Recipe: Venison-Barley-Mushroom Casserole

by
posted on September 8, 2017
venison_barley_casserole_f.jpg

Venison, barley and mushrooms all provide earthy and robust flavor, so why not put them together? A barley casserole was likely the result of an old-world stew, where grains were a common carbohydrate, as not everyone had potatoes. Perhaps the pot cooked dry on occasion and gave birth to the term casserole.

Deer, antelope, elk or moose all work well with this recipe, and it can even be used with waterfowl legs and breasts. It is easy to change up the flavors with different meat, and round roasts cut into cubes is always an excellent choice, as the pieces stew down and tenderize as the liquid in the pot simmers.

There are a host of different mushrooms available nowadays, so don’t just grab the white button ones. Baby bella, portabella, shiitake and cremini mushrooms are common in most grocery stores and can add or change flavor and texture. Foraging for wild mushrooms is even better, and if you can locate some chanterelles, morels, pine, beech mushrooms or other local favorites, it will make this dish even better. Fresh or dried can be used, but remember to rehydrate any stored mushrooms before use, as they will use extra liquid out of the recipe.

This recipe is versatile, as you can add extra stock to make it a traditional stew. The casserole keeps well in the fridge for a week, and it freezes well too if you’re looking for something to take to hunting camp. It is a simple recipe, as it was originally created. Not a lot of extra spice or ingredients that you wouldn’t find in your cupboard. Marjoram and wild oregano were often foraged and used to add flavor. Until the world spice trade trickled to everyone in remote places, there were few options.

Ingredients:
• 1½-2 lbs venison round, cubed
• 3 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 large onion, sliced (approx. 3 cups)
• 1 lb mushrooms, sliced (approx. 16 medium-sized)
• 4 cups beef stock
• 2 tsp marjoram
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 2 cups sliced carrots
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Heat the oil or butter in a large Camp Chef Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown the venison cubes. Salt them as they cook. Remove the meat from the pan once the pieces brown, and set aside.

2. Add the onion and mushrooms to the meat drippings and oil and turn the heat to high. Stir to combine. Sauté until the onion begins to brown, about 6-8 minutes. Return the browned venison to the pot, then pour stock over contents and add the marjoram.

3. Add the barley and carrots and stir well. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes. If you overcook pearl barley, it will get mushy. Add salt to taste.

4. Serve garnished with dill, salt, and black pepper.

Latest

LEDE Marlin Dark
LEDE Marlin Dark

Hardware Review: Marlin Model 1895 Dark

If you think lever-action rifles should only have walnut stocks and a blued-metal finish, then the new Marlin Dark series with its polymer buttstock and aluminum AR-esque handguard probably won’t be your thing. That’s a shame, because this recent offering in Marlin’s line of modernized, capable lever-action rifles has a lot going for it in terms of performance, functionality and fun.

ATN Shipping TICO LTV Thermal Clip-On

This thermal clip-on device is a huge night-time gear multiplier for hunters and observers, transforming any daytime scope into a thermal sight.

MidwayUSA Named Official Sponsor of the 2025 NRA Annual Meetings

Glock, Inc. is the Presenting Sponsor of the Freedom Experience on Saturday, April 26th

First Look: Montana Rifle Company Marshall Hunting Rifle

Montana Rifle Company (MRC) has announced its Marshall Hunting Rifle—a rifle the company bills as being 10,000 rounds in the making.

Spring Gobbler Gear Roundup

Mike Roux lays out his winter's turkey gear discoveries, just in time for spring gobbler season.

National 4-H Shooting Sports Signs on as Official +ONE Partner

The National 4-H Shooting Sports program has joined the +ONE Movement, a national mentorship initiative led by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) that encourages peer-to-peer mentorship in the hunting and shooting sports.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.