Bear Chili Recipe Easy and Hearty Meal for Any Occasion

If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings or weekend gatherings, this bear chili recipe is a must-try. Using lean bear meat, which is rich and slightly gamey, this chili offers a unique twist on a classic comfort food.

It’s packed with robust spices, tender beans, and a medley of fresh vegetables that balance the richness of the meat. Whether you’ve hunted the meat yourself or sourced it from a trusted supplier, this recipe will guide you through creating a warming, satisfying meal that your family and friends will rave about.

Beyond its incredible taste, bear chili also brings a bit of culinary adventure to your kitchen. With its slow-simmered flavors and customizable spice level, it’s an excellent dish to make ahead and enjoy leftovers for days.

Plus, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it versatile enough for casual dinners or game-day celebrations. Ready to spice up your chili repertoire?

Let’s dive right in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This bear chili recipe stands out because it embraces the bold flavor of bear meat while balancing it with classic chili ingredients. The slow cooking process allows the meat to become tender and melds the spices into a rich, savory sauce.

It’s perfect for those who love hearty, protein-packed meals with a bit of a wild twist.

Additionally, this recipe is highly adaptable. You can adjust the heat to your liking, add your favorite beans, or sneak in extra vegetables for added nutrition.

It’s a crowd-pleaser that works well for casual family meals or larger gatherings. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a practical option for busy cooks.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds bear meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro

Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or sturdy spatula
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Can opener
• Colander for draining beans
• Slow cooker (optional, for an alternative cooking method)

Instructions

1. Prepare the bear meat: Rinse the bear meat cubes under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. This helps remove any gamey odor and prepares the meat for browning.
2. Brown the meat: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the bear meat in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the meat on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove browned meat and set aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
4. Add spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and enhance their flavor.
5. Combine ingredients: Return the browned bear meat to the pot. Add the crushed tomatoes, drained kidney beans, black beans, and broth. Stir everything together to combine well.
6. Simmer the chili: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer gently for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more tender the meat and richer the flavors.
7. Adjust seasoning: Taste the chili and adjust salt, pepper, and cayenne if needed. If the chili is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
8. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your choice of toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro.

Tips & Variations

“Browning the bear meat well is key to developing a deep, rich flavor in your chili.”

• Slow cooker option: After browning the meat and sautéing vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for tender, flavorful chili.
• Spice level: You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less cayenne pepper and chili powder. For a milder version, omit the cayenne.
• Beans: Feel free to swap out kidney and black beans for pinto or white beans, or omit beans entirely for a lower-carb option.
• Vegetables: Add diced zucchini, corn, or carrots for extra veggies and texture.
• Game meat mix: Combine bear meat with ground beef or venison if you want a milder game flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This bear chili pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides that complement its hearty, spicy flavors. Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or alongside warm cornbread for a classic combo.

You can also try it topped with avocado slices or a dollop of guacamole for a creamy contrast.

For a lighter option, serve with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. Tortilla chips or crusty bread also make excellent accompaniments to scoop up every bit of the delicious chili sauce.

Conclusion

Crafting a bear chili is a rewarding culinary adventure that transforms rustic wild game into a comforting, flavorful meal. This recipe balances the richness of bear meat with the warmth of spices and the heartiness of beans and vegetables, making it perfect for sharing with loved ones on a crisp evening.

It’s a versatile dish that you can customize to your taste and dietary preferences, whether you prefer it mild or fiery hot.

Next time you want to impress guests or enjoy a cozy night in, give this bear chili a try—you might just discover a new favorite! For more wild game recipes and hearty meals, check out our Venison Stew, Smoked Turkey Chili, and Classic Beef Chili recipes.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Bear Chili Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty and flavorful chili made with tender bear meat, perfect for cold days. This recipe combines spices and beans for a rich and satisfying meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT2H”, “totalTime”: “PT2H20M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 lbs bear meat, cubed”, “1 large onion, diced”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes”, “1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed”, “1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed”, “2 cups beef broth”, “2 tbsp chili powder”, “1 tsp ground cumin”, “1 tsp smoked paprika”, “1/2 tsp cayenne pepper”, “Salt and black pepper to taste”, “2 tbsp olive oil”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add bear meat and brown on all sides.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add diced tomatoes, beans, and beef broth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 hours.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and pepper to taste.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve hot with your favorite chili toppings.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “350 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “40 g”, “fatContent”: “12 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “25 g”}}