Instant Pot Deer Chili

It’s cold outside! What better way to warm up than with a big bowl of Instant Pot Deer Chili?

Instant Pot deer chili is a fantastic alternative to traditional beef chili. Using a pressure cooker, either a Nina Foodi, or Instant Pot, you can create a delicious venison chili in less than an hour!

I love a great bowl of chili. It’s a one-pot meal, and with the Instant Pot, there is hardly any cleanup. Wash the Instant Pot Bowl, and you are done.

Suppose you love a great Instant Pot Soup Recipe. In that case, some of my favorites are INSTANT POT ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP, INSTANT POT COPYCAT PANERA’S BROCCOLI, AND CHEDDAR SOUP, INSTANT POT CURRIED PUMPKIN SOUP, and INSTANT POT CHICKEN POT PIE SOUP.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With the Instant Pot, you can enjoy a hearty and flavorful deer chili in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Unique Flavor: The rich taste of venison combined with beans, tomatoes, and a touch of dark chocolate gives this chili a distinctive and delicious twist.
• Healthy Option: Venison is leaner than beef, offering a lower-fat, high-protein alternative that’s packed with nutrients.
• Versatile and Customizable: This chili is easy to customize with your favorite spices and toppings, allowing you to tailor it to your taste preferences.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Instant Pot deer chili stores well and tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal dish for meal prepping and leftovers.

Ingredients Needed For Instant Pot Deer Chili

Here are the simple ingredients, you will need:

Remember the step-by-step directions below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page and the nutritional information.

• Corn tortillas: You can also use flour tortillas.
• Olive Oil: Use any high-heat oil to prevent smoking.
• Venison: You can use ground venison or venison steak.
• Kidney Beans: Use either cooked red kidney beans or canned kidney beans, drained.
• Seasonings/Spices: Salt, Minced Garlic, Chili Powder, Ground Cinnamon, Chipotle Chili, and Oregano.
• Onions: Use diced white onions or sweet onions.
• Tomato Paste: Helps to thicken the soup
• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce.
• Diced Tomatoes: Use either freshly diced, crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, or canned tomatoes (drained); another option is tomato sauce.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate or Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• Broth: Use beef broth, beef stock, vegetable broth, chicken broth, or chicken stock.
• Serve with: Corn, tortilla chips, sliced scallions, radishes, or flat-leaf parsley.

How To Make Venison Chili Instant Pot

Here are the simple steps for making Instant Pot Deer Chili.

Step One: Grind The Tortillas

Grind the corn tortillas in a food processor, and blend them until it’s crumbs.

Step Two: Saute The Meat

Place one tablespoon of olive or cooking oil into the bottom of the pot and hit the saute function button over medium heat. When the oil heats up at 1/2 of the venison, then brown it on all sides (about 5 minutes)

Step Three: Saute The Vegetables

Then remove that 1/2 of the meat and add the other 1/2 and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onions, garlic, and olive oil (1 tablespoon) when all the meat is browned and removed from the Instant Pot. Saute for about 3 minutes until it’s softened.

Step Four: Cooking

When the onions and garlic are softened, add the rest of the ingredients (except for chocolate, which you keep for last) to the bottom of the pan and the meat back into the Instant Pot. Place the lid onto the Instant Pot and set it to manual high pressure for a cooking time of 25 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release. When it is done, stir in the chocolate, and mix until it’s all melted. Spoon into bowls and garnish with black pepper, kosher salt, or sweet corn.

Instant Pot Deer Chili Recipe Faqs

Can I use ground venison instead of cubed venison? Yes, ground venison works well in this recipe and cooks evenly in the Instant Pot.

How do I prevent the chili from being too gamey? To reduce the gamey flavor, trim excess fat from the venison and consider marinating the meat in a mixture of vinegar, wine, or buttermilk before cooking. The addition of dark chocolate and robust spices also helps balance the flavor.

Can I make this chili without beans? Absolutely! If you prefer bean-free chili, simply omit the beans. You can add extra vegetables or increase the amount of venison to keep the chili hearty.

What can I use if I don’t have dark chocolate? If you don’t have dark chocolate, you can substitute it with unsweetened cocoa powder (about 1 tablespoon) or a small piece of bittersweet chocolate. This will still provide the depth and richness to the chili.

How long should I cook the chili in the Instant Pot? The chili typically cooks under high pressure for 25-30 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release. This time is sufficient to tenderize the venison and meld the flavors.

Can I add other vegetables to the chili? Yes, feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or zucchini to the chili. Add them at the beginning with the other ingredients for a heartier dish.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, deer chili often tastes better the next day as the flavors develop further. You can make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, Instant Pot deer chili freezes well. Portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags, and store it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What should I serve with deer chili? Serve deer chili with cornbread, crusty bread, or over rice. Toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and avocado also pair well.

Is this chili spicy? The spice level can be adjusted to your preference. If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit any additional hot spices like cayenne. For more heat, add extra chili powder, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños.

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