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This bison chili is your favorite chili recipe made with bison. It’s easy to make, has a simple ingredient list, and perfectly balances the flavor of the bison.
If you love a good chili recipe, this one is an adaptation of our 30 Minute Chili Recipe & Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe.
How to Make Bison Chili
Step 1:
Cook the onion, green bell pepper, garlic and jalapeños in a large skillet over medium high heat. Cook until the onions are translucent and the peppers are tender.
NOTE: If you like your chili less spicy leave out the jalapeños or only add 1. This recipe is a medium level of spice with both added (not super spicy, but has a little fiery kick as an aftertaste).
Step 2:
Add the ground bison to the skillet. Crumble the bison into small pieces and add the seasonings. Continue cooking until the bison is browned.
TIP: Instead of making this recipe with 2 pounds ground bison, you can use 1 pound of bison and 1 pound of lean ground meat. This is a great alternative if you aren’t sure if you’ll love full bison flavor or you want to add some beef flavor.
Step 3:
Add the diced tomatoes and crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine. Pour in the beef stock until your chili reaches its desired thickness. You probably won’t need to add much, I usually end up adding only a splash.
Step 4:
Reduce the heat of the skillet to medium low. Simmer your chili for 20 – 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow it to cool for 5 minutes to thicken before serving.
Optional: garnish with classic chili toppings like: cheddar cheese, sour cream, avocado, red onion or chips.
Popular Additions & Substitutions:
Adding beef:
Instead of using 2 pounds of bison, use 1 pound of bison and 1 pound of lean ground beef for a mix of flavor.
Adding bourbon:
Bourbon Bison Chili is a popular twist! Add 1 oz bourbon to this recipe before you simmer it for a fun change in taste.
Doubling the recipe:
This recipe makes 6 servings, but we usually double it. This is such a tasty recipe that you’ll want seconds & leftovers.
How to Make Bison Chili in a Crockpot:
Crockpot Bison Chili is easy to make and is an amazing way to let the flavors of this recipe simmer together.
Here’s how to adapt this recipe for your crockpot:
- Cook the onion, garlic and peppers in a skillet.
- Add the bison and seasonings and cook until browned.
- Transfer vegetables and bison to your crockpot. Add remaining ingredients.
- Simmer on low for 7 – 8 hours or high for 3 – 4 hours.
This bison chili is a crowd-pleasing favorite. And if you’ve never cooked with bison before, this recipe is the perfect place to start! It’s easy to make with a simple ingredient list.
Bison Chili
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6
Description
An easy way to cook bison chili. This recipe is your favorite chili recipe made with bison!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 yellow onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 jalapeños (diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 2 lbs ground bison
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup beef stock
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the onion, green bell pepper, jalapeños and garlic in olive oil. Cook until the onion is translucent and the bell pepper is tender.
- Add the ground bison to the skillet and crumble it as it cooks. Add the seasonings. Continue cooking until bison is browned.
- Add the diced tomatoes and crushed tomatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine. Pour in beef stock (a little at a time) until your chili reaches desired thickness.
- Reduce heat to medium low and simmer chili for 20 – 25 minutes. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Optional: garnish with cheese, sour cream, avocado, or red onion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
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Reader Interactions
Comments
Elisse SlaterYummy!!!! Added red beans and half the bison but soooo good!
★★★★★
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