It’s officially comforting, cozy, and hearty recipe season! Bring on the soups, stews, and chilis! We are kicking off this bison chili recipe.
One of my favorite things about chili is it’s so easy to make with whatever you have on hand. Most of the time it’s made with pantry staples – meat, beans, veggies, stock, and spices. But if you don’t have something or don’t like an ingredient, you can change it up however you like!
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We switched out your typical beef chili and are using bison, or ground buffalo. I love bison because it’s a little bit leaner and has more protein but still has a great flavor profile. Paired with the butternut squash it is hearty, filling, absolutely delicious, and totally hits the spot when craving something comforting.
This bison chili makes a lot – it’s great for meal prep, a large family, or Sunday football watching with a group of friends. If you don’t need as much, feel free to halve the recipe or freeze the extras for an easy meal in the future.
Why we love this bison chili
- made in one pan
- a complete healthy meal with a good macronutrient breakdown – it has protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and veggies.
- packed with micronutrients – it’s loaded with vitamin C, vitamin A, B vitamins, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, and selenium to name a few.
- great for meal prep – make a TON and the leftovers save great. It works so well for meal prep.
What is bison
American bison are found in North America and parts of Europe. Most species of buffalo are native to South Asia and Africa. American bison are also called American buffalo or just buffalo, which can add to some confusion.
American bison nearly became extinct due to hunting in the 19th century, but have had a resurgence due to recovery efforts, and a majority of them are restricted to a few national parks and reserves. You can read more about them here.
Today we are talking about the American buffalo, AKA bison.
Is ground bison healthy?
Ground bison is a tasty and healthy meat option. It has a similar rich taste and flavor to beef but is a little bit sweeter, and leaner with a little more protein, making it a great healthy substitute in recipes. It is also full of B vitamins, selenium, and zinc. We love having bison as a great alternative to ground beef.
Ingredients
- oil
- onions
- ground bison (buffalo)
- garlic
- butternut squash
- bell peppers
- chili powder
- cumin
- paprika
- cinnamon
- broth
- tomato sauce
- salt and pepper
- lime juice
- all the toppings – my favorite part! Anything from cilantro, diced onions, avocado, sour cream or greek yogurt, cheese, sliced jalapeno peppers, and hot sauce
How to make bison chili
- Prep your ingredients. Dice your onion and peppers and cube your butternut squash. Mix together the chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.
- Brown your meat. Heat a large dutch oven up or stock pot over medium-low heat. Add oil and let it get hot, about 30 seconds. Add onions and salt and pepper and sauté for 3-5 minutes. Add bison and break it up with the back of a spoon or meat chopper. Then add garlic, 1/2 of the spice mixture, and salt and pepper and sauté for 6-8 minutes until browned.
- Add your veggies. Add broth, tomato sauce, and butternut squash and mix well to combine. Cover with a lid and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until squash is almost fork-tender. Add peppers and the rest of the spices and mix well to combine. Let simmer for 5 or so more minutes until peppers are softened and cooked to your preference. Remove from heat and stir in 1-2 tablespoons lime juice.
- Enjoy! Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Instant Pot bison chili
To make this bison chili recipe in the instant pot. Follow the directions as they read, but have your Instant Pot on saute mode. First, sauté the onion and beef. Next, add the rest of your ingredients and mix well. Then close the lid, make sure the vent is set to seal, and set it on manual for 17 minutes and release pressure once done.
I have not tried this way, but some of you guys have and it works great.
Crock pot bison chili
To make this bison chili in the crockpot, brown bison on the stove and then transfer all ingredients to a large crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The veggies will be a little bit softer using this cooking method.
Storage
- fridge – keep it in a tightly sealed glass container and reheat it on the stove or microwave when you are ready to eat. Chili will last for 4-5 days in the fridge.
- freezer – this recipe would be perfect to freeze as it makes so much. Freeze in a large container or in individual servings. Defrost in the fridge or on the countertop. It should last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Substitutions and additions
One of the best things about chili is that you can customize it to your liking. Feel free to make the recipe your own with whatever you have in stock in your kitchen. Here are some good substitutions if needed:
- ground bison – feel free to use any kind of ground meat you like. Ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken would be delicious as well!
- butternut squash – try sweet potatoes or white potatoes instead.
- broth – any kind will work (beef, chicken, veggie).
- oil – any kind of oil will work.
And here are some additions you can add to this bison chili recipe:
- beans – this chili recipe does not have any beans, but they would make a great addition if you like them in chili. Black beans or kidney beans would be great options. Add them when you add the peppers and remaining spices.
- greens – feel free to throw in some chopped spinach or kale when you add the peppers to up the veggie factor and add some greens.
More healthy soup recipes
- cheesy chicken soup
- buffalo chicken soup
- curried butternut squash soup
- chicken fajita soup
- coconut curry lentil soup
If you love quick and easy meals and want to learn how to build a balanced plate, check out our FREE How to Build a Balanced Plate Guide!
Bison Chili
ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 cups diced onions (240 grams)
- 2 pounds ground bison
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 heaping cups cubed butternut squash (1/2 medium squash/750 grams)
- 3 cups chopped bell peppers (2 medium peppers/360 grams)
- 2 cups broth
- 16 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- salt and pepper, to taste
- for serving: cilantro, jalapeno, diced red onion, sour cream, greek yogurt, cheese, hot sauce…
instructions
- Prep your ingredients. Dice your onion and peppers and cube your butternut squash. Mix together the chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.
- Brown your meat. Heat a large dutch oven up or stock pot over medium-low heat. Add oil and let it get hot, about 30 seconds. Add onions and salt and pepper and sauté for 3-5 minutes. Add bison and break it up with the back of a spoon or meat chopper. Then add garlic, 1/2 of the spice mixture, and salt and pepper and sauté for 6-8 minutes until browned.
- Add your veggies. Add broth, tomato sauce, and butternut squash and mix well to combine. Cover with a lid and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until squash is almost fork-tender. Add peppers and the rest of the spices and mix well to combine. Let simmer for 5 or so more minutes until peppers are softened and cooked to your preference. Remove from heat and stir in 1-2 tablespoons lime juice.
- Enjoy! Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
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Great chili recipe! I loved how customizable it is and thought the butternut squash was a great addition and complements the bison perfectly. Definitely recommend giving this a try!
So glad you enjoyed it, Kara! Thanks for trying it!
Can’t wait to try it
I hope you enjoy it!
Sorry didn’t see the stars above
Thank you!
My Boyfriend was blown away we have made this at least a dozen times now. Freeze it for later we have some in the fridge right now. It’s so easy and so flavorful. Kelly my Boy friend Geoff said you “ Knocked this one right out of the park. “ also if you get the already cubed butternut squash it works great. Less time as well
So happy to hear that Jennifer! Makes me so happy! Thank you for trying it and glad you guys enjoy it!
Awesome chili! I’m a week into the Whole 30 and this totally hit the spot on this snowy, cold day. I will definitely be making this again. A very satisfying meal! Thanks so much for the recipe.
Of course, thank you for trying it Jennifer! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Great hearty recipe! Did half bison half beef. Our family could do without the cinnamon but loved trying something new. (Also reduced chili powder to our families liking)
Love the half and half idea! Glad y’all liked it and thanks for trying it Danielle!
Can’t wait to try this chilly but with beans and our butcher box ground beef
Yes, that would be so good!
Amazing recipe, a family favourite! I haven’t tried it with bison yet, I use turkey mince, but include all of the other ingredients.
Turkey sounds wonderful Nassira! Thank you for trying it and glad you enjoy!