This hearty venison chili is packed with flavor! It’s made with tender venison, beans, and warm spices to create a cozy meal perfect for chilly nights.
I love how this chili is healthy and filling. Plus, it’s super easy to make! Just throw everything in the pot and let it simmer while you kick back and relax. 🥣
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Venison: This is the star of the dish! If venison isn’t available, you can easily substitute it with ground beef, turkey, or bison for a similar texture.
Kidney Beans: Kidney beans add a hearty texture. If you’re looking for alternatives, black beans or pinto beans work nicely too. Canned beans save time, but you could use cooked dried beans as well!
Spices: Chili powder and cumin give this dish its signature flavor. Don’t hesitate to adjust these according to your taste. If you’re sensitive to spice, decrease the cayenne pepper or skip it altogether.
Diced Tomatoes: I love using canned tomatoes for convenience, but fresh diced tomatoes are a perfect substitute when available. Just peel and chop them up!
How Do You Get Deep Flavor in Chili?
Building layers of flavor is key in making a great chili. Start by sautéing your onions and garlic until golden; this adds a sweet depth. Don’t rush this step! Then, toasting the spices for just a couple of minutes helps unleash their full potential.
- Cook the onions in olive oil until softened, then add garlic.
- Browning the ground venison is important – it adds color and flavor.
- Let the chili simmer gently; longer cooking allows flavors to meld beautifully. Try to let it simmer for at least 30 minutes.
How to Make Venison Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chili:
- 2 lbs ground venison
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Topping (Optional):
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Diced avocado
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This venison chili recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30-60 minutes to cook. It’s super simple to make and perfect for a filling meal! Just let it simmer to develop all those delicious flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Veggies:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent. This is where the flavor begins!
2. Add Garlic and Meat:
Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it smells wonderful. Now, increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground venison. Cook it for about 7-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until it’s browned and fully cooked.
3. Toast the Spices:
It’s time to add some flavor! Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if you’re using it), salt, and pepper. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes, which helps release the spices’ amazing aroma.
4. Combine Everything:
Add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes (with their juices), kidney beans, and beef broth to the pot. Give it a good stir to mix everything together nicely.
5. Let It Simmer:
Bring your chili to a gentle simmer. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it cook gently for at least 30 minutes. If you have the time, letting it simmer for up to an hour will really make those flavors pop!
6. Taste and Serve:
Before serving, be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed. Serve the hot chili in bowls, and feel free to pile on your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, green onions, and cilantro!
7. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy your cozy bowl of venison chili with some warm cornbread or your favorite bread on the side. Perfect for a chilly day!
Can I Use Other Meats Instead of Venison?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground venison with ground beef, turkey, or bison. Each option will bring its own unique flavor, so feel free to experiment based on your preference!
How Can I Make This Chili Spicier?
If you love heat, you can add more cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños during cooking. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side for individual spice levels!
Can I Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! Brown the venison, onions, and garlic in a skillet first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. It will be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the chili for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool before transferring to a freezer-safe container!
