I know what you are thinking. Bison, really? What is wrong with using plain ground beef for chili? Well listen, I enjoy a good ground beef on any given day but don’t knock Bison until you try it! It has a richness and incredible tenderness to it that your typical ground beef cant quite match. This was my first time using ground bison in my chili, and it is definitely my new favorite meat to use for soup, stew, and chili! This recipe also includes 3 beans which make this chili hearty and filling!
Why should you try this easy Bison Chili Recipe?
Firstly, not only does the bison make this chili comforting and hearty, but it is nice to switch things up in the kitchen from time to time. What better way to impress your family than serving them this chili and then telling them, after they have licked their bowls clean, that it was made with… BISON! That’s what I did anyway, and my family was shocked. They said they wouldn’t have been able to really tell unless I told them but thought that the meat tasted more flavorful and tender compared to my last chili recipe. What a win-win!
What I love about making chili is that it can be made in one-pot. That means less of a hassle, and more importantly, less dishes to be washed(if you know, you know). You cook the bison in the pot first, then add the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, beef stock, beans, corn, and seasonings. It’s really that easy! Then you let it simmer on low for about 10 minutes then stir. This whole recipe should only take you 30 minutes to prepare!
- You can also store the leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days after preparing and the consistency will become more thick and stew-like (my personal favorite).
- My favorite toppings are fritos, sour cream, shredded cheese, and green onions! Feel free to add your preferred toppings or enjoy as is!
This one-pot Bison Chili Recipe has less calories than your typical ground beef chili!
For those of you who were wondering about Bison’s nutritional content, it is actually way leaner than your standard ground beef. If you are looking to lower your fat content or calorie intake, this recipe would be perfect for you!
Bison has 25 percent less calories and higher in nutrients, making this cut of beef a little more expensive than ground beef. I think it is still worth it if you want to have it a couple of times a month. The full recipe and instructions are below, make sure you leave a review and let me know what you think. Top with cheese, green onion, sour cream, avocado, and chips. And as always, poftă bună!
Easy 30 Minute Bison Chili (one-pot!)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground bison
- 15 oz black beans or one can
- 15 oz pinto beans or one can
- 15 oz kidney beans or one can
- 15 oz corn or one can
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups beef stock can use vegetable or chicken stock as well
- 1/2 onion finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves crushed
- 1/2 tsp cayenne
- 1 1/2 tbsp chili powder add more if you like it spicy
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- salsa optional
Instructions
- Heat up your pan on medium-high heat then add your oil. While it heats up, finely dice your onions and garlic. Sauté the onions for a couple minutes then turn down the heat to medium.
- Add your garlic and cook down for a minute. Then add the tomato paste and stir to combine. Next add the bison and cook until browned. Add all of your seasonings then stir in the crushed tomatoes.
- Add in the beef stock and the kidney, black, and pinto beans. Then add your corn and a little bit of your favorite salsa. Bring to a boil, stirring to combine. Then cover the pot, lower the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Taste and add more seasoning to your preference. Then serve with cheese, avocado, chips, green onions, sour cream, and enjoy!
Notes
- If you want the consistency to be thicker, you can simmer for longer and let sit for 10 minutes off the heat to thicken up.
- If you only have ground beef on hand, just replace the bison with it!
This was amazing!
I am so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for leaving a review!