Introduction: Venison (or Beef) Chili

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About: I helped start Instructables, previously worked in biotech and academic research labs, and have a degree in biology from MIT. Currently head of Product helping young startups at Alchemist Accelerator, previous…

How to tastefully use up those weird bits of meat in the back corner of your freezer.

Step 1: Prepare Vegetables

Ingredients:
2 onions, chopped
handful hot peppers, chopped
3-4 stalks celery, chopped
2 red peppers, chopped'
2 carrots, finely chopped

Add the above ingredients to a large oiled pot, and stir over medium heat.

Step 2: Add Meat and Beans

I wanted to use up some slightly freezer-burned venison cube steak found at the bottom of my chest freezer. Chili is a great way to use up mystery meat, especially as a simmered stew with complex flavors does a nice job of hiding freezer burn or other inadequacies. In any case, chili is just good.

So, add your meat: chop chunks of meat, shread cube steak, or just dump in ground meat. Here I'm manually shredding the cube steak.

Dump in 2-3 cans of beans. I've used black and pinto for this chili.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Add roasted tomatoes, chopped fresh tomatoes, or a can of chopped tomatoes.

Add a big handful of chopped garlic , lots of chili powder, and some oregano, then simmer for a while to cook off the extra tomato water. Check and stir as necessary.

When it's cooked down sufficienty, add a big handful of chopped cilantro.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Add salt, pepper, and additional seasonings to taste. I added some Worchestershire sauce and lime juice.

Serve hot, with a big pile of grated cheese for topping.