This Bison Chili recipe has it all! It is perfectly warming when cooler weather hits and has a deep, rich flavor. It also has just the right amount of spice, but can be toned down for those who prefer milder chili. It's also featured in Brian Baumgartner's Seriously Good Chili Cookbook!
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I'm known for many things; my bison chili is just one of them. It's true, I've never won a chili cook-off contest with this recipe. But to be fair, I've never entered it in one either. Who knows, maybe one of these days I will!
I love cooking with all kinds of game meat, including venison (both deer and elk), moose, dove, and even mountain lion! Some of my family's favorite game recipes include venison meatloaf, elk jerky, elk chili, and elk backstrap. But close to the top of this list is this bison chili recipe!
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🔖 Ingredients & Substitutions
- Meat: Ground bison, if you must, may substitute beef, but then it won't be bison chili.
- Veggies: Anaheim chilies, onion, garlic, canned tomatoes, and canned chipotle peppers.
- Spices: Salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and ground cloves.
- Broth: Choose from beef bone broth, canned beef, or chicken broth.
*A full list of ingredients can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
🥘 How to Make Bison Chili
Step 1: Heat oil in a 6-quart Dutch oven. Add ground meat, diced onion, peppers, and garlic. Cook until the meat is browned, then add salt and spices.
Step 2: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Add sauce from the chipotle peppers can, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the right spiciness. I almost used the whole can, but I'm a little crazy!
Step 3: Simmer over low heat for 30 minutes, then add black beans. Cover and simmer for an additional 30 minutes over low heat. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and tortilla chips.
🤷🏻♀️ Recipe FAQs
You can serve bison chili in a deep bowl, topped with shredded cheddar, crumbled queso fresco, or feta.
Diced onions, cilantro, or jalapeños are other topping options. To add some creaminess, consider a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
If by chance you end up with leftovers, serve the chili over some nachos. Trust me, you'll be everyone's hero!
Another option is to serve it over Mexican rice. It makes for a quick and satisfying meal!
Yes, chili freezes very well. Just pour the remaining chili into a large freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months or longer! Place the bag in a bowl and defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
If you prefer not to wait, place the bag in a bowl of hot water until it's no longer frozen. Pour the chili into another bowl, cover with a paper towel, and microwave.
You can also reheat the frozen chili in a saucepan, once it's pourable.
👩🏼🍳 Pro Tips
- Although this is a bison chili recipe, you can easily use any other game meat, beef, or even ground turkey.
- The other ingredients are flexible too! You can use any onions that you have on hand, (white, green onion, or shallots). The idea is to use up the ingredients that you have at home, not go shopping for more!
- I used Anaheim chilis in this bison chili recipe because I have them growing in my garden. Feel free to use green peppers, poblanos, or whatever peppers you have.
- Finally, you can replace the black beans with great northern beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans.
🫔 More Game Recipes
If you enjoy this bison chili recipe, check out these other game recipes, too!
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📖 Recipe
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Ingredients
Method
- Heat oil in a 6-quart Dutch oven. Add ground meat, diced onion, peppers, and garlic. Cook until meat is browned, then and add salt and spices.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Add sauce from the chipotle peppers can, one tablespoon at a time until you achieve the right spiciness. I almost used the whole can.
- Simmer over low heat for 30 minutes, then add black beans. Cover and simmer for an additional 30 minutes over low heat. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and tortilla chips.
Nutrition
Notes
- Although this is a "Bison Chili" recipe, you can easily use any other game meat, beef, or even turkey.
- The other ingredients are flexible too! You can use any onions that you have on hand, (white, green onion, or shallots). The idea is to use up the ingredients that you have at home, not go shopping for more!
- I used Anaheim chilis in this recipe because I have them growing in my garden. Feel free to use green peppers, poblanos, or whatever peppers you have.
- Finally, you can replace the black beans with great northern beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans.
Patsy says
I’m new to both bison and chili and I must say this was a great start. It tastes unbelievably delicious and was easy to make.
Thank you, my son also wants to thank you.
Hilda Sterner says
Hi Patsy,
Thank you so much for your sweet comment. I'm glad you and your son enjoyed the chili. You're both very welcome!
Claudia says
Just yummmmmm...so good.
Hilda Sterner says
Thanks, Claudia!