Champion's Venison Chili
This hearty Champion's Venison Chili is a labor of love, crafted together in the kitchen by my husband and me. We took inspiration from traditional chili recipes, blending rich flavors and wholesome ingredients to create a dish that packs a punch. My husband took this chili to a work cook-off, and its unforgettable taste won him first place! While we always use lean, flavorful venison, you’re welcome to substitute with ground beef or turkey for a delicious alternative. Prepare for a comforting bowl of chili that warms both the body and soul—perfect for gatherings, game days, or a cozy night in!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground meat (venison, beef, or turkey)
1 lb (Ground)
Onions
2 (Diced)
Green pepper
1 (Diced)
Jalapeno
1 tablespoon (Finely chopped)
Mexican-style tomatoes (like Rotel)
1 (14 ounce) can (Canned)
Tomato sauce
2 (8 ounce) cans (Canned)
Cumin
2 tablespoons (Ground)
Chili powder
2 tablespoons (Ground)
Salt
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Paprika
1/2 teaspoon (Smoked (if possible))
Kidney beans
1 (14 ounce) can (Drained and rinsed)
Black beans
1 (14 ounce) can (Drained and rinsed)
Water
1 cup (As needed)
Sour cream
To taste (For serving)
Cheddar cheese
To taste (Shredded, for serving)
Green onion
To taste (Chopped, for serving)
Instructions
1
In a medium Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground meat (venison, beef, or turkey) and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
2
Add the diced onions, green pepper, and finely chopped jalapeno to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for an additional 5 minutes or until they soften and become fragrant.
3
Drain any excess grease from the pot. Then, stir in the can of Mexican-style tomatoes and both cans of tomato sauce.
4
Season the mixture with cumin, chili powder, salt, cayenne pepper, and paprika. Pour in 1 cup of water and stir to combine all the flavors.
5
Gently fold in the drained and rinsed kidney and black beans. Bring the chili to a simmer, cover, and let it cook on low heat for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be.
6
Once your chili is ready, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot in bowls with a variety of toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Champion's Venison Chili?
Champion's Venison Chili is a hearty, award-winning recipe featuring lean ground venison, beans, and a blend of rich spices, perfect for cook-offs or cozy nights.
Can I substitute the venison with another meat?
Yes, you can easily substitute the ground venison with ground beef or ground turkey for a delicious alternative.
How long should I simmer the chili?
The chili should simmer on low heat for 1 to 2 hours. The longer it simmers, the richer and more developed the flavors will be.
Is this venison chili recipe spicy?
This recipe has a moderate kick from the jalapeno, chili powder, and cayenne pepper, but you can adjust these ingredients to suit your heat preference.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses a combination of one 14-ounce can of kidney beans and one 14-ounce can of black beans.
Should I drain the beans before adding them?
Yes, you should drain and rinse both the kidney beans and the black beans before folding them into the chili mixture.
What is the best way to cook the meat?
In a medium Dutch oven, brown the meat over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until cooked through.
Do I need to drain the grease from the meat?
Yes, it is recommended to drain any excess grease from the pot after browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables.
What vegetables are included in this chili?
The recipe calls for two diced onions, one diced green pepper, and one tablespoon of finely chopped jalapeno.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
You will need one 14-ounce can of Mexican-style tomatoes (like Rotel) and two 8-ounce cans of tomato sauce.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The spice blend includes cumin, chili powder, salt, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika.
How much water do I add to the chili?
Add 1 cup of water to the pot when you add the spices and tomato sauce to help combine the flavors.
Can I make this chili on a weeknight?
Yes, while it benefits from a long simmer, the active prep and cooking time is relatively short, making it manageable for a weeknight meal.
What are the best toppings for venison chili?
Popular toppings include sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions.
Is this recipe suitable for a slow cooker?
While written for a Dutch oven, you can brown the meat and veggies first and then transfer everything to a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours.
Is venison a lean meat?
Yes, venison is naturally lean and flavorful, making it a healthy protein choice for hearty dishes like chili.
How many servings does this recipe make?
While not specified, the use of 1 lb of meat plus several cans of beans and sauce typically serves 4 to 6 people.
Can I use regular paprika if I don't have smoked?
Yes, regular paprika works fine, though smoked paprika adds a nice depth of flavor to the dish.
How do I know when the vegetables are ready?
Sauté the onions, green pepper, and jalapeno for about 5 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
Can I freeze leftover venison chili?
Yes, chili freezes very well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
What makes this 'Champion's' chili?
This specific recipe won first place at a work cook-off due to its unforgettable taste and balanced flavors.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The core ingredients are gluten-free, but always check the labels on your canned tomatoes, sauce, and spices to ensure no additives contain gluten.
How can I make the chili thicker?
You can simmer the chili uncovered for the last 30 minutes to allow more liquid to evaporate and thicken the sauce.
Can I add other vegetables?
Certainly! Corn, celery, or carrots would be great additions, though they may change the traditional award-winning flavor profile.
What if I don't have a Dutch oven?
A large, heavy-bottomed stockpot will work as a substitute for a Dutch oven.
Should I remove the seeds from the jalapeno?
If you prefer a milder chili, remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapeno before chopping.
Can I use more meat?
Yes, you can increase the meat to 1.5 or 2 lbs, but you may need to add a bit more tomato sauce or water to keep the consistency right.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat leftovers on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals.
Is it okay to use pinto beans?
Yes, pinto beans are a common substitute for kidney beans in chili recipes.
Why is the water necessary?
The water helps thin the tomato sauce slightly so the chili can simmer for a long time without burning or becoming too dry.