Caribou Chili with Fireweed Honey

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, slow-simmered chili featuring Alaskan caribou, wild fireweed honey, and roasted root vegetables for authentic frontier flavor. This alaskan-inspired beef ready in about 110 minutes pairs Ground caribou, large Onion, stalks Celery for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 90 min Serves 6 Alaskan cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Dice 1 large onion, 2 stalks celery, and 4 garlic cloves. Heat 2 tbsp water in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add vegetables and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and aromatic.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs ground caribou, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon, and cook for 6 minutes until browned, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp fireweed honey, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 can red kidney beans (rinsed), 2 diced carrots, 2 diced parsnips, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and vegetables are tender.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Caribou Chili with Fireweed Honey take to make?

Total time is about 110 minutes (20 min prep + 90 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Caribou Chili with Fireweed Honey?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground caribou from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caribou Chili with Fireweed Honey?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Caribou Chili with Fireweed Honey for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Caribou Chili with Fireweed Honey?

Alaskan beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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