Easy Venison Chili Recipe

When it comes to a versatile and satisfying meal, the Venison Chili Recipe stands out as a top choice. Perfect for a tailgating gathering or a cosy family dinner, this chili recipe brings warmth, richness, and flavour to any occasion. Its ease of preparation, especially when using ground venison, makes it ideal for busy nights when comfort food is a must.

Inspired by the desire for warm, home-cooked meals during the chilly winter months, this venison chili is a hearty delight. Loaded with lean ground venison and beans, this chili is full of flavour and perfect for warming up after a cold day. Whether you’re an avid venison fan or just looking to try something new, this recipe will not disappoint.

The beauty of chili lies in its versatility. Whether you prefer a meatless version, a different type of meat, or even a change in tomato-based products, chili can be customized to suit your taste. From the inclusion or exclusion of beans to the choice of spices, there’s no end to how you can tweak this recipe to create your perfect bowl. The best part? It’s easy to prepare and suitable for all types of cooking methods, making it accessible for both novice and experienced home cooks.

Venison Chili Cooking Methods

This venison chili recipe can be made using various cooking methods, making it perfect for different occasions and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a stovetop version to prepare in under an hour, a slow-cooked chili that simmers all day, or a quick and convenient Instant Pot recipe, this chili can be adapted to suit your needs.

• Stovetop Method: The stovetop method allows you to prepare this dish in about an hour. It’s perfect for those looking to make chili on the fly while still achieving deep, rich  flavours.
• Instant Pot Method: For those with a busy schedule, the Instant Pot provides a quick solution, allowing you to enjoy chili in just 30 minutes with minimal effort.
• Slow Cooker Method: The slow cooker is an excellent choice for a more hands-off approach, perfect for preparing in the morning and coming home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal.

Venison Chili Recipe Ingredients

To craft this easy chili recipe, you’ll need a selection of fresh and pantry ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need for a rich and aromatic venison chili.

Base Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 chopped onions
• 1 chopped green bell pepper
• 8 cloves minced garlic

Chili Spices:

• 4 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder (optional, can be adjusted)
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Venison and Beans:

• 2 pounds of ground venison
• 2 (15.5 ounces) cans of kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Tomatoes:

• 2 cans (10 ounces ) of fire-roasted diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
• 1 (28 ounces) can tomato purée

Additional:

• 1 bay leaf
• Shredded cheese, scallions, and sour cream for serving

These ingredients create a robust and balanced chili, where the venison adds a rich, earthy flavor and the spices offer warmth and depth. The fire-roasted tomatoes and beans enhance the dish, making it both hearty and comforting.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

While this chili recipe is delicious as written, feel free to adjust based on personal preferences or ingredient availability. Here are some options for substitutions and adjustments:

• Chipotle Chili Powder: For those sensitive to spice, start with one teaspoon or omit it altogether. For an added smoky kick, try using 1-2 chipotle peppers or ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
• Vegetables: While bell peppers add a nice crunch, you can substitute them with other vegetables like carrots, celery, corn, or zucchini for a different twist.
• Beans: Kidney beans are traditional in chili, but feel free to swap them out with pinto, black, or Cannellini beans. You can also use 3 cups of cooked beans if you prefer fresh over canned.
• Tomatoes: If fire-roasted diced tomatoes aren’t available, regular canned tomatoes with 1 (4-ounce) can of diced green chilies or Ro*tel tomatoes work just as well.
• Tomato Puree: Tomato sauce can be used as a substitute if you’re out of puree.

These substitutions give you the flexibility to customize the recipe based on what you have at home.

Venison Chili Recipe Step-by-Step Instructions

This venison chili recipe is designed for maximum flavour with minimal effort. Whether you’re using the stovetop, Instant Pot, or slow cooker, the result is the same: a hearty, flavorful chili. Here’s how to make it:

Stovetop Method:

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, green bell pepper, and spices (chili powder, cumin, oregano, thyme, coriander). Sauté for 7-10 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.
2. Cook Venison: Stir in minced garlic, then add the ground venison. Cook the venison until it is browned, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Simmer: Add the kidney beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato purée, and bay leaf. Stir well. Cover and let it simmer for 30 minutes. Then, uncover it and let it simmer for another 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
4. Final Touch: Remove the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with your favourite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and scallions.

Instant Pot Method:

1. Sauté: Use the sauté function to cook the onions, peppers, spices, garlic, and venison until browned.
2. Pressure Cook: Add the remaining ingredients, secure the lid, and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook for 10 minutes. Perform a quick release when finished.
3. Serve: Stir, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve with your desired toppings.

Slow Cooker Method:

1. Sauté: In a skillet, sauté the onions, bell pepper, spices, garlic, and venison until browned.
2. Slow Cook: Transfer the sautéed mixture to the slow cooker. Add the beans, tomatoes, tomato purée, and bay leaf. Set the slow cooker to HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours.
3. Serve: Once cooked, remove the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with your choice of toppings.

Recipe Tips and Variations

This recipe makes about 9 cups of chili, enough for six servings (1 ½ cups each). For an extra touch, offer a variety of toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, scallions, avocado, cilantro, and even chips for added texture.

For sides, pair this venison chili with cornbread, dinner rolls, or rustic no-knead bread to complete the meal.

Other Uses for Leftover Venison: If you have extra venison, consider making venison burgers or a hearty venison stew. This versatile meat works well in various dishes beyond chili.

Related Recipes

If you’re a fan of flavorful, hearty meals, check out these related recipes:

• Chipotle Steak Recipe: A smoky, tender steak recipe that’s perfect for grilling or pan-searing.
• Crock Pot Mississippi Meatballs: A savoury, tangy meatball recipe made in the slow cooker for convenience.
• Beef Chuck Eye Steak Recipe: A flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth steak recipe perfect for any steak lover.
• Turkey Chili: A lighter alternative to venison chili, using lean turkey meat for a healthier option.

FAQs

How do you make venison chili less gamey?

To reduce the gamey flavour of venison, try soaking the meat in milk for a few hours before cooking. You can also balance the gamey taste with additional spices and acidic ingredients, such as tomatoes.

What cut of venison is best for chili?

Ground venison works best for chili, as it absorbs the flavors of the spices and beans beautifully. If you prefer a chunkier chili, you can use venison stew meat and cut it into small pieces.

How healthy is venison chili?

Venison is a lean, nutrient-dense meat, rich in protein and low in fat. Combined with beans and vegetables, venison chili can be a healthy and filling meal.

What cut of meat is good for chili?

Ground beef, turkey, pork, or venison are all excellent choices for chili. For a heartier texture, use cuts like chuck roast or pork shoulder for slow-cooked chili.

Should I brown meat for chili?

Yes, browning the meat before adding it to the chili helps develop a deeper flavour and a better texture.

What is the best mix of meat for chili?

A mix of ground beef and pork or ground venison and beef creates a rich, flavorful chili. The balance of fats from beef and lean venison ensures a hearty yet not overly greasy dish.

Conclusion

Venison chili is not only a healthy and flavorful option for chili lovers but also an excellent dish to make your own. With its ease of preparation, versatility, and rich, comforting flavours, this recipe is sure to become a favourite in your household. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, venison chili offers a delightful experience and a perfect meal for any occasion.