Northward Spiced Venison Chili with Black Beans

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

A robust chili featuring lean venison and black beans, seasoned with warming northern spices for a deep, comforting flavor. This american-inspired beef ready in about 55 minutes pairs ground venison, (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans, medium, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 1 diced red bell pepper; sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 lb ground venison, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 7-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp dried oregano; cook for 2 minutes to toast the spices.
  6. Step 6: Pour in 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice, 1 cup beef broth, and 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans.
  7. Step 7: Season with 1.5 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  8. Step 8: Bring chili to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook uncovered for 30 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.
  9. Step 9: Serve topped with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and optional sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Northward Spiced Venison Chili with Black Beans take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Northward Spiced Venison Chili with Black Beans?

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 venison from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Northward Spiced Venison Chili with Black Beans?

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 Northward Spiced Venison Chili with Black Beans 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 Northward Spiced Venison Chili with Black Beans?

American 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.

Related recipes