Hot Venison Chili
A hearty and spicy venison chili layered with smoky bacon, fresh and pickled jalapenos, and bold chili flavors, perfect for chilly evenings or outdoor gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the bacon in a large pot and drain the browned venison in the bacon grease with chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Combine all ingredients except the fresh and pickled jalapeno peppers in the large pot and bring to a simmer.
- Chop the fresh jalapeno peppers and sauté in bacon grease until tender; drain and add to the meat mixture.
- Add the jarred pickled jalapeno peppers to the pot.
- Simmer the chili for 30 minutes.
- Refrigerate overnight.
- Serve the chili the next day.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of beer or beef broth to the chili. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of fresh and pickled jalapenos or substitute with bell peppers. You can also use ground turkey or beef if venison is not available. To enhance the chili's depth, try adding a teaspoon of cumin or smoked paprika.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the hot venison chili with a side of cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. Garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Stewed Corn And Tomatoes for a complete feast. Enjoy with tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, transfer the cooled chili to freezer-safe containers, where it can last for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Venison Chili contains roughly 1327 calories, with 93g protein, 235g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (307% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (286% of the Daily Value), and protein (186% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 562mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
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
Can I use other types of meat for this chili?
Yes, you can substitute ground venison with ground beef, turkey, or even chicken. Each will give a different flavor profile, but they'll still work well with the other ingredients.
How can I make this chili less spicy?
To reduce the heat, you can decrease the amount of fresh and pickled jalapenos or replace them with milder peppers like green bell peppers. Additionally, adding more beans or tomatoes can help balance the spice.
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! After browning the bacon and meat, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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).