Why You’ll Love This Venison Chili Recipe
If you’re looking for a hearty dish that warms you up from the inside out, you’ll love this venison chili recipe. It’s packed with rich flavors and a comforting texture that’s perfect for chilly evenings. I appreciate how easy it’s to throw everything into a slow cooker and let it do the work. Plus, using venison adds a unique twist, giving it a depth you won’t find in traditional chili. The combination of spices creates a delightful kick, and I can’t resist the toppings like sharp cheddar and sour cream. Trust me, this chili will become a favorite!
Ingredients of Venison Chili
When it comes to making a delicious venison chili, gathering the right ingredients is key to success. This recipe combines the robust flavors of venison with a medley of spices and veggies, making it a comforting and satisfying dish.
If you’ve never worked with venison before, don’t worry—it’s not as intimidating as it sounds. It’s leaner than beef, with a unique flavor that can elevate your chili to a whole new level. So, let’s explore what you’ll need to whip up this tasty concoction!
Ingredients for Venison Chili:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small hot green chili pepper, minced
- 1 1/4 lbs venison, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 3/4 lb ground venison (or ground pork)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons ground chili powder
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 (10 ounce) can red kidney beans, drained
Now that you have your ingredient list, you might be wondering about a few things. For starters, you can definitely mix and match the types of meat. If you can’t find venison, ground pork works just as well—just keep in mind it will change the flavor profile a bit.
And don’t shy away from the spices; they’re what give the chili its character. If you like it spicier, toss in an extra chili pepper or a bit more cayenne.
Also, fresh herbs or additional toppings can make a world of difference; think about adding cilantro or green onions for an extra pop! Cooking is all about playing around with flavors, so have fun with it!
How to Make Venison Chili
To make this delicious Venison Chili, you’ll want to start by heating up 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or slow cooker on the stove. While that’s warming, chop up 1 large onion and mince 3 cloves of garlic.
Once the oil is shimmering, toss the onion and garlic into the pot. Sauté those until they’re soft and fragrant—about 3 to 5 minutes. You want them to be translucent, not burnt, because no one likes the taste of charred onions. And if you’re anything like me, you might’ve a moment of panic as the garlic starts to brown a little too quickly. Just keep an eye on it!
Next up, grab that 1 1/4 pounds of venison and cut it into 1/2 inch cubes. If you’re feeling fancy, you can pretend you’re a chef on a cooking show while you do this.
Add the venison to the pot along with 3/4 lb of ground venison (or ground pork, if that’s what you have). Stir everything together so the meat gets a nice little sear. It’s okay if it’s not fully cooked at this point; it’ll simmer away later.
Now, let’s spice things up! Add in a can of crushed tomatoes (that’s 28 ounces), 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, and all those lovely spices: 3 tablespoons of chili powder, 2 tablespoons of cumin, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of cayenne pepper (1/2 teaspoon). Toss in a chopped-up large red bell pepper and a small minced hot green chili pepper for good measure.
Give it a good stir, season it with salt and fresh ground black pepper, and then let that simmer away in your slow cooker on low for about 4 hours.
After your chili has been bubbling away, it’s time to add in the final touch—1 (10 ounce) can of drained red kidney beans. Stir those in and let everything cook for another hour. The smells coming from your kitchen will be amazing, I promise.
Once it’s all done, serve it up on a bed of rice if you like, and don’t skimp on the toppings. Grated sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, salsa, and sliced avocados are all welcome guests at this chili party.
Enjoy a bowl (or two) and savor the flavors. And hey, if it turns out a little too spicy for your taste, just remember, you’re building character with every bite!
Venison Chili Substitutions & Variations
While making venison chili is a delicious experience, don’t hesitate to customize it based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
I often swap ground venison for ground turkey or beef if I’m low on venison. You can also adjust the heat by changing the types of peppers or adding more cayenne.
If you’re out of kidney beans, black beans work just as well. For a smoky flavor, try adding chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
And don’t forget, fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can elevate the dish.
Get creative, and enjoy your unique chili!
What to Serve with Venison Chili
Serving venison chili is as enjoyable as making it, and I love pairing it with a few complementary sides to enhance the meal. A bed of fluffy rice is perfect for soaking up all that rich flavor.
I also enjoy topping the chili with sharp cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream for creaminess. Fresh salsa adds a zesty kick, while sliced avocados bring a smooth texture that balances the spice.
For a crunchy contrast, I’ll serve some warm cornbread on the side. Trust me, these additions elevate the experience and make every bite unforgettable!
Additional Tips & Notes
When you’re making venison chili, consider adjusting the spices to suit your taste; I often find that adding a bit more chili powder or cayenne pepper gives it an extra kick.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with additional ingredients like diced jalapeños or smoked paprika for depth.
If you prefer a thicker chili, reduce the crushed tomatoes or let it simmer longer.
Leftovers taste even better the next day, so make a big batch!
Finally, pairing it with cornbread or tortilla chips can elevate your meal.
Enjoy the process, and feel free to make it your own!