Ground bison offers a tasty and healthy option for your meals. This lean meat packs more protein and nutrients than beef, with less fat and calories. You can use it in many dishes as a substitute for ground beef.
These 15 ground bison recipes will give you new ideas for cooking this versatile meat. Try bison in chili, meatballs, burgers, meatloaf, and pasta dishes. With these recipes, you’ll find easy ways to add bison to your menu and enjoy its rich flavor.
Bison chili is a tasty twist on a classic comfort food. You’ll love its rich flavor and lean profile. Start by browning ground bison in a large pot.
Add onions, garlic, and bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. Toss in your favorite beans, diced tomatoes, and spices like cumin and chili powder.
Let the chili simmer for about 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the flavors to blend perfectly. Serve your bison chili hot, topped with cheese, sour cream, or green onions.
You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste. For a heartier meal, serve it over rice or with cornbread on the side.
Bison burgers are a tasty and healthier alternative to beef burgers. They’re lower in fat and calories but still packed with flavor.
To make bison burgers, mix ground bison with your favorite seasonings. Form the meat into patties and cook them on a grill or in a skillet.
Be careful not to overcook bison burgers. They cook faster than beef due to their lower fat content. Aim for medium-rare to medium doneness for the best texture and taste.
Serve your bison burgers on buns with your choice of toppings. Lettuce, tomato, cheese, and condiments all work well. You can also try unique toppings like avocado or caramelized onions.
Bison meatballs are a tasty and lean alternative to traditional beef meatballs. To make them, mix ground bison with breadcrumbs, eggs, and your favorite seasonings.
Form the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the meatballs for about 10 minutes.
You can add garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian herbs for extra flavor. Parmesan cheese is a good addition too. For a binder, use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you prefer.
Bison stroganoff is a tasty twist on the classic beef dish. You can make it with ground bison for a quick and easy meal. The lean meat pairs well with mushrooms and a creamy sauce.
To make bison stroganoff, cook the ground bison in a pan. Add sliced mushrooms and onions. Mix in sour cream and heavy cream for richness. Serve the mixture over egg noodles or rice.
This comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights. You can prepare it ahead of time and reheat it later. Bison stroganoff is a great way to enjoy the unique flavor of bison in a familiar dish.
Bison tacos offer a tasty twist on a classic favorite. Ground bison cooks quickly and has a rich flavor that pairs well with taco seasonings.
To make bison tacos, brown the meat in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add your favorite taco seasoning and cook until the bison is no longer pink.
Warm up some tortillas and add the cooked bison. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and salsa. For extra flavor, try a creamy jalapeño or chipotle sauce.
Bison tacos are a healthy option. The meat is lean and high in protein. You can customize your toppings to make them as nutritious as you like.
Bison meatloaf offers a leaner, healthier twist on the classic comfort food. To make it, mix ground bison with bread soaked in milk, eggs, and your choice of seasonings.
Add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, onions, and zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition. Form the mixture into a loaf shape on a baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
For a flavorful topping, brush the meatloaf with a mixture of tomato sauce and spices before baking. Cook the meatloaf in a preheated 350°F oven for about an hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal.
Bison Shepherd’s Pie offers a tasty twist on the classic comfort food. To make it, brown ground bison in a skillet with seasonings like Italian herbs, onion powder, and garlic powder.
Add frozen peas and carrots to the meat mixture. Stir in some crème fraîche and shredded cheese for extra flavor and creaminess.
For the topping, prepare mashed potatoes with butter, milk, and your choice of add-ins like chives, jalapeños, or more cheese. Spread the potatoes over the bison mixture in an even layer.
Bake the pie in a 375°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, until the potato topping is set and lightly browned. This hearty dish is perfect for cool evenings or when you want a filling meal.
Bison Sloppy Joes offer a healthier twist on a classic comfort food. To make them, you’ll brown ground bison in a pan with onions and garlic.
Next, add tomato sauce, ketchup, and spices like oregano and fennel. Let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes to develop flavors.
Serve the bison mixture on whole wheat buns for added nutrition. You can customize your Sloppy Joes by adding diced bell peppers or a touch of heat with jalapeños.
This meal comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a tasty way to introduce bison into your diet while enjoying a familiar dish.
Bison lasagna offers a leaner twist on the classic Italian dish. You can easily swap ground beef for ground bison in your favorite lasagna recipe.
Start by browning the bison meat with onions and garlic. Add tomato sauce and simmer to develop flavors. Layer the meat sauce with lasagna noodles and cheese in a baking dish.
For extra flavor, mix some chipotle peppers in adobo sauce into your meat sauce. This adds a subtle smoky kick that pairs well with bison’s rich taste.
Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it rest before serving to allow the layers to set. Enjoy your hearty and delicious bison lasagna!
Bison stew is a hearty and nutritious meal perfect for cold days. To make it, brown ground bison in a large pot. Remove the meat and set aside.
Sauté carrots, celery, and onions in the same pot. Add garlic and your favorite herbs for extra flavor. Return the bison to the pot and pour in beef broth.
Simmer the stew for about an hour, letting the flavors meld. Add potatoes and any other veggies you like. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
Serve your bison stew hot with crusty bread. It’s a comforting dish that’s both tasty and good for you.
Bison stuffed peppers offer a tasty twist on a classic dish. To make them, brown ground bison in a skillet with onions and garlic.
Mix in cooked rice, tomato sauce, and seasonings like oregano and rosemary. Stuff this filling into halved bell peppers.
Bake the stuffed peppers in the oven at 375°F for about 40-45 minutes. For extra flavor, top with shredded cheese before serving.
You can customize this recipe by adding mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or your favorite vegetables to the filling. Bison stuffed peppers are a nutritious and satisfying meal option.
Bison kebabs offer a tasty and lean alternative to traditional beef skewers. You can make them using ground bison or cubed bison meat.
For ground bison kebabs, mix the meat with spices like garlic, cumin, and paprika. Shape the mixture around skewers and chill for a couple of hours before grilling.
If using cubed bison, marinate the meat in a blend of olive oil, vinegar, and herbs. Thread the marinated bison onto skewers, alternating with colorful vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini.
Grill your bison kebabs over medium-high heat, turning occasionally. Cook for about 3 minutes per side for medium-rare. The lean bison meat cooks quickly, so keep a close eye on it to avoid overcooking.
Bison Spaghetti Bolognese is a tasty twist on the classic Italian dish. You’ll love the rich flavor of ground bison in this hearty sauce.
Start by sautéing onions and carrots in olive oil. Add the ground bison and cook until lightly browned. Stir in tomato paste, marinara sauce, and your favorite Italian herbs.
Let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes to develop its flavors. Pour in a splash of milk near the end for added creaminess.
Serve your bison bolognese over al dente spaghetti or your preferred pasta shape. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the perfect finish.
Bison quesadillas offer a tasty twist on a classic Mexican dish. Start by browning ground bison in a skillet with taco seasoning. Spread the cooked bison on tortillas and top with shredded cheese.
Fold the tortillas in half and cook in a hot pan until the cheese melts and the outside turns golden brown. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
You can add extras like bell peppers, onions, or black beans to your quesadillas for more flavor and nutrition. Bison quesadillas make a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Nutritional Benefits of Ground Bison
Ground bison offers an excellent choice for health-conscious eaters. It packs a powerful nutritional punch while being lower in fat than many other meats.
Lean Protein Source
Ground bison gives you lots of protein without much fat. A 4-ounce serving has about 24 grams of protein. This is great for building muscle and staying full.
The fat in bison is better for you too. It has more omega-3s than other red meats. These good fats help your heart and brain.
High in Vitamins and Minerals
Bison meat is packed with important nutrients. It’s rich in iron, which helps carry oxygen in your blood. This can boost your energy and focus.
You’ll also get a good dose of zinc from bison. Zinc supports your immune system and helps wounds heal. Bison has more zinc than many other meats.
B vitamins are another plus. Bison is high in B12, which keeps your nerves and blood cells healthy. It also has niacin, which aids digestion and skin health.
Selenium in bison acts as an antioxidant. This mineral protects your cells from damage. Bison has more selenium than chicken or fish.
Cooking Tips for Ground Bison
Ground bison needs special care when cooking. It’s leaner than beef, so it can dry out quickly if not handled properly. Here are some key tips to help you cook delicious bison dishes.
Proper Cooking Temperatures
Cook ground bison to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for food safety. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Don’t rely on color alone.
Bison cooks faster than beef due to its low fat content. Keep a close eye on it to avoid overcooking. For burgers, aim for medium doneness at most.
Try these cooking methods:
Pan-frying: Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side
Grilling: Grill for 3-4 minutes per side on high heat
Oven-baking: Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes
Flavor Pairings
Bison has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with many ingredients. Try these flavor combos:
Garlic and rosemary
Sage and thyme
Cumin and chili powder
Worcestershire sauce and mustard
Add moisture to keep bison juicy:
Mix in chopped onions or mushrooms
Brush with olive oil before cooking
Top with a sauce or gravy
Experiment with different spices and herbs to enhance bison’s natural taste. Start with small amounts and adjust to your liking.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
