This hearty bison chili is packed with flavor and has a nice kick! Made with ground bison, beans, and lots of spices, it’s great for warming up on chilly days.
I love how this chili is both tasty and good for you. Plus, it’s super easy to make in one pot! Grab some cornbread, and you’re all set for a cozy meal! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Bison: This is the star of the show! It’s leaner than beef and has a slightly sweet flavor. If you can’t find bison, lean ground turkey or beef are great substitutes.
Beans: Black beans add protein and texture. Feel free to swap them for kidney beans or pinto beans if that suits your taste or what you have on hand.
Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are perfect for this, but you can replace them with fresh tomatoes if they’re in season. Just dice them up, and they work beautifully!
Spices: Chili powder is essential for flavor. If you like heat, you can up the cayenne pepper or opt for a spicier chili powder blend. Smoked paprika adds depth, but regular paprika will work too.
How Do I Perfectly Sauté My Vegetables?
Sautéing your veggies is key to building great flavor in chili. Here’s how to do it well:
- Start with a medium heat and add olive oil. This helps the veggies soften without burning.
- Let the onion and bell pepper cook for about 5 minutes. Stir them occasionally until they’re tender.
- When you add garlic, remember it cooks fast! Just one minute until fragrant does the trick.
These steps will ensure every bite of your chili is bursting with delicious flavor!
How to Make Bison Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground bison
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth
Optional Garnishes:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Diced avocado
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious bison chili takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 30 minutes of cooking time. It’s a quick dish that simmers and develops rich flavors, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté these for about 5 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Brown the Bison:
Next, add the ground bison to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Keep cooking until it’s browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the Spices:
Time to spice things up! Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper if you’re feeling adventurous. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook this mixture for about 1-2 minutes to toast the spices, making everything aromatic.
4. Combine the Base Ingredients:
Now, pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, the drained and rinsed black beans, and the tomato sauce. Add the water or beef broth, and stir everything well to mix it up.
5. Let It Simmer:
Bring your chili to a simmer (you’ll see bubbles!), then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes. If you can, let it simmer longer for even more flavor; just remember to stir occasionally!
6. Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
After simmering, taste your chili and adjust any seasonings if needed. Once it’s just right, serve the chili hot, topped with your choice of shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or diced avocado.
Enjoy this hearty, comforting bison chili alongside some tortilla chips or cornbread for a perfect meal!
Can I Use Ground Beef Instead of Bison?
Absolutely! Ground beef is a great substitute for bison. Just keep in mind that beef is a bit richer and might require some adjustments in cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked through.
How Can I Make This Chili Spicier?
If you love heat, you can increase the cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños or diced chili peppers when sautéing the vegetables. A splash of hot sauce right before serving can also amp up the spice!
Can I Prepare This Chili in Advance?
Yes, this chili is perfect for making ahead! You can cook it and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well—just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it!
What Can I Use Instead of Beans?
If you prefer a bean-free chili, you can omit the black beans and add more vegetables, such as corn or zucchini, for added texture. You could also increase the amount of meat for more protein.
