North Dakota Bison and Wild Rice Stew
A rich and warming stew using tender bison, wild rice, and seasonal vegetables, inspired by the plains of North Dakota. This american-inspired soups ready in about 95 minutes pairs bison chuck, wild rice, carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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
- 1.5 lbs, cubed bison chuck
- 1 cup, uncooked wild rice
- 2 cups, sliced carrots
- 2 cups, sliced celery
- 1 large, chopped onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- 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: In a large pot, sear 1.5 lbs cubed bison chuck over medium-high heat until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Sauté 1 large chopped onion, 2 cups sliced carrots, and 2 cups sliced celery in the same pot until softened, about 5 minutes. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp tomato paste; cook for 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Return the bison to the pot. Add 4 cups beef broth, 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
- Step 4: Add 1 cup uncooked wild rice. Simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Adjust seasoning before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does North Dakota Bison and Wild Rice Stew take to make?
Total time is about 95 minutes (15 min prep + 80 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 North Dakota Bison and Wild Rice Stew?
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 bison chuck from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in North Dakota Bison and Wild Rice Stew?
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 North Dakota Bison and Wild Rice Stew 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 North Dakota Bison and Wild Rice Stew?
American soups 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
