As a busy mom, I’m always looking for ways to serve hearty, budget-friendly meals that don’t require hours in the kitchen. Between working, raising kids, and managing the everyday chaos that comes with parenting, I need recipes that are both comforting and convenient. That’s why I love this Slow Cooker Venison Tenderloin recipe.
This meal has become a staple in our home, especially during the colder months when comfort food just hits differently. It's rich, savory, and perfect for those evenings when you want something satisfying but don’t have the energy to hover over a stove. You can even set it and forget it before school pickup or afternoon activities—and come home to a house that smells like you’ve been cooking all day!
Why We Use Venison (But You Can Totally Swap It!)
A Budget-Friendly Family Favorite
Crockpot Tenderloin Recipe
What You Need:
- 1 Onion Soup Mix packet
- 1 10 oz can cream of mushroom soup
- 3 lb. tenderloin
- onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- tablespoon garlic salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
What You Do:
1. Clean your tenderloin and place it in the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Top with chopped onions. Then sprinkle the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, and pepper evenly over the meat and onions.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the onion soup mix and cream of mushroom soup until well combined. Pour the mixture over the tenderloin.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, depending on your schedule.
5. Serve warm with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or any of your favorite sides.
This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, which soak up all that delicious gravy. I often steam some green beans or toss a quick salad to balance out the meal. You can even shred the meat the next day and use it for sandwiches, wraps, or a quick protein add-on to salads.
Make It Your Own
Another great thing about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can add mushrooms, carrots, or even a splash of red wine for a richer flavor. If you’re dairy-free, swap the cream of mushroom soup with a non-dairy alternative or use a homemade version with almond milk and sautéed mushrooms.If your little ones are picky eaters, you’ll be happy to know that this is one of those rare meals where they usually don’t complain. The meat is super tender, the flavor is mellow, and it’s easy to mix with their favorite side dishes.
Freezer-Friendly Tip
This recipe also works beautifully as a freezer meal. Just combine all the ingredients in a gallon-sized freezer bag (except for the cream of mushroom soup), label it, and freeze flat. On the morning you want to cook it, thaw it just enough to break it up and add it to your slow cooker. Pour the soup mixture on top and proceed with the directions. Easy peasy!Whether you’re looking for a cozy Sunday dinner or a weeknight meal that works around your busy parenting schedule, this Crockpot Tenderloin is a winner. It’s budget-conscious, family-approved, and full of flavor—what more could you ask for?
Let me know if you try this recipe or if you make any fun tweaks. I love hearing how other parents make recipes work for their families!
For more Crockpot Weeknight Meal Ideas including a video of this one, enjoy the video below:
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This is a great recipe. So easy to make in a crock pot, too!
ReplyDeleteJust say I will have to try this recipe look simple to make
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