Colorado-Inspired Bison Chili with Roasted Peppers

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

Hearty bison chili simmered with fire-roasted peppers and regional spices for a smoky, robust flavor typical of the Rocky Mountain region. This american-inspired beef ready in about 55 minutes pairs ground bison, olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground bison and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and no longer pink.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the browned bison and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute until the spices bloom.
  4. Step 4: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 1 cup beef broth, 1 large roasted, peeled, and chopped red bell pepper, and 1 can (15 oz) drained kidney beans. Stir well to combine.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chili thickens.
  6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot garnished with sour cream or shredded cheese if desired.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Colorado-Inspired Bison Chili with Roasted Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Colorado-Inspired Bison Chili with Roasted Peppers?

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 Colorado-Inspired Bison Chili with Roasted Peppers?

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 Colorado-Inspired Bison Chili with Roasted Peppers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Colorado-Inspired Bison Chili with Roasted Peppers?

American beef 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.

Related recipes