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10 Best Wild Game Chili Recipes

What could be better than knocking back some cold ones with your buddies while watching sports? Adding a big ol' pot of piping-hot wild game chili!

10 Best Wild Game Chili Recipes
Using a slow cooker can help to soften even the toughest of venison cuts. (Scott & Tiffany Haugen photo)
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With these mouthwatering chili recipes, there's never been a better time to use that wild game meat that's been taking up space in your freezer.

Black Bean and Venison Chili Recipe

Free up your freezer space with this one-pot venison recipe, the perfect comfort food for a chilly day.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound venison, ground or small cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, minced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon coriander
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, drained
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Get the Recipe: Black Bean and Venison Chili Recipe


Venison Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

Venison Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe
This isn't your average mac and cheese, this four-cheese recipe is sure to impress at your next family gathering. (Tom Minchella photo)

Make this mac and cheese even creamier by boiling the pasta 3-4 minutes longer than the directions say on the box.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 ½ pounds ground venison
  • 2 mediums onions, diced
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, chopped
  • 4 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 ½ cups red wine
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 3 teaspoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup whole Italian tomatoes

Get the Recipe: Venison Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe


Wild Bear Tequila Chili Tacos Recipe

Wild Bear Tequila Chili Tacos Recipe
Add a fresh kick of flavor to this wild game recipe by making your own salsa. (Tom Minchella photo)

This isn't your typical taco recipe – swapping beef for bear will exceed your expectations.

Ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 pound lean bear meat, ground
  • 1 large red onion, peeled and diced
  • 5 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 red bell peppers, diced
  • 2 green bell peppers, diced
  • 2 red chilies, chopped with seeds
  • 2 jalapeños, chopped
  • ¾ cup tequila
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 4 or more cups beef broth
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 3 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 ½ teaspoons oregano
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Kosher salt
  • 12 flour tortillas, toasted in a hot pan or grill

Get the Recipe: Wild Bear Tequila Chili Tacos Recipe


Elk Chili Recipe

Elk Chili Recipe
A bowl of fresh elk chili. (Randy Newberg photo)

With deer season comes colder weather. The perfect time for a bowl of elk chili!

Ingredients:

Recommended


  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 pounds elk stew meat, cut into ½-inch cubes
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
  • 3 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 1 tablespoon dry oregano
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (13-ounce) can beef broth
  • 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • ⅛-¼ cup green chili salsa (¼ cup is spicy)
  • 4 cups canned pinto beans, drained
  • Optional garnishes: sour cream, cheddar cheese

Get the Recipe: Elk Chili Recipe


White Turkey Chili Recipe

White Turkey Chili Recipe
Garnish this chili with cilantro and tortilla chips for a southwestern inspired dish. (Photo courtesy of Tom Minchella)

With both turkey season and fall weather upon us, there is no better time for this White Turkey Chili Recipe from Chef Tom Minchella.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 ½ pound skinless, boneless turkey breast
  • 2 medium yellow onions, diced
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, peeled and chopped
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 3 green chiles, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 3 ears freshly shucked yellow corn
  • 1 cup cannellini beans
  • 1 lime
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Cilantro for garnishing

Get the Recipe: White Turkey Chili Recipe


Wild Pork and Beans Recipe

Wild Pork and Beans Recipe
Enjoy a warm bowl of pork and beans, made with wild boar. (Scott & Tiffany Haugen photo)

Toss the ingredients in a slow cooker and forget about them for a few hours, or use the stovetop method – either way, you'll end up with a hearty and delicious pork stew.

Ingredients:

  • ½ pound bacon
  • 2 chopped onions
  • 1 pound wild boar, ground or cubed
  • 1 (28-ounce) can baked beans
  • 1 (15-ounce) can pork and beans
  • 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1 (4-ounce) can green chilies
  • ¼ cup cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons spicy mustard
  • 1 tablespoon molasses

Get the Recipe: Wild Pork and Beans Recipe


Pheasant and Green Chili Pot Pie Recipe

Pheasant and Green Chili Pot Pie Recipe
This pheasant and green chili pot pie is the perfect dinner after a long day of hunting. (Tom Minchella photo)

A unique twist on a traditional pot pie, this Pheasant and Green Chili Pot Pie Recipe is destined to satisfy.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic chopped
  • 4 green chilies, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 medium poblano pepper chopped
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless pheasant breast, diced into ½-inch pieces
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cups heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons ancho chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry

Get the Recipe: Pheasant and Green Chili Pot Pie Recipe


Game Bird Tortilla Soup Recipe

Game Bird Tortilla Soup Recipe
Top this delicious tortilla soup with some creamy avocado and sour cream. (Photo courtesy of Scott & Tiffany Haugen)

Put your hunting rewards to good use with this Game Bird Tortilla Soup Recipe.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 1 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1 cup corn, fresh or frozen
  • 1 pound game bird meat, chopped
  • 1 (1.5-ounce) package taco seasoning*
  • 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 6 cups turkey/chicken stock or broth
  • 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained
  • 2 cups crushed tortilla chips or 6 small corn tortillas, torn into pieces
  • Lime wedges and cilantro, for garnish

Get the Recipe: Game Bird Tortilla Soup Recipe


Elk Chili Potato Skins Recipe

Elk Chili Potato Skins Recipe
Top off these elk chili potato skins with some jalapeños and hot sauce for added spice. (Tom Minchella photo)

These elk chili potato skins are a creative alternative to your classic chili in a bowl

Elk Chili Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 ½ pounds elk round
  • 1 ½ cups diced yellow onion
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic
  • 1 dried red chili chopped
  • 5-6 cups beef broth
  • 1 bottle dark beer
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Get the Recipe: Elk Chili Potato Skins Recipe


Wild Turkey White Chili Recipe

Wild Turkey White Chili Recipe
While this recipe is made for turkey, substitute your favorite game bird with this white chili. (Scott & Tiffany Haugen photo)

Get your lean protein in soup-style with this wild turkey and white chili recipe.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 pounds turkey, ground or finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons oregano
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • ½-1 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 2 (7-ounce) cans diced green chilies
  • 1 tablespoon green Tabasco sauce
  • 6 cups turkey/chicken stock or broth
  • 3 (15-ounce) cans cannellini or white beans
  • 1 cup instant or real mashed potatoes
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Juice of 1 lime

Get the Recipe: Wild Turkey White Chili Recipe




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