Prairie Kitchen Venison Chili with Roasted Peppers

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

A robust venison chili cooked low and slow with fire-roasted bell peppers and a blend of smoky spices for a rich, hearty stew. This american-inspired beef ready in about 75 minutes pairs ground venison, olive oil, large (1 cup) yellow onion, diced 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: 60 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until onion is soft and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground venison and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 large diced roasted red bell peppers, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) drained kidney beans, and 2 cups beef broth. Add 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Mix well.
  4. Step 4: Bring chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 oz chopped dark chocolate until melted and fully incorporated for depth of flavor. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Prairie Kitchen Venison Chili with Roasted Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 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 Prairie Kitchen Venison Chili with Roasted Peppers?

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 Prairie Kitchen Venison Chili with Roasted Peppers?

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 Prairie Kitchen Venison Chili with Roasted Peppers 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 Prairie Kitchen Venison Chili with Roasted Peppers?

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.

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