Venison Chili With Beans
A hearty venison chili rich with smoky flavors, beans, and spices, perfect for comfort food lovers and those seeking a protein-packed, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. butter or bacon fat ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 1 lb. deer sausage (hot or mild) ⓘ
- 1 lb. deer burger ⓘ
- 1 large can whole tomatoes, chopped into large chunks with juice ⓘ
- 2 cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat butter or bacon fat in a large pot.
- Cook chopped onion and garlic until the onion is soft.
- Add the deer sausage and deer burger to the pan and brown the meat.
- Add chopped tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, sugar, salt, and bay leaf to the pot.
- Cover and simmer over low heat for an hour or more.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of smoked paprika to the chili. You can substitute ground beef or turkey for the deer meat if it's unavailable. Adjust the level of chili powder based on your spice preference, and add diced bell peppers for extra texture. This venison chili can also be customized with additional beans like black beans or pinto beans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your venison chili with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese for added creaminess. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or some tortilla chips. This dish is perfect for game day or a cozy family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover venison chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For freezing, let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container, where it can last for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Venison Chili With Beans contains roughly 1023 calories, with 22g protein, 173g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (154% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (98% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 in this chili?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for deer sausage and deer burger, you can easily substitute them with ground beef, turkey, or even chicken. If using a leaner meat, consider adding a bit more fat like olive oil or bacon fat to keep the chili rich and flavorful.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the meat and replace it with a variety of beans, such as black beans, pinto beans, and chickpeas. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers for added flavor and texture. Use vegetable broth instead of water for a deeper taste.
What can I do if my chili is too spicy?
If your chili turns out too spicy, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to mellow the heat. A bit of sugar or honey can also balance the spiciness. Additionally, consider adding more diced tomatoes or some shredded cheese to dilute the heat while enhancing the chili's flavor.
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).