There’s something profoundly comforting about a warm bowl of chili, especially when it brings families together around the dinner table. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you my Slow Cooker Venison Chili, a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for those chilly winter nights or family gatherings. This recipe marries rich, savory venison with a medley of spices, creating a mouthwatering meal that will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Cook Time: 6-8 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes – 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Skill Level: Easy
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground venison
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground venison over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the venison, onion, and garlic mixture to your slow cooker.
- Add the red and green bell peppers, kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the ingredients in the slow cooker, stirring to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the flavors meld together beautifully and the chili is thick and rich.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Helpful Tips
- For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeño pepper or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
- If you’re pressed for time, you can use a can of pre-made chili seasoning blend instead of individual spices.
- For a thicker chili, mash some of the beans into the mixture before serving.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Ingredient Substitutions
If venison isn’t available, ground beef or turkey make excellent alternatives for this recipe. Vegetable broth can be substituted for beef broth to create a lighter, or vegetarian version.
Pairings
This savory chili pairs wonderfully with a slice of warm, crusty bread or a side of cornbread. For drinks, consider a bold red wine or a frosty mug of your favorite beer to complement the hearty flavors.
I can’t wait to see your mouthwatering creations! Share your Slow Cooker Venison Chili with us on Instagram using #ZynahzRecipes, or tag @Zynahz. We love to hear from you, so please leave your feedback on our website www.zynahz.com. For more delicious recipes and updates, subscribe to our newsletter and follow Zynahz on social media. Happy cooking!