Venison chili, with its rich and tender flavors, is the ultimate comfort dish, perfect for colder weather. Paired with cornbread, the hearty combination creates a satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
The chili’s smoky spices and the cornbread’s soft, buttery texture balance each other beautifully, making it an ideal dish for any cozy family meal or casual get-together. You can even add your own spin by topping it with shredded cheese, sour cream, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground venison
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 bell pepper, chopped
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1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
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1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
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1 tablespoon chili powder
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1 teaspoon cumin
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
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1/2 cup beef broth
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 cup frozen corn kernels
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1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)
Cornbread Ingredients:
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1 cup cornmeal
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon sugar
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 cup milk
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1 egg
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1/4 cup melted butter
Directions:
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In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the ground venison, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
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Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until softened.
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Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
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Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Add the frozen corn kernels and continue cooking for another 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
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While the chili simmers, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) for the cornbread.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk, egg, and melted butter, stirring to combine.
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Pour the cornbread batter into a greased 9-inch square baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
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Serve the venison chili with a slice of cornbread, topping with shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Appeal of Venison Chili
Venison chili offers a bold, robust flavor that’s different from regular ground beef chili. The venison meat is leaner, making the chili a bit lighter in terms of fat content, yet it still retains a richness that makes it a satisfying meal. The use of ground venison brings a distinct taste that enhances the chili’s complexity. Venison has a slightly gamey flavor, which pairs beautifully with the spices in the chili, such as chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.
One of the biggest appeals of venison chili is its versatility. You can easily adjust the heat level to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer a mild chili or one with a serious kick, the spiciness can be controlled by adding or reducing ingredients like cayenne pepper or chili powder. Plus, venison is a great alternative for those who love wild game meats and want to explore new flavors in their cooking. The result is a dish that’s not only comforting but also a little bit adventurous.
The Perfect Pairing: Cornbread
What’s better than a bowl of warm, flavorful chili? A bowl of chili topped with a side of homemade cornbread! Cornbread is a quintessential comfort food that perfectly complements chili. It’s soft, slightly sweet, and has a crumbly texture that soaks up all the delicious chili juices. The combination of spicy chili and the mild sweetness of cornbread creates a perfect balance of flavors.
The cornbread in this dish is simple yet satisfying. Made with cornmeal, flour, and a touch of sugar, it has a slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory spiciness of the chili. The result is a wonderfully moist and tender bread that provides a great contrast in texture to the thick, hearty chili. While cornbread is traditionally baked in a skillet or baking pan, it can also be made into individual servings or baked as a cornbread muffin for convenience.
Why Venison is a Great Choice for Chili
Venison is a lean, nutrient-packed meat that makes for a healthier alternative to traditional beef. It’s lower in fat and calories than beef, yet it retains a rich flavor that can elevate any dish. Venison is high in protein, iron, and B-vitamins, making it an excellent choice for those looking to eat more nutrient-dense meals. It’s also a great option for anyone following a low-fat or low-calorie diet.
Moreover, venison is often sourced from wild game, which means it can be a more sustainable and ethical choice for meat lovers. By choosing venison for your chili, you’re supporting local hunters and helping to manage wildlife populations in a responsible way. If you’re lucky enough to have access to venison, it can be a great way to diversify your meals and enjoy the benefits of wild, free-range meat.
How to Make the Chili Even Better
While the base recipe for venison chili with cornbread is already delicious, there are many ways to personalize it and make it your own. One of the easiest ways to enhance the chili’s flavor is by adding extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or zucchini. These ingredients will add more depth and texture to the dish, creating a heartier meal. You can also add beans, such as kidney beans or black beans, for additional protein and fiber.
If you prefer a smokier flavor, try adding a little bit of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or smoked paprika. For a slightly tangy twist, you could stir in a bit of lime juice or vinegar toward the end of cooking. This will balance out the richness of the venison and add a refreshing zing to the chili. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasonings as you go. A little more salt, pepper, or chili powder can make all the difference in achieving the perfect chili.
Another option to elevate the chili is to top it with fresh garnishes. A dollop of sour cream, a handful of shredded cheddar cheese, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro can add both flavor and visual appeal. For those who love a spicy kick, a few sliced jalapeños can really ramp up the heat and bring a burst of freshness.
The Benefits of Making Chili from Scratch
Making venison chili from scratch offers several advantages over using canned or pre-made chili. First, you have complete control over the ingredients and can avoid the high sodium levels often found in store-bought options. By making the chili yourself, you can also adjust the flavors to your liking, adding more spices or changing up the veggies based on what you enjoy.
Homemade chili is also a great way to use up leftover meat, particularly venison if you’ve had a successful hunting trip. It’s a great dish to prepare in large batches, making it perfect for meal prep or freezing. The flavors often deepen and improve after sitting for a day or two, so it’s a great make-ahead option for busy weeks.
Additionally, the joy of preparing and sharing a homemade meal with friends and family is unmatched. There’s something incredibly satisfying about serving a dish that’s been crafted with love and care. The aroma of a pot of chili simmering on the stove, with its spices filling the air, is enough to make anyone’s mouth water in anticipation.
Conclusion: A Comforting, Hearty Dish for Any Occasion
Venison chili with cornbread is the ultimate comfort food combination. The lean venison provides a rich and flavorful base for the chili, while the cornbread adds a touch of sweetness and moisture that pairs beautifully with the spices in the dish. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a special occasion, or just to satisfy your chili cravings, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
What makes this dish even better is how customizable it is. You can tweak the spiciness, adjust the vegetables, and top it with your favorite garnishes. With its hearty, filling nature and bold flavors, venison chili with cornbread is a meal that’s not only delicious but also brings warmth and comfort to any table.
If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy venison, or just want to create a satisfying, family-friendly meal, this venison chili with cornbread is the perfect choice. With minimal prep time, easy-to-find ingredients, and plenty of room for customization, it’s a dish that can be enjoyed by all.