Description
This hearty venison chili is rich, flavorful, and perfectly spiced — an easy ground venison recipe that makes a cozy, family-friendly meal on chilly nights.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground venison (or substitute ground beef or turkey)
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2 tablespoons olive oil (or deer tallow)
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1 small onion, diced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1½ cups beef stock or venison broth
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilis
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2 (15 oz) cans light red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
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16 oz tomato sauce
Chili Seasoning Mix:
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1 tablespoon chili powder
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2 teaspoons salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon dried basil
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½ teaspoon dried rosemary
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¼ teaspoon mustard powder
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¼ teaspoon paprika
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¼ teaspoon dried thyme
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⅛ teaspoon celery seed
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¼ teaspoon dried parsley
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⅛ teaspoon cumin
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⅛ teaspoon cayenne
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
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1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground venison, breaking it apart as it cooks.
3. Once browned, stir in the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is soft and the garlic is fragrant.
4. Sprinkle in the spices, then stir in the diced tomatoes and green chilis until everything is well coated.
5. Reduce heat to low, add the drained beans, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and broth. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
6. Cover and cook for 30 minutes.
7. Uncover and let it gently simmer another 30 minutes, until thickened and flavorful.
8. Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheese, green onions, sour cream, or your favorite chili toppings.
Notes
Adjust the heat: Add extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne for more heat, or use plain diced tomatoes for a milder chili.
Fat matters: Venison is lean, so don’t skip the oil or tallow—it adds needed richness.
Bean swap: Use black beans or pintos instead of kidney beans if preferred.
Make ahead: Chili develops deeper flavor when made a day in advance.
Serving ideas: Serve with cornbread, biscuits, or a green salad for a complete meal.
Freezer-friendly: Freeze in individual portions for easy meals later.