Hearty Deer Chili: Rustic & Flavorful Slow-Cooked Meal (Print Version)
Hearty Deer Chili delivers rustic, deep flavors. This slow-cooked chili is a comforting meal, perfect for chilly evenings and makes fantastic leftovers.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 3 Hours 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American (Rustic)
Dietary: Gluten-Free (verify all ingredients are GF)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Chili Base
01 -
1 lb ground deer meat
02 -
4 slices bacon, diced
03 -
1 large yellow onion, chopped
04 -
1 red bell pepper, diced
05 -
1 green bell pepper, diced
06 -
6 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
08 -
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
09 -
4 cups beef broth
10 -
2 bay leaves
11 -
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
12 -
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
13 -
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
→ Seasoning Essentials
14 -
3 tbsp chili powder
15 -
1 tbsp ground cumin
16 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
17 -
1 tsp dried oregano
18 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Toppings & Finishers
19 -
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
20 -
Shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish)
21 -
Sour cream (for garnish)
22 -
Reserved crispy bacon (for garnish)
→ Optional Extras
23 -
1-2 jalapeños, diced (for heat)
24 -
1 square dark chocolate (for richness)
25 -
Splash of strong brewed coffee (for depth)
# Instructions:
01 -
Get your Dutch oven or heavy pot warming over medium heat. Toss in the diced bacon and let it crisp up, rendering out all that glorious fat. Once it's nice and crispy, scoop it out and set it aside. Now, in that lovely bacon fat, add your ground deer meat. Break it up with a spoon, browning it until there's no pink left. This is where the magic begins for our hearty deer chili, building that foundational flavor. Drain any excess fat, honestly, sometimes there's a lot, and you don't want a greasy chili.
02 -
With the deer meat browned, it’s time for the aromatics. Toss in your chopped yellow onion and bell peppers. Sauté them gently for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften and get a little translucent. Don't rush this part; those sweet, softened veggies are key to a well-balanced hearty deer chili. Then, add the minced garlic and tomato paste, stirring constantly for just a minute until fragrant. You'll smell it, a deep, sweet aroma that says "good things are coming!"
03 -
Now for the fun part – the spices! Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Stir them into the pot, letting them toast with the veggies and meat for about a minute. This really wakes up their flavors, a step I sometimes forget and regret. Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained!), beef broth, and tuck in the bay leaves. Bring the whole pot to a gentle simmer, stirring everything together. This hearty deer chili is starting to look and smell incredible!
04 -
Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let this hearty deer chili do its thing. I usually let it bubble away for at least 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld and deepen, becoming truly spectacular. This is where patience pays off, hon. If it starts to look too thick, you can add a splash more beef broth or even water. I learned the hard way that walking away for too long can lead to a sticky bottom!
05 -
About 30 minutes before you're ready to serve, stir in the rinsed kidney and black beans. Let them heat through and soak up all that incredible hearty deer chili flavor. Taste and adjust your seasonings here – this is your moment to make it truly yours. A splash of apple cider vinegar at the end really brightens up the whole dish, cutting through the richness. Honestly, it's a game-changer; don't skip it!
06 -
Ladle your glorious hearty deer chili into bowls. This is where you get to be creative! Top with a sprinkle of that reserved crispy bacon, a dollop of sour cream, a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese, and a scattering of fresh cilantro. It looks so vibrant and smells absolutely divine. I always take a moment to admire my handiwork before digging in. Enjoy every warm, comforting spoonful!