Mountain Herb and Bison Chili with Black Beans
A hearty chili featuring lean bison, black beans, and a blend of mountain herbs inspired by Colorado’s regional flavors. This american-inspired beef ready in about 55 minutes pairs ground bison, (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans, (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground bison
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 medium, diced green bell pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp, finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion, 1 diced medium green bell pepper, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb ground bison to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary, and 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme. Cook for 1 minute until spices are fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained black beans, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices, and 2 cups beef broth. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Bring chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chili thickens and flavors meld.
- Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mountain Herb and Bison Chili with Black Beans 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 Mountain Herb and Bison Chili with Black 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 ground bison from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mountain Herb and Bison Chili with Black 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 Mountain Herb and Bison Chili with Black 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 Mountain Herb and Bison Chili with Black 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.
