How to Make Bison Chili from Scratch - A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compare to a hearty bowl of chili. And if you're looking to switch things up from the traditional beef variety, bison chili is an excellent alternative. The lean and protein-packed meat brings a unique flavor to the dish that elevates it to a whole new level. In this recipe, we'll show you how to make bison chili from scratch, using a blend of spices and hearty vegetables to create a rich and satisfying meal.

The key to a flavorful bison c...

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Ingredients

  • ½ pound dried red beans
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ pounds ground bison
  • 8 medium tomatoes, finely chopped, with liquid
  • 2 tablespoons red pepper flakes, or more to taste
  • 4 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 3 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder, or more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons masa flour, or more as needed

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 4 hrs 20 mins
  • Additional Time: 8 hrs
  • Total Time: 12 hrs 40 mins
  • Servings: 8
  • Yield: 8 servings

  • Rinse beans. Combine with 3 quarts of cold water in a large pot. Soak 8 hours to overnight.
  • Drain beans and return to the pot. Add 3 quarts fresh water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered until tender, 1 to 2 hours. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a 4-quart stockpot over medium heat. Add onion and stir until softened, 5 to 10 minutes. Add garlic, stir for a minute, then add bison and cook until browned, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir tomatoes and liquid into stockpot.
  • Combine red pepper flakes, cumin, oregano, chili powder, sea salt, white pepper, and paprika in a small container and stir to mix. Add to the stockpot and stir through. Add 1 cup water and stir gently while bringing water to a boil, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour.
  • Taste bison mixture and adjust seasoning as desired. Add beans and mix through. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon masa flour on top and gently stir in to achieve a medium-thick consistency. Cover and simmer chili over low heat for 1 hour.
  • Uncover chili, stir, and add another tablespoon masa flour. Continue simmering, uncovered, over low heat to desired consistency, 60 to 90 minutes. Cover the pot or add a teaspoon of masa flour to control consistency.
  • Nutrition

    286 cal.

    • Total Fat: 10g
    • Saturated Fat: 2g
    • Cholesterol: 44mg
    • Sodium: 271mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 28g
    • Dietary Fiber: 10g
    • Total Sugars: 5g
    • Protein: 24g
    • Vitamin C: 22mg
    • Calcium: 93mg
    • Iron: 9mg
    • Potassium: 1013mg