There’s something wonderfully hearty about a big pot of chili, especially when it's made with wild game like venison. This deer chili (venison) recipe brings a unique taste to the table, a lean meat that's both healthy and flavorful.
When making this deer chili recipe, start with the basics – olive oil in a large Dutch oven or skillet to brown the ground venison. As the meat sizzles over medium-high heat, it’s not just about cooking the ground deer meat through. It's about ensuring you get those browned bits at the bottom of the pot, which adds depth to your chili.
As you cook, ingredients like tomato paste and chili powder form the backbone of flavor, while pinto beans and kidney beans (or black beans, if you choose) add texture and substance. Adding chicken base and water (or beef broth, if you prefer) instead of plain water enriches the chili with a robust foundation that deepens as it simmers on low heat.
For those who prefer chili with a bit of kick, a dash of cayenne pepper can make all the difference, creating a flavor profile as spirited as the game itself. Cooking in a pressure cooker under high pressure can speed up the process, but something must be said for the slow simmer of a crock pot or a pot on the stove, allowing the chili seasonings to meld together.
Ingredients
This easy venison chili recipe is a great place to start for those new to cooking with game meat. Deer, being a particularly lean meat, is a healthy alternative to traditional ground meat and lends itself well to chili recipes where its flavor can shine amidst the rich tomato sauce and the medley of chili beans and seasonings.
Whether using a food processor to finely chop your bell pepper and jalapeno peppers or a wooden spoon to mix in the garlic powder and black pepper, the process is especially enjoyable when you've harvested the game. And for those looking to tailor their meal to fit a calorie diet, the versatility of chili allows you to adjust as needed without compromising taste. Check out this article on the benefits of Venison.
This great recipe for deer chili isn't just a means to an end; it's one of the favorite ways to experience venison. With each simmer and stir, you're not only cooking up a meal but also crafting an experience that pays homage to the wild, to the hunt, to the earthiness of the meat, and to the shared warmth of a meal enjoyed with friends and family.
- Garlic
- Large Yellow Bell Pepper
- Small White Onion
- Ground Deer (Venison) Meat
- Stewed Tomatoes
- Light Red Kidney Beans
- Dark Red Kidney Beans
- Pinto Beans
- Diced Green Chilis
- Chili Powder
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Corriander
- Cayenne Pepper
- Oregano
- Chicken Base
- Salt and Pepper
- Cilantro
See the recipe card for quantities.
Storage
For leftovers, store your deer chili in an airtight container or a freezer-safe container. This ensures that you can relive the culinary adventure the next day or the next time you crave the comforting heat of a chili cook.
Looking for more recipes?
Try our Easy Weeknight Chili Recipe for a quick meal made with beef.
Or try these:
Deer Chili (Venison) Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 4 Cloves Garlic
- 1 Each Small White Onion
- 1 Each Large Yellow Bell Pepper
- 1 lb Ground Deer (Venison) Meat
- 2 Cans 14 oz Stewed Tomatoes (with garlic, peppers, and basil), including the juice
- 2 Cans 4oz Diced Green Chilies
- 1 tablespoon Chili Powder
- 1 tablespoon Paprika
- ¼ teaspoon Cumin
- ½ teaspoon Corriander
- 1 ½ teaspoon Oregano
- ½ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 2 teaspoon Chicken Base
- 1 Can/Bottle 12oz Light Beer
- 1 Can 14oz Light Red Kidney Beans, drained
- 1 Can 14oz Dark Red Kidney Beans, drained
- 1 Can 14oz Pinto Beans, drained
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- ¼ Cup Chopped Cilantro
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy stock pan. Cook the chopped onions and bell pepper until the onions are transparent, and the peppers are soft. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned crumbled.
- Add the stewed tomatoes, green chilis, spices, chicken base, and beer. Stir and simmer for two hours, stirring occasionally.
- Add the beans, stir, and simmer for an additional thirty minutes.
- Add the cilantro and desired salt and pepper before you serve the chili. Top with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or tortilla chips.
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