easy deer chili recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best easy deer chili recipe

I’m so excited to share this easy deer chili recipe with you all. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m sure it will become one in yours too. The combination of tender deer meat, rich tomato sauce, and just the right amount of spices is absolute perfection.

It’s a recipe that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need a comforting meal after a long day. My kids love it when I serve it with some crusty bread or over rice, and my husband appreciates the fact that it’s a hearty meal that’ll stick to his ribs. I’ve made this recipe countless times, but I still get excited every time I serve it to my family.

The aroma that fills the kitchen is amazing, and the taste is even better. I’ve tried this recipe with different types of meat, but there’s something about using deer that makes it truly special. It’s a game-changer for any hunter looking to use up their venison stash.

And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! You can have it ready in under an hour, which is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something quick and delicious.

I like to make a big batch on the weekends and freeze it for later use, so we can enjoy it throughout the week. My kids have even started calling it ‘deer chili day’ when they know we’re having it for dinner. It’s become a fun tradition in our household, and I’m sure it will be in yours too once you try this recipe out.

Easy Deer Chili

4.7 from 1944 votes

This hearty deer chili is a quick and flavorful one-pot meal. Ground venison is simmered with beans, tomatoes, and spices for a rich, satisfying dish.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chili

1 lb ground venison
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup beef broth

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2Add the ground venison and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned all over, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3The meat should be no longer pink and have a deep brown color.
4Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot.
5Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes.
6The garlic should be fragrant but not burnt.
7Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
8Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant and coat the meat and vegetables.
9This toasts the spices and deepens the flavor.
10Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, beef broth, kidney beans, and pinto beans.
11Stir everything together until well combined.
12Bring the chili to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
13The chili should thicken slightly and the flavors will meld together.
14Taste the chili and adjust seasoning with additional salt or chili powder if desired.
15Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro.
16The chili should be thick and aromatic with a rich red color.

🔧Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Knife
Cutting board
Can opener

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 75mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 9g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 32g

📝Notes

For a milder chili, reduce the chili powder to 1 tablespoon. If you prefer a thicker chili, let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Easy Deer Chili Works

This easy deer chili recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need a comforting meal after a long day. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can serve it over rice, with crusty bread on the side, or even as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos.

When storing leftovers, be sure to let them cool completely before refrigerating or freezing them. To reheat, simply bring the chili to a simmer before serving.

This way, everyone gets their turn at enjoying the delicious flavors of this easy deer chili.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Deer Chili

What type of deer meat should I use for this recipe?

You can use either ground deer or cubed venison for this recipe. If you’re using ground deer, make sure to break it up into small pieces before cooking so that it cooks evenly.

Can I substitute beef for deer in this recipe?

While you can use beef instead of deer in this recipe, keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different. Deer has a richer, gamier flavor that pairs perfectly with the spices and tomato sauce in this recipe.

How do I store leftover chili?

You can store leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, make sure to bring the chili to a simmer before serving.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker! Simply brown the deer meat and cook the onions before adding all the ingredients to your slow cooker and cooking on low for 8-10 hours.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Unfortunately not – this recipe uses deer meat as its main ingredient.

Can I add other ingredients to customize this recipe?

Absolutely! Some popular additions include diced bell peppers, chopped fresh cilantro, or crumbled bacon.

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