Bison Chili

This easy Bison Chili with beans can be made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. It makes a flavor-packed and comforting meal the whole family will absolutely love!

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An Easy and Healthy Bison Chili with Beans Recipe

This recipe is delicious, healthy and easy to make at home.  Once you try it, you will be making it over and over again.

Bison meat is one of the healthiest red meat options around.  It is leaner and lower in calories and has a lighter and sweeter flavor, which is what I prefer in this recipe.

I love to serve this chili topped with crème fraîche, diced red onions and jalapeños for added flavor.

And if you’d like to take it to the next level (and do not mind some additional carbs), try serving it with a piece of cornbread on the side. 

What is Chili?

Chili is a spicy stew usually containing chili peppers or chili powder, meat, tomatoes and beans. There are many different variations of chili – with or without beans, meatless, with corn, fish sauce and even chocolate.  To me, the best chili is hearty, comforting and filling and that’s exactly what you can expect from this recipe!  

Is Chili the Best Comfort Food?

If you ask me, absolutely! Here is why:

• It is the perfect dish to enjoy any time of year, especially during cooler months.
• Even a small bowl of chili is satisfying and filling.
• Chili is the best comfort food for entertaining large crowds. Simply double the recipe and you can easily feed 10 people at larger gatherings like game days, backyard BBQs or potlucks.
• Chili leftovers taste even better the next day!

Can You Substitute Beef for Bison?

Yes, you may use either beef or bison in this recipe.  Like I mentioned earlier, I like bison meat for its health benefits.  If you opt for ground beef, I recommend using 85%-90% lean and not leaner because you want the meat fat to flavor your chili.      

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Bison Meat
• Beans: any beans of your choosing will work – chili, kidney, black, pinto or any combination! I like using two varieties of beans for added texture.  For canned beans, I like Eden Organic brand because their beans are pre-soaked.
• Avocado Oil: I love the Chosen Foods 100% pure avocado oil and use it in my everyday cooking. You may also use ghee, but may end up needing more than 3 tbsp for browning the meat and onions. I like Grass-fed Ghee by Tin Star Foods.
• Diced Tomatoes: for thickness and flavor. For canned tomatoes, I like Organico Bello Chopped Tomatoes. They have only 2 ingredients: organic chopped tomatoes and organic tomato puree (no preservatives!).
• Onion & Garlic: for sautéing in avocado oil.
• Chili Powder & Cumin: key spices to add heat and flavor.
• Crème Fraîche, Red Onion, Jalapeños & Cilantro: all used for garnish (as desired).

How to Make This Bison Chili with Beans on the Stovetop

1. Start by browning the bison meat in a large Dutch oven with a heavy-bottom pot until there is no more pink. 
2. Once browned, transfer the meat to a separate bowl and set aside. Some of the drippings may be stuck to the bottom or the sides of the pot, but that’s perfectly fine.  In the same pot where you browned the meat, sauté the onions and garlic.
3. Next, return the ground meat to the pot with sautéed onions and garlic and add the spices.  Mix well and cook together on low setting for about 10 min.  This step is key to allow the meat to absorb the seasoning, so don’t skip it.
4. Lastly, add the remaining ingredients and cook uncovered for 30 minutes or until the chili thickens.  
5. To serve, top with your desired garnish and enjoy!  

How to Make Slow Cooker Bison Chili

Brown the bison meat in a large Dutch oven until there is no more pink. Transfer the meat into a separate bowl and set aside.  Next, sauté onions until lightly golden.  Then, add garlic and sauté for a few minutes until fragrant.

Transfer the browned bison meat, the sautéed onions and garlic to a slow cooker, add the rest of the ingredients and mix.  Cover the lid and cook on high setting for 2 hours.

Tips for Making This Recipe Perfectly

• When making this chili on the stovetop, let the meat brown with the seasoning for about 10 minutes before adding the tomatoes, beans and water.  This will give your chili a ton of flavor!
• If cooking in a slow cooker, brown the meat and the onions separately before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Instead of adding water straight to the pot, pour it into the emptied can or jar of tomatoes you just used, swirl it around and then add the tomato-y water to the pot. 
• If you serve this chili with salted crackers (my favorite are the Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers), then there is no need to salt the chili before serving.  Otherwise, salt to taste.
• This Bison Chili with Beans will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.

What are Good Toppings for Chili?

My toppings of choice are crème fraîche, diced red onion, jalapeños & cilantro. 

Here are some other great topping choices:

• Chopped Avocado
• Sliced Green Onions
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• Crumbled Queso Fresco
• Sour Cream

How to Serve this Bison Chili with Beans

Personally, I think this Bison Chili with Beans is filling as-is, but here are some other ideas on how to serve this hearty, flavorful dish:

• With Crackers – I love Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers!
• With Cornbread – check out this must-try recipe!
• In a Baked Potato or over Mashed Potatoes
• Over Rice (regular or cauliflower)
• Over Cooked Vegetables or Leafy Greens

More Main Dishes You’ll Love

• Turmeric Turkey Meatballs – perfect for an easy weekday dinner
• Mediterranean Tagine Stew – flavor-packed comfort food for any occasion

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