Colorado Springs Smoked Bison Chili
A hearty smoked bison chili infused with smoky spices and robust regional flavors, perfect for a comforting dinner. This American-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs ground bison, olive oil, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground bison
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 1 medium, diced green bell pepper
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tsp chipotle chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed kidney beans
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- Step 2: Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 1 diced medium green bell pepper, sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 cloves minced garlic, 2 tsp chipotle chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 2 tsp ground cumin; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 1 lb ground bison and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned all over, about 6-7 minutes.
- Step 5: Pour in 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed kidney beans, and 1 cup beef broth. Stir well.
- Step 6: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook uncovered for 25 minutes until the chili thickens and flavors meld.
- Step 7: Serve hot with your choice of toppings such as shredded cheese or chopped green onions.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Colorado Springs Smoked Bison Chili 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 Springs Smoked Bison Chili?
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 Springs Smoked Bison Chili?
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 Springs Smoked Bison Chili 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 Springs Smoked Bison Chili?
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.
