Hearty Bison Chili

If you’re craving a hearty, flavor-packed meal that warms you from the inside out, this Bison Chili is it. Made with lean ground bison, beans, tomatoes, and a bold blend of spices, it’s rich and satisfying without being heavy. Everything simmers together in one pot, making it a simple, nourishing dinner that’s perfect for chilly nights.

What I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can keep it classic with your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, and green onions, or make it your own with extra heat, a squeeze of lime, or some diced avocado. Whether you’re cooking for game day, meal prep, or just a cozy weeknight dinner, this bison chili will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!

Nutritional benefits of this recipe

• Bison has rich amounts of B vitamins, iron, zinc, and selenium, and beneficial Omega-3 and conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs). These nutritional advantages support muscle growth, brain and heart health, immune function, and may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and certain chronic conditions
• Onion and garlic are antibacterial and antimicrobial, so they boost gut health and your immune system.
• Chicken stock is rich in amino acids like l-glutamine and lysine, as well as collagen, gelatin, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
• Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, as well as Vitamin C, lutein, zeaxanthin.

this post

Ingredients for Bison Chili

Ground bison

Canned beans – I used red kidney beans and black beans

Crushed tomatoes – I used fire roasted crushed tomatoes

Broth – I used chicken broth.

Onion – or you can use a small leek (white and light green part only), or a large shallot.

Garlic – use fresh garlic cloves! It adds the absolute best flavor and is so much better than pre-minced or dried.

Chili powder

Smoked paprika – optional. Omit if desired.

Dried oregano – optional.

Salt

How to make Bison Chili

1. Preheat a large pot to medium-high heat with a tablespoon of avocado oil. Add the diced onion and sauté about 5 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
2. Incorporate the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
3. Add the ground bison and cook, breaking it up, until browned. About 5-8 minutes. Sprinkle 1 tsp of salt and incorporate.
4. Add the canned beans (rinsed and drained), crushed tomatoes, broth, and the remaining salt, chili powder, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Stir it all together and let it simmer for a few minutes.
5. Taste test and add additional salt or other seasonings of choice if desired.

Modifications

• If you like a tomato-heavy chili, then double the amount of crushed tomatoes in the recipe.
• Protein swap – If you don’t have bison, swap it with ground beef, turkey, venison, or chicken. Each will give the chili a slightly different flavor and texture.
• Mix and match your beans if desired – Pinto beans, cannellini beans, or even chickpeas work well in chili.
• Spice level – Add jalapeños, chipotle peppers in adobo, or cayenne for extra heat. Keep it mild by skipping the green chiles.
• Give the chili a veggie boost by tossing in bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for more color and nutrients.

Other recipes you’ll love

Red Lentil and Beef Chili

Easy Stuffed Pepper Chili

Pantry Chili

Smoked Paprika Black Bean Chili

I hope you loved this Hearty Bison Chili! Please be sure to leave a comment and rating if you give it a try. I would love to know how it turned out for you 🙂

Hearty Bison Chili

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Christine Manes
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4–5 servings 1x
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Stovetop

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 Tbsp grass-fed tallow, or avocado oil

1 medium onion, diced

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 lb ground bison

1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes

1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans

1 (15 oz) can black beans

1 (4.5 oz) can green chiles

1 Tbsp chili powder

1 1/2 tsp salt, to taste

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

1/2–1 cup broth, to preference

Garnishes

Grass-fed shredded cheese, sour cream, healthy chips (I love Siete!), fresh herbs like chopped cilantro, parsley, oregano, etc.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat a pot to medium-high heat with a tablespoon of avocado oil. Add the diced onion and sauté about 5 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
2. Incorporate the minced garlic and sauté for another minute. 
3. Add the ground bison and cook, breaking it up, until browned. About 5-8 minutes. Sprinkle 1 tsp of salt and incorporate. 
4. Add the canned beans (rinsed and drained), crushed tomatoes, broth, and the remaining salt, chili powder, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Stir it all together and let it simmer for a few minutes. 
5. Taste test and add additional salt or other seasonings of choice if desired.

Equipment

5 quart pot

Buy Now →

Recipe Card powered by

Keywords: bison chili recipe, ground bison chili, healthy bison chili, easy bison chili, best bison chili recipe, bison chili with beans, one pot bison chili, homemade bison chili, lean bison chili, bison chili healthy dinner, weeknight bison chili, hearty bison chili, protein-packed chili, bison chili for meal prep, gluten free bison chili, bison chili stovetop, classic bison chili, chili with ground bison, cozy bison chili recipe, bison chili for game day, how to make bison chili, what to serve with bison chili, best toppings for bison chili, bison chili meal prep ideas, easy stovetop bison chili, slow cooker bison chili recipe, instant pot bison chili, high protein chili with bison, healthy weeknight bison chili, cozy fall bison chili recipe, game day bison chili ideas, gluten free bison chili recipe, hearty bean and bison chili, spicy bison chili recipe, family friendly bison chili, homemade chili with ground bison, lean ground bison chili recipe, flavorful bison chili from scratch, one pot bison chili dinner, quick and easy bison chili