Bison Chili
A hearty and flavorful bison chili with smoky spices and beans, perfect for cozy gatherings or weeknight dinners that satisfy meat lovers and chili enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large kettle, fry chopped onions in a small amount of margarine.
- Add ground bison and cook until almost done.
- Combine all ingredients in the kettle and simmer for 10 to 20 minutes.
- Serve with crackers or toast bison cut-outs, cucumber slices, and carrot sticks.
- Freeze in 14 to 16-ounce containers for later use.
- Heat in the microwave for 5 to 7 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or a tablespoon of cocoa powder to enhance the depth of the chili. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of chili powder or use a milder salsa. Ground turkey or beef can also be substituted for bison if preferred. This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve bison chili with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. It's also delicious topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions. Pair it with crackers or toast for dipping. This dish pairs beautifully with Sweet And Sour 3 Bean Salad for a colorful and nutritious spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bison chili in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in 14 to 16-ounce containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave on high for 5 to 7 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bison Chili contains roughly 261 calories, with 15g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), protein (31% of the Daily Value), and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1064mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this bison chili in a slow cooker! After sautéing the onions and bison, transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I add to make it spicier?
To increase the heat level, consider adding diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or using a spicier salsa. You can also adjust the amount of chili powder based on your spice preference. Remember, you can always add more heat, but it's hard to take it away once added!
Is this chili suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Bison chili is perfect for meal prep. It holds up well in the fridge and flavors improve over time. Prepare a large batch and portion it out for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just reheat as needed for a convenient and hearty meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).