Dutch Oven Venison Chili Ingredients:
2 pounds (about 900 g) ground venison
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 bell peppers (any color), diced
2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups beef or venison broth
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for that extra-smoky kick)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, diced onions, or tortilla chips for crunch
How To Make Dutch Oven Venison Chili:
- Sear the Venison: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground venison and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it's browned and cooked through. Remove the venison from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Grab your favorite chef’s knife and dice the onions and peppers, then crush and finely chop the garlic. Sauté the diced onion, garlic, and bell peppers until they soften and become fragrant, usually about 5-6 minutes.
- Combine & Simmer: Return the cooked venison to the pot. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, drained kidney beans, black beans, beef or venison broth, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a Boil, Then Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for at least 1 to 1.5 hours. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together, so feel free to let it simmer longer if you have the time.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more chili powder, cumin, or salt and pepper to suit your taste preferences.
- Serve & Enjoy: Ladle the piping hot venison chili into bowls. Top it off with your favorite optional toppings—shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, diced onions—or add a handful of tortilla chips for some crunch.
This savory Venison Chili is a soul-warming delight that combines rich flavors and tender meat. It's perfect for a cozy evening or a gathering with friends and family. Enjoy the warmth and hearty goodness with each comforting spoonful!