Happy National Chili Day! To honor today, I called my dad and took the time to write down his chili recipe that I have been eating since I was a wee little kid. It is simple and classic, and my favorite part? He uses venison (deer meat), so it has a unique and amazing flavor. Plus, the added bonus that we don’t have to buy extra meat from the store for it.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground deer
- 1 large chopped onion
- 1 can red kidney beans
- 1 can black beans beans
- 1 can pinto beans
- 1 large can stewed tomatoes
- 1 large can crushed tomatoes
- 1 regular can tomato paste (and ½ to 1 can of water, depending on preference)
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 small can crushed tomatoes with chili peppers (optional if you want a little kick)
- Heavy handed dash of pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoon cumin
- 5 tablespoons chili powder
To Cook
- Brown the ground deer meat in large chili pot until fully cooked, with the chopped onions
- Drain and rinse the deer meat once fully cooked and add back into the large pot
- Add all other ingredients and stir together
- Simmer for 30 minutes. Taste test – if you would like a fuller flavor, add more ketchup (I know, but my dad SWEARS by all of the ketchup!)
- Simmer for at least 30 more minutes to an hour longer
- You could also throw everything into a slow cooker on high for 2-3 hours
- EAT!
Toppings
I didn’t grow up putting a bunch of extra toppings in chili, just some crushed Saltine crackers if we had some, but I have grown to LOVE adding toppings!
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Hot sauce
- Oyster crackers or crushed saltine crackers
- Finely chopped green onion
- Chopped tomatoes
- Corn
- Cilantro
- Crushed Fritos or corn chips
- Chopped black olives
- Hawaiian rolls or dinner rolls
Hope you all enjoy and celebrate National Chili Day! As always, tag us in your pictures using #ScoutShop and @ScoutshopBSA so we can see what your yummy recipes are and for your chance to be featured on our social channels!
