Deer (Or Beef) Chili

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

A hearty and flavorful chili featuring ground meat, tomatoes, chili powder, and aromatic spices, perfect for comforting gatherings or casual family dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 to 2 lb. ground meat
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • salt
  • 1 can (small) tomato paste
  • 1 large can chopped tomatoes
  • 1/4 c. chili powder
  • dash of vinegar
  • dash of sugar

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground meat in a skillet.
  2. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste, chopped tomatoes, chili powder, vinegar, and sugar.
  4. Adjust with water to reach desired thickness.
  5. Simmer the chili for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Serve topped with cubed Monterey Jack cheese, black olives, and a big dollop of sour cream.
  7. Enjoy your hearty chili and take Rolaids if needed.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground deer and beef. If you prefer a spicier chili, add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper. You can also substitute the chili powder with a homemade blend of paprika, cumin, and cayenne for more depth. To thicken the chili, mash some of the beans if you add them. Serve with warm Coconut Cracker Snacks for a delightful crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your chili piping hot, topped with cubed Monterey Jack cheese, black olives, and a generous dollop of sour cream. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or some steamed vegetables. This hearty dish is perfect for game day or a cozy family dinner.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture. Chili can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Deer (Or Beef) Chili contains roughly 226 calories, with 8g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), iron (35% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1041mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).

226 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.2g 16% DV
Total Fat 4.9g 6% DV
Carbs 44.2g 16% DV
Fiber 11g 39% DV
Sugar 19.7g 39% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1040.8mg 45% DV
Potassium 1455mg 31% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 299.5mcg 33% DV
Vitamin C 31.7mg 35% DV
Calcium 109.3mg 8% DV
Iron 6.3mg 35% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do if my chili is too spicy?

If your chili turns out too spicy, you can add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt to balance the heat. Additionally, stirring in a bit of sugar or honey can help cut the spice. Adding more tomatoes or beans can also dilute the heat while maintaining the dish's integrity.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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