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Easy Slow Cooker Venison Chili: Perfect Comfort Food

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This easy slow cooker venison chili is the recipe you make when you have nothing to prove and everything to eat. It’s forgiving, flexible, and might be the best bowl of chili you’ll make all year.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds ground venison (frozen or thawed)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles (mild or medium)
  • 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (Mexican oregano preferred)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Mix the spice blend: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt. Stir with a fork to break up any clumps. Set aside.
  2. Add the venison to the slow cooker: Place the ground venison directly into the slow cooker insert. Frozen is fine; browning is optional.
  3. Add the aromatics: Scatter the diced onion and minced garlic over the venison. Don’t stir yet.
  4. Add the tomatoes and chiles: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), crushed tomatoes, and diced green chiles.
  5. Add the beans and broth: Dump in the drained and rinsed kidney beans, then pour the beef broth around the edges. The liquid should come about halfway up the ingredients; if it looks dry, add another ½ cup of broth.
  6. Add the tomato paste and seasonings: Spoon the tomato paste on top, then sprinkle the spice blend evenly over everything. Add the Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar (if using).
  7. Stir everything together: Use a large spoon to mix until the spices are evenly distributed and the tomato paste has dissolved into the liquid. The venison will break apart as you stir.
  8. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Low and slow is better for venison.
  9. Check and adjust seasoning: About 30 minutes before serving, taste the chili. Add more salt, chili powder, or brown sugar as needed.
  10. Let it rest (if you can): Turn off the slow cooker and let the chili sit for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t skip the cinnamon—it adds depth without sweetness. For a deeper flavor, brown the venison first, but it’s not necessary. Layer ingredients for even distribution. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Chili thickens as it sits; add broth if needed when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: venison chili, slow cooker chili, easy chili, game meat chili, comfort food, chili recipe

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/easy-slow-cooker-venison-chili-perfect-comfort-food/