Venison Chili

This venison chili is rich and hearty, with a thick and filling texture that’s incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s easily customizable, so you can adjust the heat and seasonings to suit your tastes.

Table of Contents

Without proper slow cooking or browning techniques, venison can end up chewy in your chili. But don’t worry, I’ll walk you through the steps to ensure your venison is packed with flavor and tender every time.

If you love this recipe, you should try my venison tacos for another venison twist on a classic dish. And if you’re a fan of chili, my healthy turkey chili is a must-try.

This recipe is our family favorite chili recipe with a venison twist. It was a BIG hit with my family and one that we make quite often in the winter – especially after hunting season.

Why I Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is a snap to make. Just brown the venison, add the veggies and seasonings, and let it simmer.
Great Use for Venison: This is one of our favorite venison recipes and a great way to use up any venison you may have at home!
Hearty and Satisfying: This chili is incredibly filling, thanks to the combination of ground venison and beans. It’s the perfect meal for a chilly evening.
Comfort Food: There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chili to cozy up with, and this recipe delivers the ultimate comfort food.

ingredients to make venison chili on kitchen countertop

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Key Ingredients

Olive Oil: This will be used to sauté the vegetables and venison, giving them a rich and savory flavor.
Ground Venison: It’s the star of the show, providing a unique and hearty twist to the classic chili recipe.
Celery, Onion, and Green Bell Pepper: These vegetables will add a fresh crunch and a pop of color to the chili.
Crushed Tomatoes, Diced Tomatoes, and Tomato Sauce: They form the base of the chili, providing a rich, thick, and tangy flavor.
Water: This will be added to adjust the consistency of the chili, making it just the right thickness.
Kidney Beans and Pinto Beans: They will add a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness to the chili.
Spices: Spices such as chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper will give the chili its signature bold and spicy flavor. They make up my homemade chili seasoning, that’s perfect to add a classic flavor to this dish!

Equipment

Large 4 to 5 Quart Stockpot – You’ll need this to cook the venison and vegetables and then simmer the chili with all the ingredients.

close up of venison chili in large stockpot

How to Make Venison Chili

Preparation

To start, drizzle olive oil in a large stockpot. This will prevent the venison from sticking to the pot as it cooks.

venison cooked with onion celery and green pepper

Step 1 – Cook the Venison

Add the venison to the pot and cook it over medium heat. As it cooks, make sure to break the venison into crumbles. This will help it cook more evenly.

Step 2 – Add the Vegetables

When the ground venison is only partially still pink, it’s time to add the celery, onion, and bell pepper. Continue to cook and crumble until the venison is fully cooked and the onion is translucent.

Step 3 – Add the Remaining Ingredients

Once the venison is cooked and the vegetables are soft, it’s time to add the remaining ingredients, including the seasoning. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 4 – Simmer the Chili

After the chili has come to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer. This will help all the flavors meld together. You’ll want to simmer the chili for at least one hour, but you can let it go longer if you have the time. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will be.

Step 5 – Serve the Chili

After the chili has simmered for at least an hour, it’s ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls and top it with your favorite garnishes. Enjoy your hearty, flavorful venison chili!

Expert Tip

To easily chop up and crumble the venison into equal pieces, use a meat chopper. This will help the meat cook more evenly and give your chili a better texture.

Recipe Variations

Spicier: This recipe is not very spicy, making it perfect for the whole family. If you like your chili to have a kick, try adding some diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Thicken the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker chili, you can simply leave out the one cup of water. This will give your venison chili a heartier, more robust consistency.
Slow Cooker Option: For a convenient meal, turn this recipe into a slow cooker favorite. Fully cook the venison, onion, celery, and green pepper, then add them to your slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for a delicious, fuss-free dinner.

What to Serve With

For a hearty, satisfying meal, serve your venison chili with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of green onions. The coolness of the sour cream perfectly compliments the bold flavors of the chili.
If you’re looking for a classic chili pairing, serve it with a side of crackers. The buttery, crunchy crackers are perfect for scooping up the chili and add a nice contrast in texture.
For a comforting Southern-inspired meal, serve your venison chili with a side of fresh cornbread. The slightly sweet homemade cornbread is a great accompaniment to the spicy chili.

Make Ahead Instructions

Looking to make this venison chili ahead of time? You definitely can! Simply follow the recipe to make the entire dish and then store it in the refrigerator. I think it tastes even better the second day! Plus, it freezes well too for up to 3 months!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different beans in this recipe?

Yes, you can. This recipe calls for kidney beans and pinto beans, but feel free to use any type of beans you like. Black beans or white beans would be a good alternative.

Is this venison chili spicy?

No, this recipe is not very spicy which makes it suitable for the whole family. But you can easily make it spicier by adding some diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Storing and Reheating

Storing: Allow leftovers to cool and then transfer them to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze the chili. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen chili, let it thaw in the refrigerator.
Reheating: You can reheat the chili on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir it occasionally to ensure even heating.

Serving Size

What to Expect: This venison chili recipe yields a hearty and satisfying chili that can serve up to 8 people.
How to Scale: If you’re expecting more than 8 servings, you can easily double the recipe and follow the instructions as directed. Make sure to use a larger pot to accommodate the increased quantity. If your pot is not large enough, you can follow the instructions in two separate batches, combining everything at the end.

Venison Chili

Why I Love This Recipe

Key Ingredients

Equipment