Denver-Inspired Bison Chili with Red Beans

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

A robust chili featuring lean bison meat and tender red beans, simmered with smoky spices and fresh peppers for a warming Colorado-style dish. This american-inspired beef ready in about 65 minutes pairs pounds lean ground bison, medium yellow onion, diced, red bell pepper, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 50 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion, 1 cup diced red bell pepper, and 1 minced jalapeño pepper, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1.5 pounds lean ground bison to the pot, breaking up the meat with a spoon, and cook for 6-7 minutes until browned and no pink remains.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes, 1.5 cups cooked red beans, and 2 cups beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 45 minutes until chili thickens and flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving to add brightness.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Denver-Inspired Bison Chili with Red Beans take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 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 Denver-Inspired Bison Chili with Red Beans?

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 pounds lean ground bison from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Denver-Inspired Bison Chili with Red Beans?

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 Denver-Inspired Bison Chili with Red Beans 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 Denver-Inspired Bison Chili with Red Beans?

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.

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