Slow Cooker Venison Chili

This Slow Cooker Venison Chili is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal—just toss in the ingredients, let it simmer, and come back to a rich, smoky, and slightly spicy bowl of comfort. Packed with lean protein from venison, this hearty chili is perfect for cozy nights or meal prep for the week!

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One of the best things about this Slow Cooker Venison Chili recipe is that it skips the extra step of browning the meat—just add the raw venison straight to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients, set it, and walk away. Since venison is incredibly lean, there’s no need to worry about draining excess fat, making this recipe even more effortless.

I used Maui Nui Venison (use code HEALTHYMOM for 20% off), a wild-harvested venison from Hawaii that not only provides a rich and savory flavor but also supports sustainable efforts to manage the overpopulation of Axis deer. Venison is an excellent source of nutrient-dense, lean protein, making it a great choice for those looking to boost their protein intake while keeping fat content low. It's rich in essential vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, supporting overall health while providing a healthy alternative to traditional meats. See this article for more information on the nutritional benefits of eating venison.

This chili is a true crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it at a football party, a family dinner, or meal-prepping for the week. The smoky, slightly spicy flavors develop beautifully as it simmers, creating a thick and hearty bowl of comfort with zero hands-on cooking. Plus, it fits a variety of dietary needs—this recipe is low-carb, keto-friendly, and naturally gluten- and dairy-free, making it a nutritious option that everyone can enjoy!

Looking for more easy and delicious venison recipes? Try these Venison Burgers or Venison Meatloaf.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• How to Make Slow Cooker Venison Chili
• Substitutions
• Variations
• Equipment
• Storage
• Top Tip
• FAQ
• Related
• Pairing
• Recipe
• Comments

Ingredients

Here's what you need to make Slow Cooker Venison Chili:

• Ground Deer Meat – This ultra-lean, high-protein meat is perfect for slow cooking. I used Maui Nui Venison (use code HEALTHYMOM for 20% off), which is wild-harvested in Hawaii, but you can also find venison at specialty grocery stores, butcher shops, or online meat suppliers.
• Bell Pepper (any color) – Use either a yellow, orange, red or green bell pepper. You’ll find these in the fresh produce section, usually near the tomatoes and onions.
• Onion – Yellow onions are the best all-purpose choice, found in the produce section alongside garlic.
• Garlic – Grab a bulb in the produce section, or use pre-minced garlic in a jar for convenience.
• Beef Broth – Look for low-sodium options in the soup aisle, or use homemade broth if you have it.
• Diced Tomatoes – Find them in the canned goods aisle near tomato sauces.
• Tomato Paste – This thick, concentrated tomato product helps give the chili a hearty texture. It’s typically located near the canned tomatoes.
• Monk Fruit - Monk fruit (use code: HEALTHYMOM for 10% off) or allulose (use code: HMHF for 10% off) are great sweeteners. Both are plant-based, zero-calorie sweeteners that won’t spike your blood sugar. Find them in the sweetener section of the grocery store.
• Hot Sauce – Brings heat and tang to the chili. Use your favorite brand from the condiment aisle or adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.
• Worcestershire Sauce – Adds umami depth and a hint of sweetness. Find it in the condiment aisle near steak sauces and vinegars.
• Liquid Smoke – Gives the chili a bold, smoky flavor without needing a smoker. You’ll find this in the BBQ sauce section of most grocery stores.
• Chili Powder – A key spice blend that adds warmth and a mild kick. Available in the spice aisle.
• Smoked Paprika – Enhances the smokiness of the chili with a subtle depth of flavor. Find it in the spice section near regular paprika.
• Cumin – A classic chili spice that adds earthiness and warmth. It’s a pantry staple found in the spice aisle.
• Dried Oregano – Brings a mild herbaceous note to balance the bold flavors. It’s commonly found in the spice section.
• Black Pepper – Adds a mild heat and enhances all the other flavors. Freshly ground pepper is best, but pre-ground works too.
• Toppings (Optional) – Customize your chili with toppings like diced onion, sliced jalapeño, avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, and extra hot sauce. You’ll find these ingredients in the fresh produce and dairy sections.

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Slow Cooker Venison Chili

Hint: For the best texture, give the chili a good stir about halfway through cooking to help break up the venison even more. If you like a thicker chili, leave the lid off for the last 30 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate.

Substitutions

Want to substitute an ingredient in Slow Cooker Venison Chili? Here's how:

• Ground Venison - Substitute the venison with an equal amount of lean ground beef, turkey, or bison for the ground deer meat. These options will provide a similar texture and protein content.
• Bell Pepper - For a milder flavor, use poblano or Anaheim peppers. If you prefer more heat, try a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper.
• Onion – Shallots provide a slightly sweeter flavor, while green onions work well as a milder alternative.
• Garlic – If you don’t have fresh garlic, use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder per 6 cloves of fresh garlic.
• Beef Broth – You can swap beef broth for an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth, though beef gives the chili a richer depth of flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes → Crushed Tomatoes or Fresh Tomatoes – Crushed tomatoes will make the chili smoother, while fresh diced tomatoes provide a fresher taste.
• Tomato Paste - If you’re out of tomato paste, use tomato sauce instead, but simmer the chili longer to thicken it.
• Sweetener: Use another sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of the monk fruit (use code: HEALTHYMOM for 10% off) or allulose (use code: HMHF for 10% off.) Just be sure to adjust the amount based on the sweetness level of your substitute. Allulose and monk fruit sweetener tend to provide a more sugar-like taste and texture. Use regular sugar or honey if you prefer.
• Hot Sauce – For a smoky kick, blend a few chipotle peppers in adobo sauce into the chili. If you just need heat, ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper works.
• Worcestershire Sauce – Soy sauce provides a similar umami depth, while coconut aminos are a great soy-free alternative.
• Liquid Smoke – If you don’t have liquid smoke, extra smoked paprika or fire-roasted diced tomatoes can help achieve a smoky flavor.
• Chili Powder – If you’re out of chili powder, use 2 teaspoons of taco seasoning or mix ½ teaspoon cayenne + ½ teaspoon paprika.
• Smoked Paprika – Regular paprika will work, but for more smokiness, add an extra dash of liquid smoke.
• Cumin – Cumin has a unique earthy flavor, but coriander or taco seasoning can work as a backup.
• Dried Oregano – If you don’t have dried oregano, use ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning or 1 teaspoon of fresh oregano.
• Black Pepper - White pepper has a milder heat, while extra chili powder can add a similar warm spice.

Variations

Try one of these variations of Slow Cooker Venison Chili:

• Vegan – Swap the venison for two cans of black beans, kidney beans, or lentils for a plant-based protein source. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and omit Worcestershire sauce or use a vegan version.
• Gluten-Free – This chili is naturally gluten-free, but double-check that your Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce don’t contain hidden gluten. If needed, swap Worcestershire sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
• Extra Spicy – Increase the heat by adding an extra tablespoon of hot sauce, diced jalapeños, or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. For even more kick, sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
• Mild & Kid-Friendly – Reduce the hot sauce or omit it entirely. Swap the smoked paprika for regular paprika, and use a little brown sugar or honey to mellow out the spice.
• Smoky BBQ – Replace Worcestershire sauce with BBQ sauce and add 1 extra teaspoon of smoked paprika for a richer, smoky flavor.
• Hearty Bean & Meat – Add 1-2 cans of drained kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans to make the chili extra hearty and filling.
• Low-Sodium – Use low-sodium beef broth, canned tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce, and adjust the salt to taste.
• White Venison – For a creamy twist, swap the diced tomatoes for canned green chilies, use chicken broth instead of beef broth, and stir in ½ cup of cream cheese or Greek yogurt before serving.
• Taco-Style – Stir in one packet of taco seasoning instead of the listed spices and serve with tortilla chips, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes.

Or try this Sweet and Spicy Chili recipe using ground beef.

Equipment

This equipment comes in handy when making Slow Cooker Deer Chili:

• Slow Cooker/ Crock Pot – The key to this recipe! A 6-quart slow cooker works best to hold all the ingredients and allow for even cooking.
• Cutting Board & Sharp Knife – Needed for dicing the bell pepper, onion, and mincing the garlic. A sturdy cutting board and a sharp chef’s knife make prep much easier.
• Measuring Spoons & Cups – Essential for accurately measuring out spices, liquids, and other ingredients to get the perfect flavor balance.
• Wooden Spoon – Used for stirring the ingredients together in the slow cooker before cooking and for breaking up the venison as it cooks.

Storage

Here's how to store Slow Cooker Venison Chili:

Store any leftover venison chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, let the chili cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions:

• From the fridge: Warm the chili in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
• From frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stovetop or microwave as mentioned above. If reheating from frozen, place it in a pot over low heat and stir occasionally until warmed through.

FAQ

Related

Looking for other easy slow cooker recipes like this Slow Cooker Venison Chili? Try these:

Pairing

Serve this Slow Cooker Venison Chili with one of these salad recipes for a balanced meal the whole family will love:

Recipe