Go Back
–+ servings

Venison Chili Recipe

Charlotte
A hearty and flavorful chili made with lean ground venison, aromatic spices, beans, and fire-roasted tomatoes. Perfect for chilly fall nights or whenever you're craving a comforting, protein-packed meal.
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 medium onions (diced)
  • 1 green bell pepper (chopped)
  • 4 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 2 tsp chipotle chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 8 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 lbs ground venison
  • 2 cans kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 2 cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 can tomato puree
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Optional Add-ins:

  • 1 cup sweet corn
  • 1 cup diced carrots or zucchini
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • Hot sauce (to taste)

Toppings:

  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Diced onions
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Avocado slices

Instructions
 

Cook the Aromatics:

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and chopped bell peppers. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.

Toast the Spices:

  • Add chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, chipotle chili powder, and ground coriander. Stir for 1 minute to bloom the spices and deepen their flavors.

Brown the Venison:

  • Add ground venison to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 8 minutes until browned and fully cooked through.

Add Beans and Tomatoes:

  • Stir in kidney beans, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, tomato puree, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Simmer:

  • Reduce heat to low, partially cover the pot, and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld.

Final Seasoning:

  • Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a splash of apple cider vinegar if desired.

Serve Hot:

  • Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, fresh cilantro, or avocado slices.

Notes

  • Pro Tip: For a thicker chili, mash some of the beans or simmer uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 4–6 months.
  • Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

Nutrition

Calories: 400kcal
Keyword Ground Venison Recipe, Hearty Chili, Venison Chili
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
QR Code linking back to recipe