Imagine a hearty, rustic chili that tells a story of hunting adventures and campfire cooking - that's exactly what this Deer Camp Chili delivers! Packed with lean, flavorful ground deer meat and a robust blend of beans and spices, this crockpot recipe transforms wild game into a mouthwatering meal that will transport you straight to a cozy hunting lodge. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just love exploring unique culinary experiences, this chili promises to be a game-changer in your recipe collection.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground deer meat
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by draining beans, chopping onion, and mincing garlic before starting.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown ground deer meat, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Transfer browned deer meat to the crockpot, ensuring even distribution across the bottom.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic directly into the crockpot with the meat.
- Pour in drained kidney beans, black beans, and diced tomatoes, stirring gently to combine ingredients.
- Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper over the mixture, ensuring even seasoning coverage.
- Stir all ingredients thoroughly to blend spices and distribute meat and beans evenly.
- Cover crockpot and set to low heat setting for 6 hours, allowing flavors to meld and meat to become tender.
- Occasionally stir the chili during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure consistent temperature.
- After 6 hours, check seasoning and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
Tips
- Ensure you thoroughly drain the beans to prevent excess liquid in your chili.
- Brown the deer meat well before adding to the crockpot to enhance its flavor and texture.
- For extra depth, consider toasting your spices in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding them to the mix.
- If the chili seems too thick during cooking, you can add a small amount of beef broth or water.
- Let the chili rest for 15-20 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to fully develop.
- For a spicier version, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Deer meat is leaner than beef, so be careful not to overcook to prevent dryness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 330kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 95mg
