Ground bison is a versatile and nutritious alternative to traditional meats like beef or pork. With various recipes available, you can explore new and delicious ways to enjoy this lean protein in your meals. Bison is known for being lower in calories and fat yet high in essential nutrients like B12, iron, and protein.
This article offers a collection of 15 ground bison recipes that are quick and easy to prepare, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a large gathering or a simple family dinner, these recipes will provide healthy and satisfying options that everyone will love. Discover how ground bison can elevate your culinary repertoire and add a flavorful twist to your favorite dishes.
1) Bison Chili
Bison chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings a twist to the traditional beef chili. Bison meat is leaner than beef, making it a healthier option without sacrificing taste.
Start by heating a large pot on medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil and cook ground bison until it’s no longer pink. This usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Next, add chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic to the pot. Sauté the vegetables until they are soft and the onions are translucent.
Once the vegetables are ready, combine the bison and vegetables. Add canned tomatoes, beans, and your favorite chili spices. Common spices include chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano.
Stir the mixture well and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Let it cook for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Serve the bison chili hot, garnished with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions. Enjoy it with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
2) Ground Bison Tacos
You will find that ground bison makes a flavorful and lean alternative to traditional taco meats. Cooking it is quick and easy.
First, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onion until translucent. Add minced garlic, diced jalapeños, and red bell pepper. Stir and cook for a few minutes.
Next, add the ground bison to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Ensure it is fully browned. Bison cooks fast, so keep an eye on it.
Once the bison is cooked, mix in your favorite taco seasoning, tomato paste, and a bit of water. Stir everything well and let it simmer. This helps the flavors meld together.
You can also add a twist by making a creamy jalapeño sauce. Blend chipotle peppers, pineapple, garlic, and spices until smooth. Pour it over the cooked bison and simmer for a few more minutes. This gives your tacos an extra kick.
Serve the ground bison mixture in taco shells. Top with fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado. Enjoy your tasty and unique ground bison tacos!
3) Bison Meatballs
Bison meatballs offer a tasty and healthy alternative to traditional beef meatballs. They are rich in flavor yet leaner than beef, making them a nutritious choice.
To make bison meatballs, start by preheating your oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, combine ground bison with seasonings like parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add eggs and breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture.
Once everything is mixed well, shape the meat into 1.5-inch meatballs. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or a silicone baking mat. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the meatballs are sizzling and fully cooked.
For a delicious twist, you can serve these meatballs in marinara sauce. Heat the sauce in a saucepan and then add the meatballs, letting them simmer for a few minutes. This helps the meatballs absorb the rich flavors of the sauce.
Pair your bison meatballs with roasted vegetables or over crispy roasted sweet potatoes for a complete meal. This dish is simple to prepare yet full of flavors, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
4) Bison Burger Sliders
Bison burger sliders are a tasty twist on classic sliders. They’re perfect for a quick meal or party snack. You can make them easily with fresh bison meat.
Start by combining ground bison with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into small patties.
Cook the patties on a hot grill until they reach your desired level of doneness.
Place the cooked patties on slider buns. Add your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, and cheese.
For extra flavor, caramelize some onions and add them to the sliders. You can also spread a bit of mustard or your favorite sauce on the buns.
These sliders are juicy, flavorful, and a great way to enjoy bison meat.
5) Bison Shepherd’s Pie
Bison Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty and flavorful dish that puts a twist on the classic recipe. Instead of using ground beef, you use ground bison, which has a richer taste and is lower in fat.
Start by preparing mashed potatoes. Boil peeled and chopped potatoes until they are tender. Mash them with butter, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are soft, then add ground bison. Brown the meat, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
Mix in Italian seasoning, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir in frozen peas and carrots, and cook until everything is heated through.
For a creamy texture, add creme fraiche and shredded cheese to the mixture. Stir until the cheese melts and everything is combined.
Transfer the bison mixture to an oven-proof dish. Spread the mashed potatoes on top, creating an even layer. You can add extra cheese on top if you like.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F until the top is golden brown and crispy. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade Bison Shepherd’s Pie!
6) Bison Stuffed Peppers
Bison stuffed peppers are a flavorful and nutrient-packed meal. They combine the rich taste of bison with the fresh crunch of bell peppers. Each pepper is filled with a savory mix that often includes rice, herbs, and spices.
Start by cooking the bison in a skillet until it’s browned and crumbly. Add some garlic, rosemary, and other seasonings to enhance the flavor. Mix in cooked rice and tomato sauce to create a well-blended filling.
Cut the bell peppers in half and remove the seeds. Then spoon the bison mixture into the pepper halves. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake in the oven for about 30 minutes.
Some variations of this recipe include ingredients like mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, and paprika. Each addition brings a unique twist to the dish.
For those with dietary restrictions, options like dairy-free cheese or leaving out the cheese entirely can be considered. You can also garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Bison stuffed peppers make for a delicious and hearty dinner that’s both healthy and satisfying.
7) Bison Lasagna
Bison lasagna is a delicious and hearty twist on the classic Italian dish.
To start, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until the onions are translucent.
Next, add ground bison to the skillet. Cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Combine cooked bison with tomato paste, tomatoes, and your favorite spices like oregano and salt. Let it simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors blend.
Boil lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese with some spinach and mozzarella cheese.
Layer the lasagna in a baking dish starting with a layer of bison sauce, followed by noodles, and then cheese mixture. Repeat the layers until you’ve used all the ingredients.
Top the lasagna with more mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Let it cool slightly before serving to make it easier to cut and serve. Enjoy!
8) Bison Meatloaf
Bison meatloaf is a unique twist on the classic comfort food. It offers a rich flavor while being leaner than traditional beef meatloaf. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Combine ground bison with your usual meatloaf mix-ins like bread crumbs, eggs, and spices. Using your hands can help blend the ingredients thoroughly.
Form the bison mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a greased baking pan. You can add a glaze on top for extra flavor. A simple mixture of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard works well.
Bake the meatloaf for about an hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. If you use bacon strips on top, they will add a nice crispy texture. Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to make it easier to cut.
This bison meatloaf is perfect for a hearty dinner. Serve it with mashed potatoes or a side of vegetables for a complete meal. Your family will enjoy this healthier take on a favorite dish.
9) Bison Spaghetti Sauce
Start by heating a skillet on medium heat with some vegetable oil.
Add some chopped onions and sauté them for 3-5 minutes until translucent and slightly browned.
Add a pound of ground bison to the skillet. Season it with dried oregano, rosemary, thyme, cayenne pepper, ground paprika, all-purpose seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Cook the bison, breaking it up as it browns.
Once the meat is browned, add tomato paste and marinara sauce to the skillet.
Mix everything well to combine the flavors. Let the sauce simmer on medium heat for 15-20 minutes.
While the sauce simmers, cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions.
After the sauce has thickened, remove it from heat and serve over the cooked spaghetti.
Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese for an extra touch.
Enjoy your hearty and flavorful bison spaghetti sauce!
10) Bison Breakfast Sausage
To make bison breakfast sausage, start with ground bison and add your favorite seasonings. Common choices are sage, fennel, garlic powder, and black pepper.
After mixing the ingredients in a bowl, shape the seasoned bison into small patties. Aim for about 2-3 ounces per patty, which is a good size for cooking.
Heat up a skillet over medium-high heat. A cast iron skillet works well for this. Cook the patties for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are thoroughly cooked.
You can also try different herbs and spices like cumin, oregano, or basil to give the sausages a unique flavor. Serve the bison sausages hot, and enjoy a tasty, protein-packed breakfast.
11) Bison Lettuce Wraps
Bison lettuce wraps are a tasty and healthy alternative to traditional wraps. They are lower in calories and provide a good amount of protein. The fresh lettuce complements the rich flavor of the bison nicely.
To make bison lettuce wraps, start by preparing your ground bison. Mix the bison with garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Form the mixture into patties.
Cook the patties on a hot grill until they are browned on both sides. While the patties are cooking, wash and dry large lettuce leaves. Use iceberg or butterhead lettuce for the best results.
Once the patties are cooked, cut them into smaller pieces. Place a few pieces in the middle of each lettuce leaf. Add your favorite toppings such as avocado slices and fresh cilantro.
You can also add a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor. Wrap the lettuce around the bison and enjoy your healthy meal. They are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner and are sure to satisfy.
12) Bison Enchiladas
Bison enchiladas are a delicious twist on the traditional dish, using bison meat instead of the usual beef or chicken. Start by cooking ground bison in a skillet until it’s browned. Add diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped jalapeño to enhance the flavor. Season the mixture with chili powder, cumin, and oregano.
Warm up corn tortillas to make them pliable. Spread a layer of enchilada sauce in the bottom of your baking dish. Fill each tortilla with the bison mixture, then roll them up and place them seam-side down in the dish.
Cover the enchiladas with more sauce and sprinkle with cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your tasty bison enchiladas!
13) Bison Meatball Subs
Bison meatball subs are a delicious twist on the classic sub sandwich. These subs are made with juicy, flavorful bison meatballs, making them a healthier and leaner option compared to traditional beef.
Begin by making the meatballs. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Combine ground bison, breadcrumbs, eggs, parmesan, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, oregano, and thyme in a large bowl. Mix everything until it is evenly combined.
Form the mixture into 1 1/2 inch meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat or aluminum foil. Bake the meatballs for about 10 minutes, or until they are cooked through and sizzling.
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sub rolls. You can use any type of roll you prefer. Toast them lightly to add a bit of crunch. Once the meatballs are done, place them into the rolls.
Top the meatballs with your favorite marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. Place the subs under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve these tasty bison meatball subs hot. They are perfect for a hearty lunch or a quick weeknight dinner.
14) Bison Stroganoff
Bison Stroganoff is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. You start by cooking egg noodles according to the package directions, then draining and setting them aside.
Next, brown ground bison with garlic, mushrooms, and onions over medium heat until there’s no pink.
Afterward, drain any fat from the skillet, then add canned mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, and sour cream to the cooked bison. Stir it all together and let it cook for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
Sprinkle in flour while stirring to ensure there are no lumps. This will help to thicken the sauce. Season lightly with salt and pepper as needed.
For a twist, you can bake the mixture in a 300°F oven until the bison becomes tender, about four hours. This slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become fall-apart tender. Don’t forget to let the meat cool in the braising liquid to retain moisture.
Serve the bison mixture over the egg noodles. This dish combines tender bison, savory mushrooms, and a creamy sauce, making it a satisfying and comforting meal.
15) Bison Cabbage Rolls
Bison cabbage rolls are a tasty and nutritious dish you can easily make at home. To start, mix ground bison, vegetables, rice, and seasonings in a large bowl.
Prepare the cabbage by cutting out the core and boiling it until the leaves are soft. Spoon the bison mixture into the boiled cabbage leaves and roll them up.
Wrap each roll with bacon for added flavor. Brown the rolls in a skillet, then add tomato sauce. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes until they are cooked through.
Serve with your favorite side dish for a complete meal. Enjoy the rich taste of bison combined with the comfort of cabbage rolls.
Nutritional Benefits of Ground Bison
Ground bison is packed with many nutrients, making it a healthier choice for your meals. It’s high in protein, low in fat and calories, and rich in essential vitamins and minerals.
High Protein Content
Ground bison is an excellent source of protein. One serving (approximately 4 ounces) contains around 23 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, making enzymes and hormones, and supporting muscle growth.
Including bison in your diet helps meet daily protein requirements. It’s particularly beneficial if you lead an active lifestyle or are looking to build muscle. Unlike other protein sources, bison provides all nine essential amino acids. This makes it a complete protein source, crucial for overall health and wellness.
Low Fat and Calories
Bison is known for being lean. Compared to other meats like beef, bison has significantly less fat. A 4-ounce serving of ground bison contains about 6 grams of fat and 150 calories.
Choosing bison over beef can help manage your fat intake without sacrificing taste. Bison’s lean profile means you get a high amount of protein with fewer calories, which is beneficial for weight management. Even though it’s low in fat, it still retains a rich and hearty flavor, ensuring your meals remain delicious.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Ground bison is also packed with important vitamins and minerals. It contains high levels of B vitamins, especially B12. These vitamins are crucial for energy production and proper brain function.
Bison is also rich in iron, which is vital for making hemoglobin and transporting oxygen in the blood. Additionally, bison provides zinc, which supports the immune system, and selenium, which plays a role in metabolism. Incorporating bison into your diet can help ensure you meet your nutritional needs without relying on supplements.
How to Cook Ground Bison
Cooking ground bison is different from cooking other meats like beef. It requires special attention to the cooking method, seasoning, and temperature to bring out its best flavors and keep it tender and juicy.
Choosing the Right Cooking Method
Ground bison is leaner than ground beef, so it can dry out easily. Choosing the right cooking method is key to maintaining its moisture. Grilling, pan-searing, and baking are popular methods.
Grilling ground bison burgers on a hot grill adds a smoky flavor. To keep the meat from falling apart, use a light touch when forming the patties.
Pan-searing is good for making dishes like bison tacos as it allows for control over the cooking time and temperature. Use medium-high heat and cook quickly to prevent the meat from drying out.
Baking bison meatloaf in the oven offers even cooking and helps the meat retain moisture. Cover it with foil if necessary to keep it from drying out.
Seasoning Tips
Seasoning ground bison is essential to enhance its natural flavors. Due to its low-fat content, it benefits from bold seasonings.
Use salt and pepper as a base, and mix in herbs like thyme and rosemary for more flavor. Garlic and onions also work well with ground bison, adding earthiness and sweetness.
For a smoky touch, try adding paprika or smoked paprika. If you’re making a dish like bison meatballs, consider incorporating spices like cumin and coriander.
Adding moisture is also important. Consider mixing in a bit of olive oil, mustard, or even a touch of mayo to make the meat more succulent.
Cooking Times and Temperatures
Cooking times and temperatures for ground bison differ from those for beef due to its lean nature.
For burgers, cook the patties on medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side. Aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure safety while keeping the meat juicy.
If you’re making bison meatloaf, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes. Check with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches at least 160°F (71°C) internally.
For pan-seared dishes, cook on medium-high heat for no more than 8-10 minutes in total. Keep an eye on the meat to prevent it from overcooking and drying out.
