Recipe: Venison Chili

by
posted on September 22, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
venisonchili_lead.jpg

There are countless chili recipes floating around, each with its own distinctive taste. Many regions and states have their own unique ingredients. In Texas, for example, beans in chili are typically considered taboo, which flies in the face of most chili lovers pretty much everywhere else. Chili is an ideal way to utilize ground venison that may be a tad on the gamey side. The ingredients found in this recipe will nicely transform the gamey taste to one that anyone will savor.

If you opt for beans, you can buy them in a can or use dried beans that must be soaked for several hours or overnight in order to soften. I like prefer canned beans, as it allows me to use two or three kinds in a batch of chili (i.e. kidney, navy, pinto, great northern, etc.).

Ingredients
• 3 pounds cooked venison burger 
• 1 46 oz. can tomato juice
• 3 15 oz. cans beans (your preference) 
• 2 15 oz. cans petite diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon cumin 
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper 
• ½ teaspoon chili powder 
• 1 green pepper, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced

Directions
1. In a large pot, combine all ingredients except peppers and onions.
2. Cook peppers and onions separately in a skillet and add to the pot when done.
3. Simmer the chili for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add more cumin to taste; cumin gives the chili its distinctive, unique taste.

*Tip: If you prefer, you can use canned chili beans, which are simply beans in chili gravy.

Latest

Olsen Shooting FN 15 Guardian
Olsen Shooting FN 15 Guardian

#SundayGunday: FN 15 Guardian

On this week's #SundayGunday, we have an AR-platform from one of the finest gunmakers in the world, perfect for hog hunters and home defenders alike. The FN 15 Guardian applies Fabrique Nationale's proven quality to an AR, yielding a gun that runs well through all conditions.  A 16-inch 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium steel barrel, qualifies the gun as a carbine, perfect for handling through the woods or in a ground blind. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

How do you Compare to the Average Hunter?

There is no “average” hunter, although don’t be surprised if you’re more run-of-the-mill than you think after seeing the results of the “2025 Hunting Industry Insights” report. The survey, conducted by Untamed Outdoor Agency (UOA), focused on what might be the most active demographic—sportsmen between the ages of 32 and 52.

Says You: Trail Camera Overkill?

Editor-in-Chief Scott Olmsted's monthly response column to questions posed by our members. This week, we're discussing mountain lions, poaching and trail camera use.

New for 2026: Trijicon SRO Green Dot

Trijicon has announced a 2.5 MOA, Green Dot version of the SRO reflex sight. The new model will be available in Black and Coyote Brown anodized finishes.

More Than $6.6 Million in Tribal Wildlife Grants to Advance Conservation

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is awarding more than $6.6 million to federally recognized Native American and Alaska Native tribes to benefit fish and wildlife resources and their habitats. This year’s funding will support 35 tribes for conservation projects across 15 states, benefiting a wide range of wildlife and habitat, including species of cultural or traditional importance to Indigenous communities.

Hardware Review: TriStar KR.22

TriStar is noted for shotguns, but Bryce Towsley recently received a test gun from them that’s much different. Check out his review on the TriStar KR.22.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.