The Best Moose Chili Recipe (super easy) (2024)

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Nothing beats a delicious bowl of chili on a cold day. This recipe for moose chili is something that I’ve recently started experimenting with, and from the results so far, I believe it can be deemed a success.

It is no secret that chili has a frequent presence on our dinner menu, so I thought it would be worth experimenting with a different interpretation of this timeless soup.

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How To Make The Best Moose Chili

By following these simple steps, you will be able to successfully cook the best moose chili on your first try! So grab your ingredients and get cooking!

Tool needed:

  • Dutch Oven
  • Wooden spoon for stirring

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs of ground moose
  • 2 cloves of fresh minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon of sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1/2 tablespoon each of ground pepper and cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • A pinch of dried oregano
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) of pinto beans
  • 2 cans (10 oz each) of hot Rotel
  • 1 can (6 oz) of tomato paste
  • 2 banana peppers (or 1 bell pepper, chopped)
  • 1/2 of an onion, peeled and sliced
  • 2 cups of beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons of chili powder

Step 1: Begin by browning the meat with minced garlic in your dutch oven or pot. While the meat is browning, go ahead and combine all the seasonings, except chili powder, and add it to the meat.

You’ll want to use a wooden spatula to break up the meat occasionally.

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Step 2: Once the ground moose is cooked, you can now add your beans, Rotel, and tomatopaste.

Note: There are plenty of different ‘heat levels’ of rotel. This chili is pretty spicy with the hot rotel. But that is how we like it!

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Step 3: Once everything is stirred in well, you can add in the remaining ingredients: peppers, onions, broth, and chili powder.

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Step 4: Finally, give everything one good final stir before covering it with a lid and allowing it to simmer for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to blend together.

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Top tip: if you don’t have a dutch oven, a large pot with a lid will work just fine.

We made this chili last weekend for a fall party, along with a ‘regular’ chili, and I still can’t believe the amount of positive feedback we got about this moose chili.

Everyone was ranting and raving about it so much, that I just knew I had to share it with you all!

Topping Suggestions

Now, as if you need suggestions, here are a few of our favorite chili toppings.

  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Shredded cheese
  • Hot sauce
  • Cilantro
  • Diced jalapenos
  • Oyster crackers
  • Bacon
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What Goes Well With Chili?

Nothing goes with chili quite like our Cast Iron Cornbread. Of course, a fresh loaf of homemade bread or stuffed garlic bread for an appetizer are both great options as well.

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Storing leftovers + tips & substitutions

While we rarely have any leftovers, you can expect it to keep well in the freezer, in an airtight container, for up to 3 months. Otherwise, if it’s stored in the fridge, I would suggest using it within 3-4 days.

Reheat the moose chili on medium heat, stirring frequently. If it seems like it needs more liquid, you can add more beef broth or even just water.

Now, if you want to make this recipe with something other than ground moose, consider using venison, elk, or beef—really any of your favorite ground meat.

Lastly, if you have a favorite spice or seasonings, feel free to add it to this recipe. That’s the beauty of chili! I personally love adding crushed red peppers to my bowl for extra spice. But beware, this chili is plenty spicy as it is.

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What Does Moose Chili Taste Like?

Ground moose closely resembles beef, though it is slightly leaner. Some would compare it to grass-fed beef but with more flavor.

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Why Make Moose Chili?

  • Lean and Healthy Meat: Moose meat is very lean, making it a healthy option for those looking to reduce fat in their diet. It is high in protein and rich in nutrients.
  • Comfort food: There’s something about a warm bowl of chili or stew that can instantly lift your mood and provide a sense of comfort. Moose chili is no exception, with its hearty and filling qualities that satisfy even the biggest appetites.
  • Crowd-pleaser: Given its rarity, moose chili is likely to become highly sought after, as everyone will want to have a taste of this intriguing dish.
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You Are Now Ready To Enjoy Your Delicious Moose Chili!

So, there you have it–some great reasons why you will love moose chili. Whether you’re a chili fanatic or just looking for something new to try, this dish is a winner in every way.

Moose chili is a hearty and filling dish, perfect for cold weather and outdoor activities. Go ahead and give it a try. You sure will be satisfied by the results!

Comment below on how it went! And in the meantime, try one of these recipes next!

  • Best Venison Chili Recipe
  • How To Make The Best Ground Pork Chili Recipe
  • Simple Venison Stew Recipe
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The Best Moose Chili Recipe

Nate Ascher

Ground moose makes a fantastic chili! Once you try this moose chili recipe, you'll see why!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Additional Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course main

Cuisine American

Servings 10 -12

Calories 164 kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs of ground moose
  • 2 cloves of fresh minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon of sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1/2 tablespoon each of ground pepper and cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • A pinch of dried oregano
  • 2 cans 15 oz each of pinto beans
  • 2 cans 10 oz each hot rotel
  • 1 can 6 oz of tomato paste
  • 2 banana peppers or 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 of an onion peeled and sliced
  • 2 cups of beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons of chili powder

Instructions

  • Begin by browning the meat with minced garlic in your dutch oven or pot. While the meat is browning, combine all the seasonings, except chili powder, and add it to the meat.

  • Once the ground moose is cooked, add your beans, Rotel, and tomatopaste.

  • Stir everything in well, then add the remaining ingredients: peppers, onions, broth, and chili powder.

  • Lastly, give everything one good final stir before covering it with a lid to simmer for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to blend together. (trust me, its so much better this way)

Notes

This chili is on the spicier side. For a milder flavor, use mild rotel or diced tomatoes instead.

This recipe fits nicely in a 5.5 qt dutch oven.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ozCalories: 164kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 26gFat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 59mgSodium: 774mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2g

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

This website provides approximate nutrition information based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands, measuring methods and portion sizes per household. We recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer.

The Best Moose Chili Recipe (super easy) (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to really good chili? ›

Only Add Flavorful Liquids

Instead of adding water to your chili, add some more flavor with chicken or beef broth, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or even beet or wine. Each one of these options brings out different notes and levels of sweetness that will enhance your culinary creation.

What adds the most flavor to chili? ›

If you want more of a smoky flavor, add cumin, Spanish paprika, ancho chili powder, or a combination. If you are looking for more heat, add cayenne, crushed red pepper, or Hungarian paprika. If it's too spicy add a little brown sugar and some sweet paprika.

How do you make chili more exciting? ›

5 Secret Ingredients That'll Take Your Chili to the Next Level
  1. Cocoa Powder. Chocolate might not be the first thing you think of when you're making a batch of chili but it pairs perfectly with peppers. ...
  2. Beer. Why use water or stock as your liquid when you could add beer? ...
  3. Coffee. ...
  4. Cinnamon.
Sep 12, 2021

What makes the best chili meat? ›

When making chili, former Southern Living Test Kitchen Director, Robby Melvin, recommends using a mix of ground chuck and ground sirloin. "It's the best of both worlds," he says. "You get a balanced lean-to-fat ratio from the chuck and the hearty, beefy leanness from the sirloin."

What liquid is best for chili? ›

Chili cooks low and slow, so you need enough liquid to tenderize the meat and keep everything from drying out. That liquid should also add flavor to the chili, so use chicken, beef, or vegetable stock, or beer.

Is chili better the longer it cooks? ›

Cooking chili low and slow is the way to go

Although the internet abounds with recipes for quick-cooking chilis that take as little as 20 minutes (via MyRecipes), this stewed dish truly benefits from a longer cook time that will gently coax all the flavors out of the meat, legumes, vegetables, and spices in the recipe.

Does sugar make chili taste better? ›

Now for the piece de resistance: 1-2 heaping Tablespoons brown sugar. The chili tastes completely different without the brown sugar so if you like a subtle sweetness in your chili then you've just got to go for it! Trust me, it will not make your chili taste like candy.

Does chili need tomato paste? ›

Tomato sauce is not a strong a taste as tomato paste. Also, sauce will increase the liquid content of your chili ever so slightly. Tomato paste has a more full, rich, tomato taste and smell. Using either one is appropriate, but you will need to tweak your seasonings to suit your personal tastes, anyway.

Do you cook onions or meat first for chili? ›

In a large pot over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the onions, garlic, and red pepper; cook, stirring frequently, until softened, 4 to 6 minutes. Add the beef and increase the heat to high; cook, stirring with wooden spoon to break the meat into ¼-inch pieces, until the beef is browned, 10 to 12 minutes.

What does cinnamon do for chili? ›

Cinnamon adds a different spice profile than chili powder or red or cayenne pepper would. It is a common savory spice in Indian food and I believe it's also used in savory dishes in Chinese cooking. It's a very versatile spice :).

What is my chili missing? ›

Sometimes after a long simmer, your chili will taste wonderful be maybe missing one little thing you can't figure out. Try a tad bit of vinegar or a squeeze of lime! The acidity in vinegar & limes bring a good roundness to the pot and binds all the flavors together.

What are the best beans to use in chili? ›

The best beans for chili are pinto, kidney, and black beans, like in this easy and tasty recipe. This 3-bean chili freezes great for meals later in the week. If you prefer thinner chili, add an extra can of tomato sauce. The green chiles are not hot and add a wonderful flavor, so don't be afraid to use them.

Which onion is best for chili? ›

Yellow Onions: These are the most versatile and widely available type of onion, and are a good choice for chili con carne. They have a slightly sweet, sharp, and tangy flavor that adds depth and complexity to the dish.

Do you drain beans for chili? ›

However, canned beans are soaked in a canning liquid that can throw off your dish's seasoning and texture, so it's best to drain and rinse your beans before pouring them into your pot of chili. Canning liquid can also water down and dilute the flavors of your chili.

Why is my chili not flavorful? ›

Change up the beans. Use black beans, pintos, or a combination of beans to give more flavor. Cook the chili! If you don't cook it long enough (or put in a pressure cooker to speed up the process), it won't taste quite right.

Why would you put vinegar in chili? ›

With only about 1 tablespoon per pot added toward the end of the cooking process, the vinegar will make the flavors more vibrant without overwhelming the dish with its biting tang. Through just a splash, everything becomes a little brighter, and the chili's flavors are more balanced.

How do you make chili taste more meaty? ›

In a pot of chili, just a few strips of bacon add a smoky, meaty depth. And it's not just the bacon itself that adds flavor, it's the bacon fat, too. Before you start your recipe, cook 3 to 4 strips of thick-cut bacon until they're as crispy as you like.

References

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