Elk Chili
Hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying, this elk chili is the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening. Lean ground elk simmers with beans, tomatoes, and a smoky spice blend for a rich, one-pot meal that's both rustic and delicious.
For 6 servings
6 steps. 65 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened.
- d.Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Brown the Elk
- b.Add the ground elk to the pot with the vegetables. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart.
- c.Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the meat is browned all over. Elk is very lean, so there should be little to no fat to drain.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Bloom Spices and Add Liquids
- b.Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cocoa powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and deepen their flavor.
- c.Add the tomato paste and stir until it fully coats the meat and vegetables.
- d.Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and the beef broth. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer the Chili
- b.Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low.
- c.Cover the pot and let it simmer for at least 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to prevent sticking. A longer simmer will result in a more developed flavor.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Add Beans and Finish
- b.Stir in the rinsed and drained kidney beans, pinto beans, and the packed brown sugar.
- c.Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken to your desired consistency.
- d.Taste the chili and adjust seasonings if necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or cayenne as needed.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Serve
- b.Ladle the hot chili into bowls. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or green onions.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Elk is very lean, so avoid overcooking it during the browning stage to ensure it remains tender.
- 2For the richest flavor, allow the chili to simmer for the full time, or even longer. The taste improves significantly as it rests, making it a great make-ahead meal.
- 3To 'bloom' the spices, make sure to cook them for a full minute in the hot pot before adding liquids. This intensifies their aroma and flavor.
- 4Serve with cornbread, tortilla chips, or over a baked potato for a complete and satisfying meal.
Adapt it for your goals.
Meat Substitution
If you can't find elk, this recipe works wonderfully with ground venison, bison, or lean ground beef.
Vegetarian VersionVegetarian Version
Omit the elk and double the beans. Add one 15-ounce can of black beans and consider adding 8 ounces of chopped mushrooms with the onions for a meaty texture. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Spice LevelSpice Level
For a spicier chili, leave the seeds in the jalapeño, add a minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, or increase the cayenne pepper. For a milder version, omit the jalapeño and cayenne.
Bean VarietyBean Variety
Feel free to substitute other beans like black beans or cannellini beans based on your preference.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Powerhouse
Elk is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function. It's lower in fat and calories compared to traditional beef, making it a heart-healthier choice.
High in Fiber
The combination of kidney and pinto beans provides a significant amount of dietary fiber. Fiber aids in digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness, which can help with weight management.
Rich in Iron and B Vitamins
Game meats like elk are rich in essential minerals like iron, which is crucial for preventing anemia and maintaining energy levels. It also provides B vitamins, particularly B12, which supports nerve function and the formation of red blood cells.
Frequently asked questions
A 1.5-cup serving of this Elk Chili contains approximately 450-550 calories, depending on the specific fat content of the elk and any toppings you add.
