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VenisonThree-BeanCoffeeMolassesHunting TraditionNorthwoodsSlow-CookedMinnesota chiliModerate

Minnesota Hunter's Chili (Northwoods Venison Chili)

Born in the Minnesota northwoods, this hearty chili represents the ultimate post-hunt reward. Created by hunters who needed a filling, warming meal after long days in the deer stand, it celebrates the venison harvest with a complex blend of three beans, smoky spices, and unexpected ingredients like coffee and molasses. The long, slow simmer mimics the patience required for a successful hunt, melding flavors as deep as the Minnesota forests.

4.5 · 0 reviews
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By ChiliStation Community · ChiliStation Field Guide
3h
Cook Time
🥩
Venison
Protein
📍
Upper Midwest (Minnesota)
Region
Heat Level
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Medium Burn

Community Score
4.5
0 reviews

Nutrition Per Serving
420
calories
per serving
53g
Protein
9g
Fat
33g
Carbs
6g
Fiber
Net carbs27g
Sodium850mg
Sugar10g
Sat. fat3g
Iron8mg
Potassium980mg
Macros: protein 51% · fat 18% · carbs 31%

Extremely high protein from lean venison plus beans. High fiber from three-bean mix. Moderate carbs, nutrient-dense from beans and vegetables. Low fat vs typical beef chili due to lean venison. High iron from venison and beans. Elevated sodium from canned ingredients; sugar approximate (tomatoes, molasses, brown sugar).

Estimates per serving (8 servings total) · Manually verified estimate

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Ingredients
2 pounds ground venison (or beef/pork mix)Amazon ↗
1 large onion, choppedAmazon ↗
2 bell peppers, choppedAmazon ↗
3 cloves garlic, mincedAmazon ↗
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)Amazon ↗
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoesAmazon ↗
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauceAmazon ↗
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoesAmazon ↗
1 can each: kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans (rinsed)Amazon ↗
¼ cup chili powderAmazon ↗
2 tbsp smoked paprika (the secret weapon)Amazon ↗
1 tbsp cuminAmazon ↗
1 tsp dried oreganoAmazon ↗
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)Amazon ↗
2 tbsp brown sugarAmazon ↗
1 tbsp molassesAmazon ↗
1 cup strong brewed coffeeAmazon ↗
2 cups beef brothAmazon ↗
2 tbsp olive oilAmazon ↗
Salt and pepper to tasteAmazon ↗
Steps
1
Heat oil; brown venison thoroughly and drain fat.
2
Sauté onions and peppers until soft; add garlic.
3
Add tomatoes, beans, and spices; mix well.
4
Pour in coffee and broth.
5
Simmer covered on low 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally.
6
Season to taste and serve with favorite toppings.

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