Fort Collins-Inspired Bison Chili with Roasted Peppers

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

A robust chili featuring lean bison meat and fire-roasted peppers, capturing the spirit of Colorado’s mountainous region. This american-inspired beef ready in about 55 minutes pairs lean ground bison, olive oil, medium, chopped 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 5, 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 5 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 lb lean ground bison and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it up until browned and cooked through.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium chopped yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 4 minutes until onion is softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 large roasted and diced red bell pepper, 1 large roasted and diced green bell pepper, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed kidney beans, and 1 cup beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 25 minutes until chili thickens.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy with cornbread or tortilla chips.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Fort Collins-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 Fort Collins-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 lean ground bison from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Fort Collins-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 Fort Collins-Inspired Bison Chili with Roasted Peppers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 5 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 5). 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 Fort Collins-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.

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