Hearty Deer Chili Recipe: Slow Cooker Comfort (Print Version)

Deer Chili Recipe for a deeply flavorful, easy slow cooker meal. My family's favorite, packed with venison and rich spices. Perfect for chilly evenings!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 6 Hours minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Servings: 6-8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: High Protein

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1.5 lbs ground venison
02 - 1 large yellow onion, chopped
03 - 1 red bell pepper, chopped
04 - 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
05 - 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
06 - 3 cups beef broth

→ Flavor Builders

07 - 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 2 tbsp chili powder
09 - 1 tbsp ground cumin
10 - 1 tsp dried oregano
11 - 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
12 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Finishing Touches

13 - Shredded cheddar cheese
14 - Sour cream or Greek yogurt
15 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
16 - Sliced jalapeños (optional)

→ Optional Extras

17 - 1 bay leaf
18 - A splash of dark beer or strong coffee (for depth)

# Instructions:

01 - First up, get that venison browned. In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, break up the ground venison. You want it nicely seared, getting some of those lovely brown bits at the bottom – that's flavor, hon! Drain off any excess fat if there is any, though with venison, it's usually pretty lean. This step is crucial for the texture of your Deer Chili Recipe, giving it a good base before it settles into the slow cooker for hours of deliciousness.
02 - Once the venison is looking good, toss in your chopped onion and bell peppers to the same skillet. Let them soften up, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes. You'll start to smell that amazing sweet onion aroma, which is always my cue that things are going well. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until fragrant. Don't let the garlic burn, that's a mistake I've made—it turns bitter, and nobody wants that in their Deer Chili Recipe!
03 - Now for the good stuff! Transfer your venison and sautéed veggies to your trusty slow cooker. Dump in the chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, and that secret weapon, the cocoa powder. Give it a good stir, really letting those spices coat everything. You'll start to see and smell the vibrant colors and aromas bloom. This is where the soul of your Deer Chili Recipe starts to come alive, building those deep, complex flavors that make it so special.
04 - Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained, please!), the drained and rinsed kidney beans, and the beef broth. Stir everything together until it's all happy and combined. Make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom. I sometimes add a bay leaf here, totally optional, but it adds another layer of subtle flavor. This Deer Chili Recipe is all about layers, after all, and every little bit helps build that amazing depth!
05 - Pop the lid on your slow cooker. Set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Honestly, the longer it simmers on low, the better it tastes. That's when all those flavors really meld and deepen. You'll be smelling it throughout the house, and trust me, it's the best kind of aromatherapy. Just resist the urge to peek too often; let the slow cooker do its thing for your Deer Chili Recipe and work its magic.
06 - Once it’s done, give your Deer Chili Recipe a good stir and a taste test. Adjust seasonings if needed—maybe a little more salt, a dash of hot sauce if you like a kick. Ladle it into bowls and get ready for pure comfort. This is the moment you've been waiting for, that rich, hearty goodness. It should be thick, flavorful, and just begging for toppings! Don't forget to remove the bay leaf if you added one.

# Notes:

01 - Don't skip browning the venison; it adds so much depth and flavor to your chili.
02 - Chili always tastes better the next day, so it's a fantastic meal-prep option that actually improves!
03 - No venison? Ground beef works, but a splash of coffee or dark beer really boosts the richness.
04 - Serve with warm cornbread and a dollop of sour cream for the ultimate comfort combo.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet
02 - Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
03 - Ladle
04 - Airtight containers

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 20g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 30g

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