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Venison Stovetop Chili

bowl of venison chili topped with cheese in a white bowl with tortilla chips on the side
Servings per Recipe
6.00
Nutrition Facts
Calories : 230
Fat : 5 g
Sodium : 270 mg
Total carbohydrate : 23 g
Fiber : 5 g
Protein : 23 g
Ingredients
1 pound ground venison (ground beef, turkey, or chicken can be used if venison is not available)
1 Tablespoon oil (Tip 1)
4 cups low-sodium tomato or vegetable juice
4 ounces dry small red beans (about ½ cup dry beans) or 1 (15 ounce) can red beans (Tip 2)
1 cup diced onion (about one medium onion)
2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Preparation
Wash hands with soap and water.
Prepare dry red beans the night before making chili. Measure out beans and remove any wrinkled or soft beans. To a medium bowl, add beans and cover with water by 2 inches. Cover container and refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
When ready to make chili, wash hands with soap and water.
Add ground venison and oil (Tip 1) to a 3- or 4-quat pot over medium heat. Cook, breaking meat into small pieces, until meat is browned. Meanwhile, chop onion and garlic and drain liquid from soaked beans; set aside.
Once meat is browned, add chopped onion to the pot and stir to combine. Add lid and let cook 3-5 minutes, stir occasionally, until onion becomes slightly translucent.
Add tomato juice, drained beans, garlic, and spices. Stir to combine. Add lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer chili for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are cooked.
Note

 

  • Tip 1: If venison is ground with added fat, do not use oil in recipe. If a lot of fat is released from the cooked meat, drain the fat and return meat to pan.
  • Tip 2: Replace soaked beans with one 15-ounce can of red beans. Drain canning liquid from beans and rinse under cool water before adding in Step 6.
  • Venison Stovetop Chili recipe developed and shared by Illinois Deer Donation Program.