Description
This hearty venison chili is packed with bold flavors and lean protein, making it a perfect meal for cold days. Whether you prefer a wild game chili or a deer chili, this dish combines tender venison, rich spices, and a thick, savory broth. It’s a nutritious and comforting meal, great for meal prep, game nights, or family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground venison (or cubed venison for a stew-like texture)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups canned diced tomatoes (or fire-roasted tomatoes)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef or venison broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
Spices & Seasoning
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
Flavor Enhancers (Optional)
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder or dark chocolate (deepens flavor)
- ½ cup beer or red wine (adds richness)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (boosts umami)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey (balances acidity)
Garnishes & Serving Suggestions
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions
- Lime wedges
- Crushed tortilla chips or cornbread
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Venison
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- Add ground venison and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
- In the same pot, add onions, garlic, and bell peppers.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Add Spices & Liquids
- Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavors.
- Pour in tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir well.
Step 4: Simmer & Develop Flavor
- Return the browned venison to the pot.
- Add beans (if using), beer/wine, Worcestershire sauce, and cocoa powder (if using).
- Simmer on low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Final Adjustments
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, chili powder, or a splash of lime juice.
- Serve hot with garnishes.
Notes
- For a thicker chili, mash some beans or add 1 tbsp masa harina (corn flour).
- For extra spice, add chopped jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
- For a slow cooker version, brown the meat first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 320 kcal
- Calories: 25g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: venison chili, deer chili, wild game chili, hearty chili, low-fat chili, high-protein meal, comfort food, game meat recipe, homemade chili