There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Deer Camp Venison Chili to warm you up after a long day in the woods. This hearty, flavorful chili is a campfire classic, packed with tender venison, beans, and a blend of spices that’ll make your taste buds sing.
Whether you’re at deer camp, hosting a game day party, or just craving a comforting meal, this chili is sure to hit the spot. Let’s get cooking!
Deer Camp Venison Chili Recipe
Course: Main DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium6-8
servings15
minutes1
hour30
minutes300
kcalDeer Camp Venison Chili Recipe
Ingredients
Two pounds of ground venison
One pound of cooked and chopped bacon
Two minced garlic cloves, or two teaspoons of minced garlic
One chopped green pepper
One chopped yellow pepper
One chopped onion, and three chopped celery stalks
Can of crushed tomatoes, 1 14.5 oz.
One 14.5-oz can of tomatoes in stew
One 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes (not visible)
Tomato paste (not shown) in one 8-ounce can
Three teaspoons of chili powder
Two teaspoons of cumin powder
Two teaspoons of oregano
One teaspoon of cinnamon
Two 15-ounce cans of rinsed and drained black beans; one teaspoon each of salt and cayenne pepper
1 beer
Cheddar Shreds
Green Onions
Sour Cream
Fritos
Directions
- Brown the venison in a big skillet. Place in a crock pot once browned. To make cleanup easier, use crock pot bag liners. At the deer camp, no one like doing the dishes.
- Add the bacon to the crock pot after cutting it into little squares and cooking it in the same skillet as the venison until it is crispy.
- Cook the chopped onion, celery, and garlic in the bacon fat for 5 to 10 minutes over medium heat. If there is too much grease, scrape it off until only 2 tablespoons are left. Then, transfer the mixture to the crock pot.
- Stir in the beer, seasonings, chopped peppers, and tomatoes (all canned).
- Cook for 4 hours on low heat. Serve hot with Fritos, cheese, and sour cream. Alternatively, prepare it in advance and preserve it to make Deer Camp Venison Chili.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Cook for 4 hours on low heat to make Deer Camp Venison Chili
Serving Suggestions for Deer Camp Venison Chili
Serve this chili piping hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, or fresh cilantro. Pair it with cornbread, crackers, or a side of rice for a complete meal. For a true deer camp experience, enjoy it around the fire with a cold beer or a mug of hot coffee.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. This chili also freezes well—transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Q: Can I use ground beef instead of venison?
A: Absolutely! Ground beef, turkey, or even sausage can be used if you don’t have venison on hand.
Q: How can I make this chili less spicy?
A: Reduce the amount of chili powder or omit the cayenne pepper. You can also add a bit of sugar or honey to balance the heat.
Q: Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Brown the venison and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Q: What type of beans work best for this recipe?
A: Kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans are all great options. Use your favorite or a mix of all three!
Q: Can I add vegetables to this chili?
A: Definitely! Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or corn are great additions. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic.
This Deer Camp Venison Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re at camp or at home, it’s sure to warm you up and fill you up
