The Best Homemade Venison Chili Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This venison chili is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for cozy nights, with a rich taste that keeps you coming back for more. You’ll love how easy it is to make, even if you’re new to cooking with game meat.

• Bold, smoky flavor—spices and slow cooking give it a deep, satisfying taste.
• Lean and healthy—venison is packed with protein but lower in fat than beef.
• Versatile and filling—serve it over rice, with cornbread, or topped with cheese for a meal everyone will enjoy.

Recipe

Venison chili is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for cold weather or casual gatherings. This recipe combines ground venison with beans, tomatoes, and spices for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground venison

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, chopped

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes

1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

1 cup beef broth

2 tbsp chili powder

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
3. Add ground venison and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
4. Stir in bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth.
6. Season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
7. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
9. Serve hot with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.

Notes:

For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes. Adjust cayenne pepper to control spiciness.

Equipment:

Large pot or Dutch oven, Wooden spoon, Knife, Cutting board

Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Cuisine:

American

Serving:

4-6 servings

Nutrition

This venison chili recipe offers a hearty and nutritious meal. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving.

Calories: 320

Protein: 34g

Carbohydrates: 20g

Fat: 12g

Fiber: 6g

Sugar: 5g

Sodium: 580mg

What To Serve With It

I love serving my venison chili with warm, buttery cornbread—it’s the perfect match for soaking up every last bite. A fresh, crunchy salad with a tangy dressing balances the rich flavors, making the meal feel complete. Trust me, these pairings turn a simple bowl of chili into something really special.

Cornbread Pairings

When I’m serving up a hearty bowl of venison chili, I always reach for freshly baked cornbread—it’s the perfect match! The slightly sweet, crumbly texture balances the rich, spicy flavors of the chili, making each bite even better. I love mine warm with a pat of butter melting on top, but honey or a drizzle of maple syrup adds a sweet twist. For extra crunch, try cornbread muffins with crispy edges. Sometimes, I’ll even crumble a piece right into the chili for a comforting, hearty bite. It’s simple, but trust me, it’s a game-changer.

Fresh Salad Options

While cornbread’s a classic side for venison chili, a fresh salad can lighten things up without stealing the spotlight. I love a crisp romaine or spinach base with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion—it’s simple but invigorating. A tangy vinaigrette, like lemon or balsamic, cuts through the chili’s richness. For extra crunch, toss in some toasted pepitas or croutons. If you’re feeling fancy, add avocado slices or crumbled feta. The key’s keeping it light so the chili stays the star. Trust me, a cool, crunchy bite between spoonfuls of hearty chili makes the whole meal even better.