Bison Chili with Sweet Corn

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A smoky, deeply flavorful chili featuring lean bison meat and sweet corn, simmered to perfection for a satisfying weeknight meal. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 45 minutes pairs ground bison, olive oil, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb ground bison, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 can drained kidney beans, 1 cup sweet corn, and 2 cups beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
  6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Bison Chili with Sweet Corn take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Bison Chili with Sweet Corn?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground bison from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bison Chili with Sweet Corn?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Bison Chili with Sweet Corn for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Bison Chili with Sweet Corn?

American one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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