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Budget-Friendly Dutch Oven Venison Chili for the Whole Family

Budget-friendly Dutch oven venison chili - featured image
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A smoky, hearty venison chili made with ground venison and pantry staples, perfect for a budget-friendly family dinner. This one-pot wonder is picky eater approved and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1.5 cups)
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground venison
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes (undrained)
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee

Instructions

  1. Place your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it shimmer for about 30 seconds. Toss in the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and the onion turns translucent — about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute, until fragrant.
  2. Add the ground venison to the pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon into small, crumbly pieces. Cook until no longer pink, stirring frequently, about 6-8 minutes. Let it sit for a minute to get a little sear on the bottom.
  3. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper over the meat and vegetables. Stir until the meat is completely coated. Cook for exactly one minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, drained beans, beef broth, and brewed coffee. Stir until well combined. Scrape the bottom of the pot to lift up any browned bits.
  5. Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar. Let it simmer for at least 45 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes.
  6. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning. Add more salt, a pinch of sugar, or a squeeze of lime juice if desired.

Notes

The coffee adds a subtle, earthy richness without making the chili taste like coffee. For a milder version, omit the cayenne pepper. Leftovers taste even better the next day and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: venison chili, budget-friendly chili, Dutch oven chili, family chili, one-pot chili, ground venison recipe

Find it online: https://evabake.com/budget-friendly-dutch-oven-venison-chili-for-the-whole-family/