No Bean Deer Chili Recipe

We love the hearty aroma and earthy taste of venison in a steaming bowl of chili. Our No Bean Deer Chili is perfect for meat lovers who crave bold flavor without the fuss.

We discovered this recipe on a chilly evening when we had fresh deer meat on hand. The spices we use highlight the natural richness of venison and make it a crowd-pleaser.

We serve this chili with a slice of crusty bread or a dollop of sour cream if we want some extra comfort. It’s an easy and satisfying way to enjoy a unique take on classic chili.

No Bean Deer Chili Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 pound of ground deer meat, thawed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons of chili powder
• 1 tablespoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 can (14 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup of beef stock
• 1 teaspoon of salt, or more to taste
• ½ teaspoon of black pepper

Instructions

1. Warm the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven.
2. Toss in the onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften.
3. Add the minced garlic. Stir for an additional minute until aromatic.
4. Place the ground deer meat in the pot. Cook for about 7 minutes, breaking it up as it browns.
5. Stir in the chili powder, paprika, cumin, and dried oregano. Coat the meat and vegetables thoroughly.
6. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef stock. Add in the salt and black pepper.
7. Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes.
8. Stir occasionally and adjust the seasonings to taste.

Use the following table as a quick reference for our cooking times:

Step	Estimated Time (minutes)
Sauté Vegetables	5
Brown Venison	7
Simmer Chili	30

Enjoy our No Bean Deer Chili topped with shredded cheese or sour cream if desired.

Equipment And Tools

We rely on a few essential items to create our hearty No Bean Deer Chili. Each tool supports our cooking process and ensures consistent results.

Tool	Purpose
Heavy-bottomed Dutch oven	Holds heat evenly for proper simmering of venison chili
Cast iron skillet	Perfect for browning ground deer meat and building flavor
Cutting board	Allows safe and neat chopping of onions peppers and garlic
Chef’s knife	Ensures precise cuts for even cooking
Measuring cups and spoons	Maintain accuracy when portioning spices and liquids
Wooden spoon or ladle	Simplifies stirring and serving while preventing scratching

We start by preheating our skillet over medium-high heat to brown the venison thoroughly. Then we move the meat and aromatics to the Dutch oven so the chili can simmer and thicken. We keep our measuring cups and spoons nearby to control spice levels. We place the cutting board at an accessible spot to quickly chop fresh ingredients. Our wooden spoon helps us maintain a steady stir preventing the chili from sticking to the bottom.

Ingredients

Here we gather all the essential items that give our No Bean Deer Chili its rich hearty flavor. We focus on fresh spices to highlight the venison taste.

• 1 pound venison (ground deer meat)
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 1 large onion diced
• 1 green bell pepper diced
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper plus more to taste
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
• 1 can tomato sauce (8 ounces)
• 1 cup beef broth (optional if desired consistency is thicker)

Optional Toppings

We often add these finishing touches to customize our chili. Each option adds a different layer of flavor.

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped green onions
• Fresh cilantro
• Diced avocado
• Sliced jalapeños for extra heat

Directions

Here is how we bring our No Bean Deer Chili to life. We will build layers of bold flavor with each step.

Prep The Ingredients

• Chop 1 large onion, 2 cloves garlic, and 1 green bell pepper into small pieces.

• Measure 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of salt, and any other favorite spices for extra kick.

• Have 1 pound of fresh venison ready at room temperature to ensure even browning.

Quote: “Set aside the chopped veggies until we are ready to cook.”

Cook The Chili

1. Warm 2 tablespoons of oil in a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes or until aromas fill the kitchen.
3. Transfer the vegetables to a plate. In the same pot brown our venison until golden color forms on each piece.
4. Return the vegetables. Stir in chili powder, cumin, and salt. Coat everything in aromatic spices.
5. Mix in 1 can of diced tomatoes and 1 cup of broth if we desire a thinner consistency.
6. Reduce heat and simmer covered for 25 minutes while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step	Time (minutes)
Prep Ingredients	5
Sauté Vegetables	5
Brown Venison	5
Simmer With Spices	25
Optional Extra Simmer	10

Make-Ahead And Storage

We find that preparing No Bean Deer Chili ahead of time often enhances the flavors. After cooking, let it cool for about 15 minutes before placing it in airtight containers. We use smaller containers for single servings or a larger container if we plan to reheat it all at once.

Here is a quick reference for optimal storage times:

Storage Method	Time	Notes
Refrigerator	Up to 4 days	Chill in airtight containers
Freezer	Up to 3 months	Use freezer-safe containers and leave headspace

When we want to reheat the chili, we place it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it is piping hot. We add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. For busy weeknights, we rely on the microwave as a faster alternative. We recommend stirring the chili halfway through heating to ensure even warmth.

Conclusion

We love how this recipe creates a shift from the norm in all the best ways. It’s simple to prepare and it rewards us with bold flavor every time we make it. We’ve found it’s a fantastic dish to keep on hand especially when we want something hearty without any complicated ingredients. We hope you’ll enjoy this no fuss approach as much as we do.