Why You’ll Love This Chipotle Butternut Venison Chili Recipe
If you’re looking for a cozy meal that packs a punch, you’ll love this Chipotle Butternut Venison Chili recipe. It’s the perfect blend of sweet butternut squash and spicy chipotle, creating a flavor explosion that warms you from the inside out.
The venison adds a unique richness, making it stand out from traditional chili. Plus, the heartiness of the beans and veggies means it’s satisfying and nutritious.
I appreciate how easy it’s to prepare, too—just chop, sauté, and let it simmer. Trust me, this chili will quickly become your go-to for chilly evenings or casual gatherings with friends.
Ingredients of Chipotle Butternut Venison Chili
When it comes to making a hearty chili, the ingredients can really make or break the dish. This Chipotle Butternut Venison Chili is no exception. With its delightful mix of sweet butternut squash, zesty chipotle, and rich venison, each ingredient plays an essential role in creating that comforting bowl of goodness.
Plus, it’s packed with nutritious veggies and beans, which makes it feel a bit less guilty when you go back for that second helping. So, let’s gather what we need to whip up this delicious chili.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 lb ground venison (or lean beef if you prefer)
- 1 cup green pepper, chopped
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 1/2 teaspoons chipotle chiles in adobo
- 1 teaspoon salt
Now, while gathering these ingredients, you might want to keep a few things in mind. If you’re not a fan of venison, no worries—substituting it with lean beef works just as well, and you’ll still end up with a hearty and flavorful chili.
And don’t feel like you need to stick to the exact types of peppers or beans listed; feel free to experiment with whatever you have on hand. Maybe you’ve got some bell peppers lying around that need to be used up or a different kind of bean? Go for it.
Cooking is all about making it your own, and that’s part of the fun. Just remember to keep the flavors balanced, and you’ll create a dish that’s uniquely yours.
How to Make Chipotle Butternut Venison Chili
Making Chipotle Butternut Venison Chili isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s about diving into a warm, aromatic experience that fills your kitchen with cozy vibes. Let’s get started on this delectable journey.
First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees. As the oven warms up, grab 2 cups of butternut squash, peel it, and cube those little beauties. Toss them in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and spread them out on a cookie sheet or jelly roll pan that you’ve sprayed with cooking spray.
Pop them into the oven and let them bake for about 10 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for them to be tender but not mushy—trust me, mushy butternut squash is a no-go in chili.
While your squash is roasting to perfection, it’s time to focus on the main event: the chili base. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown 1 pound of ground venison (or lean beef if you’re feeling rebellious and want to keep it classic) over medium heat.
Add in 1 cup of chopped green pepper, 1 cup of chopped onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves to the mix. The smell of those veggies cooking with the meat? Oh, it’s heavenly.
Once the meat is no longer pink—remember, pink is for the steak you ordered, not for your chili—it’s time to stir in 1 (15 ounce) can of diced tomatoes, 1 (10 ounce) can of Rotel tomatoes (for that zesty kick), and 1 (15 ounce) can of rinsed and drained black beans.
Then, sprinkle in 1 1/2 teaspoons of cumin, 1 1/2 teaspoons of chili powder, 2 1/2 teaspoons of chipotle chiles in adobo, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Let this simmer for 15 minutes, allowing all those flavors to meld beautifully.
After your chili base has simmered, it’s time to reunite it with the roasted butternut squash. Gently fold it into the pot and let everything simmer together for another 10 minutes.
This is where the magic happens, as the sweet squash meets the hearty chili, creating a comforting bowl of deliciousness. Just imagine serving this up on a chilly evening, with a side of cornbread or a dollop of sour cream.
You might just find yourself going back for seconds—or thirds. And honestly, who could blame you?
Chipotle Butternut Venison Chili Substitutions & Variations
While I love the traditional flavors of Chipotle Butternut Venison Chili, there’s plenty of room for creativity when it comes to substitutions and variations.
If you can’t find venison, lean beef or turkey works great too. For a vegetarian option, swap in lentils or mushrooms. You can change up the beans by using kidney or pinto beans instead of black beans.
If you want to add more heat, toss in some jalapeños or extra chipotle chiles. Experimenting with different squashes, like acorn or pumpkin, can also give your chili a unique twist.
Enjoy making it your own!
What to Serve with Chipotle Butternut Venison Chili
After exploring different ways to customize Chipotle Butternut Venison Chili, it’s time to think about what to serve alongside it.
I love pairing this chili with warm, crusty cornbread or hearty tortilla chips for dipping. A revitalizing side salad with avocado and lime dressing adds a nice contrast, too.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try some pickled jalapeños or sliced radishes for an extra kick.
For drinks, a cold beer or a zesty margarita complements the flavors perfectly.
These sides elevate the meal, making it even more satisfying and enjoyable for everyone gathered around the table.
Additional Tips & Notes
To make certain your Chipotle Butternut Venison Chili turns out perfectly, I recommend prepping all your ingredients ahead of time. This makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
If you can, let the chili sit for a few hours or even overnight; the flavors deepen over time. Don’t hesitate to adjust the spice level by adding more chipotle peppers if you like it hotter.
Also, feel free to substitute the venison with turkey or beef if you prefer. Finally, topping your chili with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream adds a delightful finishing touch! Enjoy!