Spiced Northern-Style Venison Chili with Black Beans

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

A robust chili combining ground venison with black beans and warming northern spices, slow-simmered to develop deep, hearty flavors. This american-inspired beef ready in about 55 minutes pairs ground venison, olive oil, 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 4, 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 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 lb ground venison, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon. Cook for 7 minutes until venison is browned and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp dried oregano; cook for 1 minute until spices are fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans, and 1 cup beef broth. Season with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook uncovered for 30 minutes until chili thickens.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Northern-Style 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 Spiced Northern-Style 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 Spiced Northern-Style 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 Spiced Northern-Style Venison Chili with Black Beans for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Spiced Northern-Style 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.

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