Transforming Your Chili Game: Making Chili with Venison

While I haven't spent much time hunting deer, I've had plenty of friends who enjoyed the experience, and our farm was frequented by an abundance of deer. In our small cow-calf operation, we also finished a few deer for friends, family, and long-term customers. This meant we had plenty of ground beef on hand, but every now and then, we liked to switch things up a bit. If a hunter was in contact, we would request the backstraps from a young deer, or boned-out muscle from an older animal, to grind and use in various dishes.

Preparing Venison for Your Chili

To prepare venison for chili, you can follow similar procedures as you would with ground beef. However, it's important to note that deer meat is quite lean, so you may need to add suet to your mixture when grinding to ensure it has the desired texture and flavor. You can also consider adding some ground pork or pre-cooking it in butter to enrich the taste and add some fat.

Creating Classic Venison Chili

The recipe for chili itself doesn't change much regardless of the type of lean red meat you use. Venison chili is a delightful option and can be made even more flavorful with the addition of wild game like Canadian goose. Most guests can notice the subtle hint of venison's gaminess, but the chili can be adjusted to suit different palates. For younger children or guests who prefer something milder, you can tone down the spiciness with less chili powder or jalapenos.

Expanding Your Venison Dishes

One of my favorite dishes to make with ground venison is Southern goulash, a traditional dish that has a unique twist when using venison. If you're a fan of Eastern European cuisine, this might be a new flavor for you to explore. Another delicious option is to infuse Italian macaroni with a meat-based tomato sauce, which brings a modern twist to the classic Italian dish.

Tips for Cooking with Lean Venison

When cooking with venison, keep your hot sauce handy, as it helps to enhance the flavor and reduce the gaminess. Make sure to brown the venison well before adding it to your chili to achieve a more robust taste.

Conclusion

Making chili with venison is an exciting venture that offers a unique twist to a beloved classic. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just experimenting with new ingredients, grinding venison to make chili can be a fun and delicious project. From traditional Southern goulash to comforting pasta dishes, there are many ways to enjoy this lean and flavorful meat.