This protein-packed bison and bean chili recipe is bursting with sweet and smoky flavors.
Believe it or not, we’re already at Week 3 of the #HealthyNewYear 6-Week Challenge! In case you missed it, on Week 1 I shared my Chai Tea Smoothie Bowl to inspire our group of over 900 individuals to start their day with a protein-packed breakfast. On Week 2 we challenged everyone to get creative with ethnic flavors in the kitchen when I shared my Asian Noodle Soup with Shrimp and Wontons.
This week is all about trying a new lean protein source at dinner which is why I’m thrilled to share this Meaty Bison Chili. Don’t get me wrong, I love cooking with chicken and ground turkey but there are many other options that are equally nutritious and flavorful.
Lately I am all about ground bison which tastes a lot like ground beef and can be used almost interchangably. We love using it in stuffed peppers and Dara used it recently to create a delicious Bison Shepherd’s Pie. Bison is also part of the Kroger Simple Truth line which means all items are “free of 101” meaning you can be sure it won’t contain any artificial ingredients such as aspartame, antibiotics, trans fats and more.
If you haven’t joined the Healthy New Year Six-Week Challenge, there’s no time like the present. Head on over to our Healthy New Year 6-Week Challenge Facebook page today and join the 950+ who have already committed to healthier living. And don’t forget to tag myself (@TheLemonBowl) and Dara (@CookinCanuck) on social media along with #HealthyNewYear so we can rally behind you!
In the meantime, head to your nearest Kroger and stock up on the Simple Truth products so you can make this rich and flavorful bison chili. Their black beans and canned goods were almost half what I normally pay in other stores which means I can stock up and freeze extra chili for a busy day lunch later in the month.
What is your favorite lean source of protein? I’d love to hear from you.
Your spoon is waiting.
- 1 pound ground bison
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne or black pepper
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic grated
- 2 sweet bell peppers seeded and diced
- 2 in chipotle peppers adobo minced - remove seeds to keep mild
- 12 ounce can light beer
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 14 ounce can stewed tomatoes
- 14 ounce can black beans drained and rinsed
- 14 ounce can kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons barbeque sauce
- salt and pepper to taste
- shredded cheese scallions and sour cream - optional garnish
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Heat a large sauce pot over medium-high and spray with cooking spray.
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Add bison, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt and cayenne. Cook until bison is browned, stirring occasionally, 7-9 minutes.
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To the pan, add onion, garlic and peppers. Cook until vegetable are softened, 6-8 minutes.
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Add beer to deglaze, scraping up brown bits on bottom of pan using a wooden spoon.
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Stir in chicken broth, tomatoes, beans and barbecue sauce then return to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes or longer.
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Serve with a dollop of sour cream, scallions and shredded cheddar cheese.
Photography by Alejandro Photography // Recipe by The Lemon Bowl
Disclosure: We are honored to have Kroger as a sponsor of this week’s #HealthyNewYear challenge. Thank you for supporting the brands that make The Lemon Bowl possible. All thoughts are my own.
For more healthy and delicious Soups and Chilis check out my Pinterest page!
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Mary M. Martinez
This looks delicious!! My hubby even asks for it sometimes! I’ll have to try this recipe though, it would be nice to do something chili.
Liz DellaCroce
Let me know what you think of the chili Mary!
Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen
I love Simple Truth products. It’s a bit of a drive for me to the nearest Kroger but so worth it. This chili has my name all over it!
Liz DellaCroce
Your boys would love it!! Aren’t Simple Truth products just the best? Hope you had a great birthday!!
Heidi @foodiecrush
I recently had bison at a dinner I attended and it was AMAZING! I can only imagine how good it will be in the chili.
Liz DellaCroce
Isn’t it so good? Every time I eat it I kick myself for not making it more often.
Rachel Cooks
This looks so hearty and delicious!
Liz DellaCroce
I need all the warmth I can get right now with these freezing temps! Thanks lady!
Cookin Canuck
I can practically taste this curry! The flavor of bison would add such a wonderful richness. I’m so excited about our challenge this week!
Liz DellaCroce
Well there’s no curry in this chili but that might not be a bad idea – hahaha!!
Aggie @ Aggie's Kitchen
I use ground turkey a lot but I love bison! I’ve been picking it up a lot and it’s a great alternative to beef. Your chili looks so good!!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you so much!! It’s like 11 degrees outside so I could bath in it haha!!
Lori @ RecipeGirl
My family would love this- adding it to my must-try soon list!
Liz DellaCroce
It’s so good and great for freezing or having for lunch the next day too! Stay warm friend!
haley @cupcakes and sunshine
Okay, this sounds absolutely incredible!!!! I’ve never made anything with Bison, however I have had Bison sliders at a restaurant and they were to die for!!
Liz DellaCroce
Bison is seriously the best. It’s juicy and contains a really good meaty, beefy flavor!
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness
Bison is basically my most favorite meat EVER! It’s so lean, protein-packed AND tasty. I’ve yet to try it in chili, and now I know that I have to try this! Pinned!
Liz DellaCroce
I seriously agree with you. I hope more people start trying it – I really think people will love it!