A unique twist on traditional chili, this bison chili recipe is packed with vegetables, black beans and bison. It’s spicy, smokey and full of flavor. In addition, this recipe is gluten-free, dairy free, and it includes stove-top, slow cooker and pressure cooking instructions.
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There are so many variations of chili, and I have to say this bison chili is one of our favorites even though it’s a little bit different than most chili recipes.
Aside from the fact that it’s made with lean and tender bison, I’ve also added a few unique ingredients which give this chili an extra punch of flavor. Once you have a taste, I’m sure you will agree that it’s one big bowl of comfort that will warm your soul.
This recipe includes instructions for a pressure cooker, slow cooker and stove top. I like the convenience of the pressure cooker. In less than an hour a piping hot bowl of chili is ready to eat, prefect when you are pressed for time.
Here is what you will need to make this recipe
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ground bison – bison is a lean and light in flavor alternative to ground beef. If you don’t have access to ground bison, you can substitute lean grond beef.
black beans – You can use canned black beans or dried beans that have been soaked and cooked.
fresh garlic
onions – I like to use yellow onions when I make soups and chili, you can also use vidalia or Spanish onions.
bell peppers – Any type of bell pepper, I like to use a combination of green and red or yellow.
jalapeno pepper – adds heat to the chili, if you don’t like heat, you can leave it out or use a poblano pepper.
chipotle chili powder – adds a smokey taste which goes well with the chocolate and coffee
chili powder – balances out the chili flavors
unsweetened coco powder – adds a unique taste to the chili
tomatoes – fresh chopped is my preference, or you can use no or low sodium canned and diced tomatoes.
brewed coffee – just a little bit to bring all of the flavor together, you can add (1/8 cup) if you prefer a lighter coffee flavor.
fresh cilantro – is added at the end of the cooking process to brighten up the chili.
The Difference Between Beef and Bison
If you have never had bison, I suggest you give it a try. It’s healthier alternative to beef. It’s leaner, yet deliciously tender and has a slightly lighter taste than beef. It’s rich in protein and is a good source of iron, Omega 3’s and vitamin B12. Even better, bison are raised on farms where they are grass fed for at least most if not all of their lives, making them a sustainable choice.
Here’s How to Make Bison Chili
The steps for each cooking method are very similar, and detailed instructions are in the recipe card.
The meat, vegetables, seasonings including the coco are all sauteed on top of the stove. The tomatoes, coffee and and beans are added to the chili mixture.
Once all of the chili ingredients are together, they can be cooked quickly in a pressure cooker, a slow cooker or on top of the stove.
Bison Chili Tips and Variations
- Due to the way it is raised, Bison can be a bit pricey, but it’s worth it. You can add more veggies and beans to stretch it out.
- For an extra punch of veggies, add diced zucchini or carrots to the chili when you are adding the peppers
- Mix up the beans – use a combination of kidney and black or all kidney or leave them out
- Substitute bison with lean ground grass-fed beef or organic ground chicken or turkey
- Use leftover chili in salads, tacos or nachos
- Garnish bison chili with any combination of: a sprinkle of lime juice, a dollop of Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, chopped onions or avocado
Try these Chili Recipes
PrintBison & Black Bean Chili
A unique twist on traditional chili, this bison chili is packed with vegetables, black beans and bison. It’s spicy, smokey and full of flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 mins
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stove-top
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground bison
- 1 large onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 jalapeno pepper diced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened coco powder
- 1/4 cup brewed coffee
- 2 cups diced tomatoes fresh or canned
- 2 cups cooked or canned black beans that have been drained
- 1/8 cup of chopped cilantro
Instructions
Stove Top:
- heat oil in a dutch oven over medium heat
- add buffalo, onion an garlic – cook until meat begins to brown and vegetables become translucent
- add the peppers and cook until they soften – about three minutes
- add the dry seasonings and mix well
- stir in the coffee, tomatoes, and black beans
- cover loosely and reduce to a simmer
- cook for 45 to 50 minutes stirring occasionally
- Just before serving add the cilantro
Slow Cooker:
- heat oil in a skillet over medium heat
- add ground bison, onion an garlic – cook until meat begins to brown and vegetables become translucent
- add the peppers and cook until they soften – about three minutes
- place mixture into a slow cooker
- add remaining ingredients, except cilantro and mix well
- cook on low for 6 hours
- stir in fresh cilantro and serve
Pressure Cooker Instructions:
- with setting on saute, heat the oil
- add bison, onion an garlic – cook until meat begins to brown and vegetables become translucent
- add the peppers and cook until they soften – about three minutes
- add remaining ingredients except for the cilantro
- cover cooker securely and set to high for 15 minutes
- quick release and stir in the fresh cilantro
- cover and keep warm until ready to serve
Notes
Bison Chili Tips and Variations
- Due to the way it is raised, Bison can be a bit pricey, but it’s worth it. You can add more veggies and beans to stretch it out.
- For an extra punch of veggies, add diced zucchini or carrots
- Mix up the beans, add a combination of kidney and black or all kidney or leave them out
- Leave beans out and add 2 cups of vegetables such as zuccnini, peppers and carrots
- Substitute bison with lean ground grass-fed beef or organic ground chicken or turkey
- Use leftover chili in salads, tacos or nachos
- Garnish bison chili with any combination of a sprinkle of lime juice, a dollop of Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, chopped onions or avocado
Nutrition information is provided by Nutrifox, an online calculator and is meant to be used for informational purposes only. Even though I try to provide accurate information, these figures should still be considered as estimates
Keywords: chili,dinner
Nutrition information is provided by Nutrifox, an online calculator and is meant to be used for informational purposes only. Even though I try to provide accurate information, these figures should still be considered as estimates.
That sounds interesting. I have never tired bison! #turnituptuesday
You should give it a try! It tastes much better than beef!
I love a good chili!! Oh my goodness this one looks and sounds so yummy! Thanks for posting! I’m going to make this one!
I’ve never seen anyone adding cocoa or coffee to their chili, sounds interesting!
This recipe sounds incredible, I love the idea of coffee and cocoa in here, very creative! Thank you for sharing, Anne! 🙂
Thank you Nicole!
This reminds me of a Southwestern dish with the black beans. Such an interesting twist with the bison
★★★★
I’m so going to make this. I love that you have cooking instructions for more than the stove-top. I’ve never had bison but this will be the recipe to try it with
I love bison meat. It’s so flavorful and delicious. And it is healthier than beef! I”ll have to find some here so I can make this. This cold weather screams for chili.
★★★★★
We love chili in our house. We also love using alternative meat options, like venison, so bison is super intriguing to me!!
★★★★★
I’ve only made bison as burgers. This chili using bison sounds so good!
There is a place near my house that makes really good bison burgers, but I have not had bison chili and I can’t wait to give it a try. I love your spice combo!
★★★★★
I have heard so many good things about Bison. Especially Bison itself as it is pretty lean. I need to get around and try it.
I love bison but I never once considered putting it in chili! That is brilliant. Love the flavor combinations and this looks so delicious and easy to make!
★★★★★
I don’t know why people don’t use bison more. This looks like a great reason to get the bison out for an amazing chili!
This is very interesting – I have never tired bison. And I must admit I have never had meat in my coffee. I have to try this one, I think I will like it. Sounds so yum.
★★★★★
Bison seems to be a good alternative to beef for sure. And I love your chili recipe. It gives me the perfect excuse to try bison meat.
I hope you enjoy it Saima!
This bison chilli sounds absolutely delicious! I don’t think it’s very easy to get bison here but I would love to try it as an alternative to a beef chilli.
★★★★★
Corina You can also make this chili with ground beef! It will be a little heavier but still delicious!
They say bison meat is leaner, so better for you. And this chili looks great, like the black beans in there! I am vegetarian, but my husband isn’t and he would like this chili for sure!
★★★★★
Wow, I love that you have coffee and cocoa in a savory recipe! I need to try this asap. Thanks for sharing!
★★★★★
Wow! This reminds me of the venison chili my husband used to make. Could you possibly substitute another game meat for bison if it isn’t available?
Very interesting recipe. We have used coffee in our recipes but never in our chili. We love our wild game meat and bison is readily available in our grocery stores. It is lower in fat than regular beef. I’ve passed up buying it but I’m wanting to try out your recipe. It looks and sounds delicious.
★★★★★
Thanks Marisa I hope you give it a try.
I haven’t had bison in a really long time – this recipe is reminding me of how much I like it! A guy I used to work with made bison chili and would bring it into the office, it was always soooo delicious.
A good chili recipe is exactly what we need on a cold january chicago day. Will definitely give it a try. thank you for sharing.
I hope you like it!
This sounds delicious! I love bison and the addition of coffee is so intriguing!
★★★★★
Thanks Raia the coffee is really good in this!
I’ve been looking for a beginner friendly ground bison recipe and this looks delicious! Love those cheese shavings on top 🙂
★★★★★
I love that you have included so many different ways to prepare this chili! I love making chili in my slow cooker, but sometimes need to have it prepped a little faster. Pinning to try this during our next cold spell!
Thanks Meredith!
I have never cooked bison and I will have to try this! Thanks for sharing and great tips.
★★★★★
You are welcome, Enjoy!
Love that you’re using bison here. I feel like bison doesn’t get enough love!
Thanks Kelly! We love bison and we have a farm close by so we can get it local
So many lovely flavors – the coffee addition is fantastic! Thank you!
★★★★★
Love a yummy, hearty chili during the winter. This looks so comforting!
★★★★★
Yummy comfort food!! I’m excited to make this; thank you!
★★★★★
What a lovely healthy and hearty meal all made in one pot! Delicious!
★★★★★
We live in bison country so I have to try this out soon!
★★★★★
I love the addition of coffee and cocoa powder! My mouth is watering just thinking about the flavor. Yumm!
★★★★★
I don’t think I have ever tried bison, this sounds very tasty! I love the added cocoa powder and coffee, I bet it gives the dish so much flavour!
★★★★★
This is a really good idea! I will definitely have to try this! I’ve wondered how bison is, and it sounds delicious!
★★★★★
Thank you Katie!
Ooooh, bison chili sounds so delicious! Paired with black beans, this is a winner. Love it!
★★★★★
Thank you Catherine!
Success. To those who were wondering, the coffee and coco give it a smoky campfire bite. You don’t taste either of them distinctly as coffee or coco within the mix. It really does work.
★★★★★
Thank you Andrea! I’m glad you liked it.
When you say coffee is it grounds or actual coffe
Hi Denny, It is actual brewed coffee not the grinds.
Ok to freeze leftovers?
Yes Susan and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before re-heating.
Yes Susan you can freeze leftover chili. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before re-heating it.