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Elk Chili

Name: Elk Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lb (675 g) ground elk; 1 onion, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes; 1 can (14 oz) kidney beans, drained; 1 can (14 oz) black beans, drained; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 cup beef broth; Salt and pepper to taste

Elk chili recipe made with lean ground elk, beans, and a smoky prairie-sized kick — a hearty warming bowl of Canadian comfort food for cold winter nights.

⏱ 15 minPrep time

🔥 30 minCook time

🍽 4Servings

🏷 DinnerCategory

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Elk roam the prairies and parklands in healthy herds, and for many prairie families, elk meat from the fall hunt fills the freezer for the winter. Ground elk is a treasure — lean, deep-flavored, and endlessly versatile — and chili is one of the best ways to put it to work on a cold night.

Because elk is so lean, it takes on the chili spices beautifully without any greasiness, giving you a pot that is rich and meaty but not heavy. Loaded with beans, tomatoes, and a smoky, warm heat, this is chili with true prairie character — hearty enough for seconds, maybe thirds.

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Step by stepInstructions

In a large pot, brown the ground elk over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink.
Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the chili powder and cumin and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beans, and beef broth, and stir everything together.
Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot with your favorite toppings.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Elk is very lean, so add a tablespoon of oil when browning if the pot looks dry. The chili only gets better as it simmers — give it at least 45 minutes, or make it a day ahead. Freeze leftovers in portions for easy weeknight meals.

Recipe details

Prep15 min

Cook30 min

Servings4

CategoryDinner

PublishedAugust 17, 2026

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →

Elk Chili

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Elk Chili

Step by stepInstructions

💡 Chef tips & storage

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Recipe details

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

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