Crockpot BBQ Pulled and Smoky Venison

Do not think you have to go to a barbecue joint to get the full-flavor of pulled meat and don’t think that pork is the only meat that you can cook this way. Venison is leaner than pork and makes a tasty barbecue when slowly cooked in a crockpot with all the spices added to give it that smoky taste. Slow-cooking the lean meat makes it so tender it easily pulls apart with a fork. Depending on how quick you want the venison to cook, you can place the roast whole into the crockpot and cook for approximately eight-hours or cut the meat into chunks to reduce cooking time. This recipe works well used as your typical barbecue on a sandwich bun or served plain. Pair with baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw, and if served without a bun, a loaf of garlic bread helps finish this tasty meal.

Ingredients

• 2 lb. venison roast (any cut will do)
• 1 tbs. garlic powder
• 1 tbs. onion powder
• 1 tbs. liquid smoke
• 2/3 cup of water
• 1 16 oz. bottle of barbecue sauce

Utensils

• Crockpot
• Crockpot liners (optional)

Directions

1. Place crockpot liner into crockpot, if using one. The liner only makes cleanup easier.
2. Place the whole venison roast into the crockpot, or cut into chunks to reduce cooking time.
3. Add garlic powder, onion powder, liquid smoke, water and barbecue sauce into the crockpot with the roast.
4. Put the lid on the crockpot and turn on low. Allow the roast to cook for approximately eight hours. If you want to speed up cooking time, for the last two hours turn the crockpot on high.
5. Test for tenderness of the roast by using a fork to shred the meat. If it pulls easily apart, it’s done. Mix the shredded venison well into the other ingredients.
6. Recipe makes six to eight servings

Depending on your preferred taste, any flavored barbecue sauce works well. If you prefer a hotter barbecue, use a hot barbecue sauce or add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the crockpot while the venison is cooking.