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Elk chili served in a rustic bowl with garnishes
Hearty chili made with ground elk, beans, and vegetables

Hearty Elk Chili

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Main Courses Quick Meals
A wild twist on chili con carne, replacing beef with noble, lean elk meat. The deep, gamey aroma of venison pairs perfectly with earthy spices like cumin and smoked paprika. This isn't a quick dinner; it's a soul-warming pot bubbling slowly, bringing the campfire spirit to your kitchen.
🕒 Prep Time 20 mins
🍳 Cook Time 1 hr
⌛ Total Time 1 hr 20 mins
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 580 kcal
🌍 Cuisine American (Western)

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Large Dutch oven or pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Can opener

Allergen Information

⚠️ Milk

Instructions

1 ✓

Heat oil in the pot. Sauté onion and peppers for 5-6 minutes until softened. Add garlic at the end.

Tip: Caramelizing the onions provides sweetness to balance the tomatoes.
2 ✓

Add the ground elk. Cook over high heat, breaking up lumps with a spoon, until browned.

Tip: Browning builds deep flavor (Maillard reaction). Don't just steam it grey!
3 ✓

Stir in tomato paste and spices (chili, cumin, paprika). Cook for 1-2 minutes.

Tip: Blooming the spices in oil wakes up their aroma.
4 ✓

Pour in diced tomatoes and stock. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to boil, then simmer covered for 45 minutes.

Tip: Long simmering tenderizes the lean game meat.
5 ✓

Stir in rinsed beans and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to thicken.

Tip: Don't overcook beans or they get mushy.
6 ✓

Serve hot, topped with cheese, sour cream, and cilantro.

Tip: The fat in sour cream balances the heat.

Recipe FAQ

I don't have elk. What can I use?
Any game meat (venison, boar) is great, but lean beef works too. Game is drier, so watch your liquid levels.
When do I add the beans?
Since we use canned beans, add them at the end so they warm through but don't turn to mush.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Ground Elk (or Venison/Lean Beef)
  • 1 whole Red Onion (diced)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 2 whole Red Bell Peppers (diced)
  • 1 can Diced Tomatoes (15 oz)
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 1 can Kidney Beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 cup Beef or Game Stock
  • 2 tsp Chili Powder (to taste)
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Cilantro (garnish)
  • 1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream