Venison Chili Crock Pot Recipe | Slow Cooker Deer Chili

This venison chili crock pot recipe is the one to follow if you want to make incredible wild game chili with deer meat in the slow cooker.

Are you looking for the perfect venison chili recipe that your family will love? If so, this is it! This crock pot venison chili crock pot recipe uses ground deer meat to bring wild game flavor to an old classic. Not only does it have incredible taste, but its slow cooker format makes it easy and convenient as well. With very little time invested upfront, you can enjoy a masterfully prepared dish with minimal effort. I love making my Award-Winning Chili but when I’m short on time, this gets me so close to those incredible layers of flavor with almost no time involved!

It’s perfect for busy wives and moms who want delicious meals without having to spend hours in the kitchen. And even better, this delightful wild game meal is sure to impress any millennial palate. So make sure you give this Venison Chili Crock Pot Recipe a try; you won’t regret it!

GATHER YOUR INGREDIENTS | GROUND DEER MEAT, ONION, PEPPERS, DICED TOMATOES, GARLIC, SPICES, CITRUS, BROTH & BEANS

Some people think that cooking a hearty, fresh meal can be a challenge when using potentially gamey venison as an ingredient. However, when balanced properly, the result can be a flavorful dish that is sure to impress. I’m an accidental hunter’s wife and I’ve made it my mission to show you how to cook with venison so the whole family will actually eat what you’ve made!

Adding canned diced tomatoes, onion, green bell pepper, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, kidney beans, black beans (you could even add pinto beans if you prefer a bean heavy chili) and orange and lime juice create the perfect balance to the powerful taste of the venison. I always add an acidic component to my deer meat recipes, it’s one of my top 5 wild game cooking hacks.

If you want to add a bit of a kick to your chili, you could add a pinch of cayenne pepper as well. Adding venison or beef broth further balances the flavors, resulting in a delicious and satisfying meal. 

You’ll need the following kitchen equipment to whip up this protein packed chili: 

• Crockpot (I have a 7qt but a 5 or 6qt will work fine)
• Cutting Board
• Kitchen knifes
• Teaspoon & tablespoon measuring spoons
• Large skillet or pot
• Can opener
• Strainer
• Wooden spoon

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO PREPARING YOUR VENISON CHILI IN THE CROCK POT

Preparing venison properly is essential to achieving a delicious and balanced flavor. People sometimes tell me they think venison can be gamey, but with the right preparation techniques, you can bring out its true potential. Seriously, I prefer deer meat and bear meat over beef.

Once you have your meat defrosted, properly seasoning it is key. Try using a mixture of herbs and spices to add depth of flavor. When cooking, be mindful not to overcook the venison. 

Here is what you’re going to do: 

1) Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

2) Add the onion and peppers and cook until the onions start to brown on the edges, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the venison and brown. 

3) Once the venison is browned add the ground venison mixture and all remaining ingredients into your slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Be sure to cover the chili fully with a lid so all of the liquid doesn’t evaporate. 

4) Ladle up generous portions, top with your favorite chili toppings (cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, green onions, crackers, etc.), and serve.

THE SLOW COOKER METHOD

If you’re looking for a quick and effortless meal that will warm you up on a chilly day, or a perfect option to impress your guests on game day, the slow cooker method has you covered. The beauty of this cooking technique is that you can mix your ingredients together, set it, and forget it until it’s ready. The result is a hearty and delicious meal that will leave everyone satisfied.

From soups and stews to casseroles and roasts, the slow cooker method is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen for easy and delectable meals. So, next time you want to make a quick meal without compromising taste, give the slow cooker method a try.

HOW TO KNOW WHEN YOUR CHILI IS READY TO SERVE

As the weather outside starts to cool down, there’s nothing quite like a warm, cozy bowl of chili. But how do you know when it’s ready to serve? One key indicator is the texture: your chili should be bubbly, indicating that it’s reached the ideal consistency.

Another crucial factor is the aroma. When your chili is fully cooked, it will emit a rich, fragrant scent that will make your mouth water. Trust your senses – if it looks and smells done, chances are it’s time to start ladling it into bowls. So, go ahead and gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy this classic comfort food.

SERVE WITH YOUR FAVORITE TOPPINGS & AN ICE COLD BEER | SOUR CREAM, SHREDDED CHEESE, JALAPEÑOS, AND DICED ONIONS

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chili, especially when it’s packed with all the best toppings and a side of my Traeger corn bread or this Easy Crusty French Bread. With so many options to choose from, you can easily customize your chili to your liking. Want to add some creaminess? A dollop of sour cream will do the trick. Craving some melty goodness? Sprinkle on some shredded cheese. If you’re feeling adventurous, kick up the heat with some diced jalapenos. And if you’re more in the mood for some zingy freshness, top it off with some diced onions. The possibilities are endless, so grab your favorite toppings and get ready to take your chili to the next level.

OTHER GAME DAY VENISON RECIPES  | CROCK POT, STOVETOP, INSTANT POT

If you are looking for another chili recipe that isn’t made in the crockpot, make sure you try my Award Winning Venison Chili recipe. I haven’t tested it, but I bet you can also make this recipe in your Instant Pot using the slow cooker method. If you give it a try, let me know how it turns out in the comments below. 

If you have some stew meat that you are looking to use up, make sure you check out my slow cooker venison stew recipe or my instant pot venison stew recipe. 

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does venison chili taste gamey? Nope! It certainly doesn’t have to. A swift kill, solid field dressing, chilling the meat quickly, good processing, and the recipe recipes make a world of difference. With the proper preparation, your venison chili will be packed with wholesome flavor without a gamey punch.

Can you use a Dutch oven instead of a slow cooker? If you’re looking for a stovetop chili, I recommend trying my Award Winning Venison Chili! 

How do you make ground venison taste less gamey? My secret here is balance and CITRUS! 

Can I add a variety of beans for additional fiber? Absolutely, kidney, black and pinto beans are great sources of fiber in this recipe. 

STORING AND REHEATING

This is a great recipe to make a big batch of on the weekend and save to reheat leftovers throughout the week or freeze a portion of it for a later date. Always start by letting your chili cool down before transferring it to storage containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. 

If you want to freeze your chili, let it cool completely, place it in a large airtight container or portion out your chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep in the freezer for 4-6 months. 

When reheating your chili, transfer to a microwave safe container. Reheat in the microwave using 30-45 second increments, stirring between or if you prefer reheating it on the stove, stir it periodically for even heating. 

Make sure you select the print recipe below because you’ll want to save this one for years to come. If you give this recipe a try, let me know in the comments section below!

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