe turned out to be incredibly easy and tasty. Since my roast was only 2 lbs, I cooked it on low for 5 hours, then removed the meat to thicken the gravy with corn starch. After that, I added the meat back in to keep it warm. I served it with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes. I highly recommend trying this recipe!

Charles Davis

10/19/2023 04:50:15 PM

I used a McCormick seasoning mix packet with about 1 cup of water, along with onions, baby carrots, and potatoes to make a delicious stew. My family absolutely loved it!

Joseph Sanchez

06/13/2024 04:48:04 PM

I decided to try out this recipe for the first time because, like many wives, I found myself with a freezer full of moose roasts and no clue how to prepare them. The only modification I made was adding a can of beer to the slow cooker instead of using apple juice or other liquids. This choice infused a delicious flavor and helped reduce the gamey taste. I learned about this method from one of the hunting shows my husband watches. I highly recommend giving it a try - the dish turned out fantastic, and even my kids devoured it without knowing what meat they were eating!

Virginia Miller

01/21/2025 08:40:11 AM

Fantastic recipe! I followed the directions and the result was incredible – so tender it falls apart. I will definitely be making this again. Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe!

Michelle Sanchez

01/28/2025 01:38:34 AM

I found this recipe to be convenient and straightforward to follow. Since my slow cooker doesn't have a medium setting, I cooked a 4.5 lb roast on high for 2 hours and then on low for 4 hours. The meat turned out very juicy and tender, although I wasn't a fan of the flavor personally as I'm not particularly fond of game meat. However, my partner thoroughly enjoyed it.