The savory depth of elk meat paired with the earthy richness of cocoa and bold spices makes this Elk and Bean Chili a standout dish for chilly evenings. Perfectly balanced with black beans, jalapeños, and chipotle, every bite delivers warmth, smokiness, and just the right amount of heat.
Whether you’re a seasoned game meat enthusiast or just trying something new, this chili is a hearty and unforgettable meal. Customize it with your favorite toppings—like sour cream, cilantro, or even dark chocolate shavings—for a truly elevated bowl of comfort. Make it a staple for hunting season, game day, or any cozy gathering.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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2 medium onions, chopped
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tablespoon cocoa powder
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2 tablespoons chili powder, divided
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2 teaspoons ground cumin, divided
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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2 pounds ground elk meat (or substitute ground beef)
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1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
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1 tablespoon honey
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2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
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1/2 cup water
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1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
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1 fresh jalapeño, minced
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1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
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1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle
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1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional toppings:
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Sour cream
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Chopped fresh cilantro
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Green onions, sliced
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Shredded cheese
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Diced hot peppers
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Shaved bittersweet chocolate
Directions:
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In a large heavy pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
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Add chopped onions and sauté until tender, about 8 minutes.
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Add minced garlic and cook another 2 minutes until fragrant.
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Stir in cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute.
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Add ground elk meat and cook until browned, about 7–10 minutes.
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Stir in the crushed tomatoes and honey. Bring to a simmer.
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Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
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Add beans, water, green chilies, jalapeño, salt, chipotle, cinnamon, and the remaining chili powder and cumin.
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Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce to medium and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring often, until chili thickens slightly.
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Taste and adjust salt if needed.
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Serve hot with desired toppings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: ~390 kcal | Servings: 8–10 servings
The Origins and Appeal of Game Meat
Game meats like elk have long been a staple in traditional diets across the world. Elk, in particular, is valued for its lean, slightly sweet meat, which holds up beautifully in slow-cooked dishes like chili. In many parts of North America, particularly the Rocky Mountain regions, elk is hunted sustainably and is cherished not only for its flavor but also for its nutritional value. It’s lower in fat than beef, rich in iron, and high in protein, making it a favorite among health-conscious cooks and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Incorporating elk into familiar dishes like chili helps introduce this wild meat to new palates. The meat’s ability to absorb spices while maintaining its own distinct taste makes it an ideal candidate for this recipe. Elk also carries a sense of place and tradition—it tells a story of hunters, home kitchens, and the land itself.
A Deeply Flavorful Spice Profile
What sets this Elk and Bean Chili apart is its robust and thoughtfully balanced spice blend. It’s not just a spicy dish—it’s a layered experience of earthy, smoky, and slightly sweet undertones.
The use of cocoa powder might surprise some, but it plays a vital role. Much like in traditional Mexican mole sauces, the cocoa doesn’t make the chili taste like chocolate—it enhances the savory notes and deepens the overall flavor. It adds a subtle bitterness that complements the acid of the tomatoes and the sweetness of the honey, giving the dish dimension.
Chipotle powder contributes a smoky heat that lingers, while cumin provides an earthy backbone that is essential to any chili recipe. The oregano adds a touch of herbal freshness, and the cinnamon, though used sparingly, lends a hint of warmth and complexity.
This chili doesn’t shy away from flavor—it embraces it wholeheartedly. It’s the kind of dish that tastes even better the next day, once all the spices have had time to mingle and deepen.
Customizing the Heat and Flavor
One of the best aspects of this chili is its flexibility. While the recipe includes both fresh jalapeños and chipotle powder, the heat level can be easily adjusted to suit individual preferences. For those who enjoy a milder dish, reducing or omitting the jalapeño will still leave a beautifully seasoned chili. Conversely, spice lovers can crank up the heat with extra jalapeño, cayenne, or even a splash of hot sauce.
The sweetness from a touch of honey acts as a foil to the spiciness, and the use of cocoa powder brings a deep, almost umami-like richness. These contrasting elements create a chili that is as complex as it is comforting.
Optional toppings also allow for personalization. A dollop of sour cream can cool things down, while chopped cilantro and green onions add brightness. Shredded cheese brings richness, and for a truly gourmet twist, shaved bittersweet chocolate takes the dish to the next level—melding seamlessly with the existing cocoa and spices.
Why Elk? Nutritional and Culinary Benefits
Elk meat is one of the healthiest red meats available. Wild and grass-fed by nature, elk is lower in fat, cholesterol, and calories compared to beef, while still offering high levels of protein, B vitamins, and essential minerals like zinc and iron.
From a culinary standpoint, elk behaves much like lean beef but with a slightly richer, deeper flavor. Because it’s so lean, elk benefits from slow, moist cooking methods—making it perfect for chili. Browning the meat first helps develop flavor, and the long simmering time ensures it becomes tender and melds beautifully with the beans and spices.
In an age where consumers are seeking out clean, sustainable sources of protein, elk stands out as a premium choice. It supports ethical hunting and farming practices, and for many home cooks, it brings a sense of authenticity and connection to the natural world.
Perfect for Make-Ahead Meals and Meal Prep
Chili is already known as a great make-ahead dish, and this Elk and Bean Chili is no exception. In fact, it’s arguably even better when made a day in advance. The resting time allows the flavors to deepen, resulting in an even more satisfying meal.
It also freezes exceptionally well. Portioning it into containers for future meals makes for an easy dinner solution on busy nights. Simply thaw, reheat, and enjoy a nourishing bowl of chili without any fuss. This practicality makes it ideal for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to make the most of their time in the kitchen.
A Dish That Brings People Together
There’s something about a simmering pot of chili that draws people in. Whether it’s served at a fall gathering, around a campfire, or at the family table, this dish fosters community and conversation. It’s comforting, familiar, and filling—but with an exciting twist thanks to the use of elk.
Topped with an array of garnishes, it becomes an interactive, build-your-own experience that allows guests to personalize their bowls. Pair it with cornbread, a side salad, or simply a spoon and some crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal that satisfies every craving.
This chili also bridges the gap between traditional and modern cooking. While it honors time-tested chili traditions with its spice base and hearty texture, it also introduces new flavors and ideas, making it feel current and inspired.
Conclusion
Elk and Bean Chili is more than just another chili recipe—it’s an invitation to explore new ingredients, embrace bold flavors, and connect with both tradition and innovation in the kitchen. The combination of lean elk meat, hearty black beans, and a carefully curated blend of spices results in a dish that’s both nourishing and unforgettable.
From its smoky undertones to its touch of sweetness and richness, every element has been chosen to bring balance and depth. It’s a recipe that respects the ingredients, celebrates wild game, and satisfies on every level. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight meal, a dinner party, or a weekend camping trip, this chili is guaranteed to impress.
And as it simmers on your stove, filling your home with the inviting aroma of spices and comfort, you’ll understand why it’s a dish worth savoring again and again.