old fashioned deer chili recipe

old fashioned deer chili recipe

The Best old fashioned deer chili recipe

I’m so excited to share my old fashioned deer chili recipe with you. This hearty, comforting dish is a staple in our household, and I’ve been making it for years. It’s a true family favorite, and I’m sure it will become one in yours too. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make and can be adapted to suit any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion like a holiday gathering. My kids love it when we have chili night, and I love how it warms the whole house with its delicious aroma. As for me, I appreciate the health benefits of using venison – it’s lean protein that’s packed with nutrients and low in calories. Plus, the slow-cooked flavors are simply divine.

When I first started making this recipe, I was surprised by how well the flavors melded together – the sweetness of the onions and bell peppers, the richness of the ground meat, and the depth of the tomato paste all come together to create a truly satisfying taste experience. Over time, I’ve tweaked the recipe to make it my own, adding in some extra spices and herbs to give it an extra boost of flavor. Now, I’m happy to share my perfected recipe with you! So grab a cup of coffee, get cozy by the stove, and let’s get started on this delicious journey together.

One thing that sets this recipe apart from others is its use of venison. For those who may not be familiar with this type of game meat, let me tell you – it’s a total game-changer (no pun intended!) Not only is it lean protein that’s good for your body, but it’s also rich in flavor and texture. When cooked slowly over low heat, it becomes tender and falls apart easily.

This is especially important when you’re making chili, as you want all the ingredients to be nice and tender so they blend together seamlessly. Another aspect that makes this recipe so special is its slow-cooked nature. Unlike many modern recipes that rely on quick cooking methods or pre-packaged ingredients, this one takes its time – allowing each ingredient to simmer down into perfect harmony with one another. This process not only results in better flavor but also creates a beautiful presentation: a thick, rich broth filled with perfectly cooked chunks of meat.

As I mentioned earlier, my kids adore this recipe almost as much as I do! They love watching me cook up big batches for special occasions or weeknight meals alike – often helping out by stirring occasionally or tasting along the way (with their mom’s permission). Their enthusiasm never fails to put a smile on my face – knowing they’ll enjoy every last bite just as much as I do.

Old Fashioned Deer Chili

Old Fashioned Deer Chili

4.9 from 899 votes

A hearty and robust chili made with ground venison, slow-simmered with tomatoes, beans, and a blend of traditional chili spices. This classic recipe delivers deep, rich flavor perfect for a cold day.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time1 hour 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 50 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chili Base

2 pounds ground venison
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Liquid and Beans

1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
2Add the ground venison and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned all over, about 8 minutes.
3Use a slotted spoon to transfer the meat to a plate and set aside.
4Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pot.
5Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
6Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
7Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper to the pot.
8Stir constantly for 1 minute to toast the spices and release their aroma.
9Return the browned venison to the pot along with any accumulated juices.
10Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
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 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
13Stir in the drained kidney beans and pinto beans.
14Continue to simmer the chili over low heat for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the chili thickens slightly.
15Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

🔧Equipment

Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Can opener

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 32g🥦Dietary Fiber: 9g🍬Sugars: 10g🥩Protein: 32g

📝Notes

For a thicker chili, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before adding them. This chili tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions.

Watch Video Of How Old Fashioned Deer Chili Works

This old fashioned deer chili is one of those recipes that always works, no matter the occasion. I make it for busy weeknights, for Sunday suppers, and for potlucks with friends. It is easy to throw together, and the ingredients are things I usually have on hand.

The venison makes it special without being fussy, and my family never complains when I put a pot on the stove. For storing leftovers, I let the chili cool completely and then put it in glass containers with tight lids. It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days, and it freezes beautifully for busy months ahead.

To reheat, I just warm it in a pot on the stove over medium low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if it seems too thick. I like to serve it with a side of cornbread or over a bowl of rice, topped with shredded cheese and diced onions. This chili is a reliable, comforting meal that brings everyone to the table.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Old Fashioned Deer Chili

Q: What type of venison should I use for this recipe?

For this old fashioned deer chili recipe, we recommend using either white-tailed deer or mule deer for their rich flavor profiles.

Q: Can I substitute ground beef instead of ground venison?

No! While ground beef will certainly work in place of ground venison if you don’t have access to game meat or prefer not to use it – keep in mind that using beef will alter both flavor profile & nutritional content quite significantly!

Q: Do you have any tips for reducing fat content without sacrificing flavor?

Avoid adding too much oil during browning steps & skip adding any additional oils later unless absolutely necessary.

Q: How long does it take to cook this chili?

Allow at least 2-3 hours for all flavors & textures to meld together perfectly!

Q: Is there anything else besides salt & pepper seasoning required?

Nope!

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