When it comes to special occasions, there’s no denying that a perfectly roasted elk can be the centerpiece of any memorable meal. With its rich flavor and tender texture, elk roast is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just looking for a unique twist on a traditional roast, we’ve got 20 savory elk roast recipes to inspire you.
From slow-cooked masterpieces with red wine sauces to smoky delights with juniper berries, our collection of elk roast recipes offers something for everyone. With the perfect blend of flavors and textures, these dishes are sure to elevate your next special occasion into an unforgettable experience.
In this article, we’ll explore the world of savory elk roasts, highlighting some of the most mouthwatering and impressive recipes out there. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting to experiment with new ingredients, our collection is guaranteed to leave you feeling inspired and ready to take on your next culinary challenge.
Slow-Cooked Elk Roast with Red Wine Sauce
This hearty elk roast recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. The slow-cooking process tenderizes the meat, while the red wine sauce adds rich and fruity flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) elk roast
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. Season elk roast with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear elk roast until browned on all sides (about 5 minutes per side).
4. Transfer elk roast to the slow cooker. Add chopped onion and minced garlic.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together red wine, beef broth, and tomato paste. Pour mixture over elk roast.
6. Cook for 8-10 hours or until elk roast is tender.
7. Serve with pan juices spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Herb-Crusted Elk Roast with Garlic Butter
Elevate your dining experience with this succulent elk roast, infused with the savory flavors of fresh herbs and rich garlic butter. Perfect for a special occasion or cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) elk roast
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, rosemary, thyme, and garlic.
3. Rub the herb mixture all over the elk roast, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Place the elk roast in a roasting pan and dot with the softened butter.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Roast for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare.
7. Let the elk rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes for a 2-3 pound roast.
Smoked Elk Roast with Juniper Berries
Elevate your game day or special occasion with this bold and aromatic smoked elk roast, infused with the distinct flavor of juniper berries.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) elk roast
– 1 cup juniper berries
– 1 cup wood chips (apple or cherry)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the elk roast, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Place the juniper berries on top of the roast, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Add wood chips to the smoker, ensuring a consistent smoke flow.
6. Smoke the elk roast for 4-5 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F.
7. Remove from heat and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours
Elk Roast with Mushroom and Thyme Gravy
A hearty, flavorful roast perfect for a special occasion or cozy evening at home. This recipe combines the rich taste of elk with the earthy flavors of mushrooms and thyme.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) elk roast
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 ounces mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and button), sliced
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme
– 1 cup beef broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Season the elk roast with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the elk roast until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add sliced mushrooms and thyme to the pot; cook until mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown, about 10 minutes.
6. Add beef broth to the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer.
7. Return the elk roast to the pot, cover with a lid, and transfer to the preheated oven. Roast for 2-3 hours, or until the elk reaches desired doneness.
8. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with mushroom and thyme gravy spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2-3 hours.
Spiced Elk Roast with Cranberry Glaze
Elevate your holiday menu with this flavorful and savory spiced elk roast, perfectly glazed with a sweet and tangy cranberry reduction. This impressive dish is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) elk roast
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 teaspoons ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup cranberry sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the elk roast, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Place the elk roast in a roasting pan and roast for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
5. While the elk is cooking, combine cranberry sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard in a small saucepan.
6. Bring the glaze to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until thickened slightly.
7. Brush the glaze all over the elk roast during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours, depending on size and level of doneness desired.
Elk Roast with Root Vegetables and Rosemary
Savor the bold flavor of elk paired with the comforting warmth of root vegetables and the herbaceousness of rosemary. This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy evening in.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) elk roast
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, peeled and chopped
– 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 large parsnips, peeled and chopped
– 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together olive oil, chopped onion, carrots, and parsnips.
3. Season the elk roast with salt and pepper.
4. Place the elk roast in a roasting pan and surround it with the root vegetable mixture.
5. Sprinkle chopped rosemary over the vegetables.
6. Roast for 2-3 hours or until the elk reaches desired doneness (130°F – 135°F internal temperature).
7. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Bourbon-Glazed Elk Roast with Caramelized Onions
A rich and savory elk roast, smothered in a sweet and tangy bourbon glaze, perfectly complemented by the deep flavors of caramelized onions.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) elk roast
– 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine bourbon, honey, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Season the elk roast with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the elk roast until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Transfer the elk roast to a roasting pan and brush with the bourbon glaze.
5. Caramelize the onions by cooking them in a separate pan with olive oil over low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Roast the elk in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
7. Serve the elk roast with caramelized onions spooned on top.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2-3 hours, depending on the size of the elk roast.
Elk Roast with Blackberry and Balsamic Reduction
Elevate your game dining experience with this rich and flavorful elk roast recipe, perfectly paired with a tangy blackberry and balsamic reduction. This dish is sure to impress any guest.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) elk roast
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup blackberries
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Season elk roast with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear elk roast until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add blackberries, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar to the pot; bring to a simmer.
6. Return elk roast to the pot, cover with lid, and transfer to preheated oven. Roast for 2-3 hours or until meat is tender.
7. Let elk roast rest before slicing and serving with blackberry-balsamic reduction.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Dutch Oven Elk Roast with Beer Braise
Experience the rich flavors of the wild with this hearty Dutch oven elk roast recipe, slow-cooked to perfection in a flavorful beer braise.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1.5-2 pound) elk roast
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 cup beer (dark or amber ale works well)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Season the elk roast with salt and pepper.
3. Add olive oil, then sear the roast for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned.
4. Remove the roast, then add sliced onion to the pot. Cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally.
5. Add garlic, beef broth, beer, and thyme. Stir to combine.
6. Return the elk roast to the pot, cover, and transfer to a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C).
7. Braise for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls apart easily.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Elk Roast with Wild Rice and Cranberry Stuffing
Experience the rich flavors of the wilderness with this savory elk roast recipe, paired with a sweet and tangy wild rice and cranberry stuffing.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs elk roast
– 1 cup wild rice
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the elk roast for 2-3 minutes on each side.
3. Transfer the elk roast to a roasting pan and add chopped onion and minced garlic around it.
4. Mix wild rice with chicken broth, brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. Stuff the mixture loosely inside the elk roast.
5. Roast for 2-1/2 hours or until the elk reaches your desired level of doneness.
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Maple-Glazed Elk Roast with Roasted Carrots
A sweet and savory combination that highlights the rich flavor of elk, paired with a hint of maple syrup and the natural sweetness of roasted carrots.
Ingredients:
– 1 (3-4 pound) elk roast
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, olive oil, garlic, and thyme.
3. Season the elk roast with salt and pepper.
4. Rub the glaze all over the elk roast, making sure to coat evenly.
5. Place the carrots on a separate baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
6. Roast the elk in the preheated oven for 2-3 hours or until it reaches desired doneness.
7. Toss the carrots halfway through cooking and continue roasting until tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Elk Roast with Horseradish Cream Sauce
Elevate your game day gathering or special occasion dinner with this bold and savory elk roast recipe, paired with a tangy horseradish cream sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) elk roast
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 cup red wine (optional)
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 2 teaspoons dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Horseradish Cream Sauce ingredients: see below
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Season elk roast with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear elk roast until browned on all sides (about 5 minutes per side).
4. Add sliced onion and minced garlic; cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
5. Add beef broth, red wine (if using), and tomato paste. Bring to a simmer.
6. Cover Dutch oven with a lid and transfer to the preheated oven.
7. Roast elk for 2-3 hours or until tender.
Horseradish Cream Sauce:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
– Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl; mix until smooth. Serve with roasted elk.
Elk Roast with Dijon Mustard and Herb Rub
Elevate your dinner game with this bold and savory elk roast recipe, featuring a tangy Dijon mustard and herb rub. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 (3-4 pound) elk roast
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the elk roast, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Place the roast on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare.
6. Let the roast rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2-3 hours
Elk Roast with Red Currant Jelly and Port Sauce
Elevate your game with this savory elk roast recipe, perfectly balanced by the sweet and tangy flavors of red currant jelly and port sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1.5-2 pound) elk roast
– 1/4 cup red currant jelly
– 1/4 cup port wine
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the elk roast on all sides until browned, about 5 minutes per side.
3. Transfer the roast to a roasting pan and add sliced onion and minced garlic around it.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 2-1/2 hours or until cooked through to desired doneness.
5. While the roast is cooking, combine red currant jelly and port wine in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer until heated through, stirring occasionally.
6. Brush the red currant-port glaze all over the elk roast during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Cooking Time: Approximately 3 hours total, including roasting time.
Elk Roast with Smoked Paprika and Garlic
A flavorful and savory elk roast recipe that combines the bold flavors of smoked paprika and garlic for a truly satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 lbs elk roast, trimmed of excess fat
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the elk roast, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Place the elk roast in a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
5. Roast for 2-1/2 to 3 hours, or until the meat reaches your desired level of doneness.
6. Let the roast rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 to 3 hours
Elk Roast with Blue Cheese and Walnut Crust
Elevate your game day gathering or special occasion dinner with this rich and savory elk roast recipe, topped with a tangy blue cheese and crunchy walnut crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) elk roast
– 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together blue cheese crumbles and chopped walnuts.
3. Season the elk roast with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the roast, then sprinkle the blue cheese-walnut mixture evenly over the surface.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
6. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours depending on roast size
Elk Roast with Apple Cider Glaze
A perfect blend of savory and sweet, this elk roast is a unique and flavorful twist on a classic dish. The apple cider glaze adds a tangy and caramelized flavor to the tender elk.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs elk roast
– 1/4 cup apple cider
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider, honey, and Dijon mustard.
3. Season elk roast with salt, pepper, and thyme.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear elk roast for 2-3 minutes on each side.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes or until desired level of doneness is reached.
6. During the last 10 minutes of roasting, brush the apple cider glaze all over the elk roast.
7. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Elk Roast with Sage and Brown Butter Sauce
Savor the bold flavors of this hearty elk roast, infused with the earthy notes of sage and the richness of brown butter.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs elk roast
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh sage
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the elk roast with salt and pepper.
3. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sage and garlic; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Place the elk roast in a roasting pan and brush with the brown butter sauce.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare.
6. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours
Elk Roast with Pomegranate Molasses Drizzle
This hearty elk roast recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. The sweet and tangy pomegranate molasses drizzle adds a depth of flavor that complements the rich game meat beautifully.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-2 pound) elk roast
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the elk roast until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the garlic, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Roast the elk for 2-1/2 hours or until tender.
6. During the last 15 minutes of cooking, drizzle the pomegranate molasses over the roast.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Elk Roast with Coffee and Cocoa Rub
Elevate your game meats with this rich and aromatic recipe that combines the bold flavors of elk with the deep notes of coffee and cocoa. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 lb elk roast
– 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee
– 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together coffee, cocoa powder, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Rub the mixture all over the elk roast, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the elk roast for 2-3 minutes on each side.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until the elk reaches your desired level of doneness.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Summary
Get ready to impress your guests with these mouth-watering elk roast recipes perfect for special occasions! From classic slow-cooked elk roasts with red wine sauce to bold bourbon-glazed roasts with caramelized onions, there’s something for everyone. Try pairing the smoked elk roast with juniper berries and root vegetables, or go savory with herb-crusted and garlic butter-topped roasts. Spice things up with spiced elk roasts and cranberry glazes, or indulge in rich sauces like mushroom and thyme gravy or horseradish cream sauce. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just want to elevate your Sunday roast game, these 20 savory elk roast recipes are sure to impress.
