This hearty bison chili is packed with juicy bison meat and colorful veggies, making it a tasty twist on a classic dish. It’s rich, warming, and perfect for chilly days!
I love how it fills the house with a delicious smell while cooking. Serve it with some cornbread for the perfect cozy combo! Plus, it’s so easy to make, I can whip it up on a busy night!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Bison: Bison is leaner than beef with a slightly sweeter flavor. If you can’t find ground bison, you can substitute with ground turkey or beef, but the overall taste will change a bit.
Kidney Beans: These add texture and protein to the chili. If you prefer, black beans or pinto beans make great substitutes. You could also skip the legumes for a bean-free chili.
Spices: The combination of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika gives depth to the flavor. Experiment with your favorite spices like cayenne for more heat or use taco seasoning for a different twist.
Fresh Herbs: Cilantro is classic for garnishing, but if you’re not a fan, green onions or parsley are excellent alternatives. Fresh herbs elevate the dish even further!
How Do I Get My Chili to Have the Best Flavor?
Cooking your chili slowly and letting it simmer is key for allowing flavors to meld. Here’s how to get the best flavor:
- Start with sautéing onions and peppers. This caramelizes them, forming a flavor base.
- Cook spices with the meat and veggies for just a minute. This helps to release their essential oils.
- Let the chili simmer uncovered; this concentrates the flavors and thickens it. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Tasting as you go is also important! Adjusting the salt and spices can make all the difference in perfecting your dish.
Bison Chili Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground bison
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 avocado, diced (for garnish)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time for this bison chili recipe is about 1 hour. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes on prep and about 30-40 minutes cooking. It’s simple to prepare and worth every minute as the flavors develop beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the veggies are softened and fragrant, which creates a tasty base for your chili.
2. Add Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning. This will give extra flavor to your dish!
3. Brown the Bison:
Time to add the ground bison. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally for even cooking.
4. Incorporate Spices:
Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if you want some heat), and salt and pepper. Cook everything together for about 1 minute to let those aromatic spices boost the flavor.
5. Add the Remaining Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, kidney beans, and beef broth. Stir everything together until well combined.
6. Simmer the Chili:
Bring your chili to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. This simmering time lets all those delicious flavors meld together!
7. Taste and Adjust:
After simmering, taste your chili and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. This is the time to make it just right for your palate!
8. Serve and Garnish:
Serve your delicious bison chili hot! Garnish each bowl with diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or green onions. It makes the perfect finishing touch!
9. Optional Add-Ons:
If you’d like, serve your chili with some crunchy tortilla chips, cornbread, or whatever chili sides you love. Enjoy!
Your hearty bison chili is ready to be devoured! Enjoy the rich flavors and warmth in every spoonful!
Can I Use Ground Beef Instead of Bison?
Absolutely! While ground bison offers a unique flavor and is leaner than beef, you can substitute it with ground beef if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep an eye on the fat content and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I Make This Chili Spicy?
Yes! If you want to amp up the heat, you can add more cayenne pepper, jalapeños, or even some hot sauce. You can also try using spicy chili powder for an extra kick!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a pot on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Freeze This Bison Chili?
Yes, bison chili freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm on the stove or microwave.