This hearty Bison Chili is packed with flavor and warmth! Made with tender bison meat, beans, and a mix of tasty spices, it’s a perfect dish for chilly days.
Plus, cooking this chili smells amazing! I love to serve it with some warm bread on the side. It’s a cozy meal that brings everyone together! 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bison: Bison is leaner than beef with a great flavor. If you can’t find it, ground turkey or chicken can work in a pinch, though the flavor will change a bit.
Beans: I love mixing kidney and black beans for texture. You can replace them with pinto beans, or use canned lentils for a quicker option.
Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes give a nice base. If fresh tomatoes are available, peel and dice them instead. For a little sweetness, try adding a teaspoon of sugar.
Broth: Either beef or vegetable broth is fine. If you want a richer flavor, use beef broth, but vegetable broth works well for a lighter version!
Spices: Chili powder and cumin create depth. If you want fun alternatives, add a dash of cinnamon or a chipotle pepper for a smoky taste.
How Can You Make Sure the Chili is Well-Flavored?
To get a rich flavor in your chili, the spices need to be toasted before adding liquids. This warms up the spices and releases their oils. Here’s how to do it:
- Cook the spices in the pot with the meat for 1-2 minutes until you can smell them. This develops their flavors.
- Don’t rush adding the liquids afterward; let everything blend for at least 30-40 minutes.
- Taste and adjust at the end of cooking. Sometimes a pinch of salt or another dash of chili powder can really elevate the dish!
Enjoying this chili is all about balance and patience, so take your time to let the flavors deepen!
How to Make Bison Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground bison
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 avocado, diced (for topping)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (for topping)
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Tortilla chips, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Bison Chili takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 40 minutes to cook. Altogether, you’re looking at about 55 minutes before you can enjoy this hearty meal, plus some extra time for garnishing and serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Base:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion. Cook it for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s softened and translucent.
2. Add Garlic and Meat:
Now, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. Then, add the ground bison into the pot. Use a spoon to break it apart and cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, around 6-8 minutes. If there’s excess fat, be sure to drain it!
3. Mix in the Spices:
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. This is where the magic happens! Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast those spices, enhancing their flavors.
4. Add Liquids and Beans:
Next, add in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, kidney beans, and black beans. Give it a good stir to combine everything nicely.
5. Simmer the Chili:
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom and to let all those flavors meld together.
6. Final Touches:
After simmering, taste your chili and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish up the chili into bowls and top with diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or green onions. If you like, serve it with tortilla chips on the side for some extra crunch!
This bison chili is hearty, nutritious, and full of flavor, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy every warm spoonful! 🌶️
Can I Substitute Ground Bison with Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey or chicken as alternatives. However, keep in mind that these meats are leaner, so the flavor will differ slightly. Ground beef is also a great option if you’re looking for a more traditional chili taste.
How Can I Make the Chili Spicier?
If you like a spicy kick, you can add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the onions and garlic. Additionally, a splash of hot sauce can be stirred in just before serving for that extra heat!
Can I Make This Chili in Advance?
Yes! This chili actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. You can make it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave!
