Easy Bison Chili
Warm, filling, and infinitely customizable. Make a big batch and freeze for quick future meals.
The best thing about chili is that it gets better the longer it sits. Make it on a Sunday when you have time, and every reheating deepens the flavor. The longer it simmers today, the less work you'll have tomorrow.
Bison chili is clean-tasting because the meat is lean. You're not skimming grease off the top. You're just getting straight minerality, depth, and the slow blooming of spices cooked down together.
Ingredients
2 lbs ground bison
2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
1 large onion, diced
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 can kidney or black beans (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
Toppings: shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro, lime, sour cream
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
Sauté diced onion until softened, about 3 minutes.
Add ground bison and cook until browned, breaking it apart, about 5-7 minutes.
Add chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Stir well and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add diced tomatoes (with juice) and beans if using.
Simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavor.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve with your choice of toppings.
The Longer Simmer
Time is the main ingredient in a good chili. Those spices need at least 45 minutes minimum to really bloom. If you have time, you can let it go longer (an hour, even 90 minutes).
Freezing Instructions
Chili freezes easily. Make sure it has completely cooled down and portion it into freezer containers or bags, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if it's too thick.
Get Our Bison
Ready to bring regenerative bison home? We make it easy.
Order with SNAP/EBT benefits at Grownby. Use your benefits for nutrient-dense, regenerative bison delivered straight to you.
Order with a credit card at Delivered Cold. We ship bison cuts directly to your door.
Shop in person every Saturday, 10 AM to 2 PM, at Bastrop 1832 Farmers Market, 1302 Chestnut Street, Bastrop, Texas 78602. Meet our team, ask questions, and take bison home the same day.
Every purchase strengthens Indigenous-led food sovereignty on the Southern Plains.
More Bison Recipes
Browse our full recipe collection for slow cooker meals, grilled options, and family favorites. Each recipe honors the kinship between our land, our Buffalo relatives, and your table.
Follow our story on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for behind-the-scenes glimpses of ranch life and real family meals made with TTBP bison.