Buffalo Chili Con Carne
A hearty, spicy buffalo chili con carne with robust flavors of tomatoes, beans, and green chilies, perfect for comforting gatherings and chili lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb buffalo meat, cubed or coarsely ground ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 to 2 cups diced onion ⓘ
- 1 to 2 cups diced green pepper ⓘ
- 2 cans (16 oz each) diced tomatoes with liquid ⓘ
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups tomato juice ⓘ
- 1 (15 1/2 oz) can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz) can chopped green chilies ⓘ
- 2 tsp chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp salt (optional) ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large kettle or Dutch oven, brown the buffalo meat in oil; drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and green pepper; sauté for 5 minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes with liquid, tomato juice, kidney beans, pinto beans, chopped green chilies, chili powder, salt (if using), and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until the meat is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper. If buffalo meat is unavailable, lean ground beef or turkey can be substituted. You can also use fresh tomatoes instead of canned, but ensure to adjust the liquid accordingly. For added depth of flavor, try including a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Citrus-Nut-Honey Slaw for a refreshing contrast or cornbread for a hearty meal. This dish also works well as a filling for burritos or over rice for a satisfying dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Buffalo Chili Con Carne can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a microwave-safe bowl until heated through. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Buffalo Chili Con Carne contains roughly 348 calories, with 20g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), protein (40% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 868mg per serving (38% 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 easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the buffalo meat and sauté the vegetables as instructed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the meat is tender and flavors meld together.
How can I thicken the chili if it’s too watery?
If your chili is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for the last 20-30 minutes of cooking to let some liquid evaporate. Alternatively, mash a portion of the beans against the side of the pot to create a thicker texture.
What can I serve with Buffalo Chili Con Carne?
Buffalo Chili Con Carne is delicious on its own, but can also be served with various sides. Consider pairing it with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh salad like Honey Apple Salad for a balanced meal. It also makes a great topping for baked potatoes.
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).