Sheet Pan Spicy Colorado Bison Meatballs with Roasted Peppers

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

Juicy bison meatballs infused with smoky chipotle and roasted bell peppers, baked on a sheet pan for easy cleanup and bold flavor. This American-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs ground bison, roasted red bell peppers, chipotle chili powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground bison, 1/2 cup chopped roasted red bell peppers, 1 tsp chipotle chili powder, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1/4 cup finely chopped onion, 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into 16 equal meatballs and place them evenly spaced on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the meatballs.
  3. Step 3: Bake for 18-20 minutes, turning halfway, until the meatballs are browned on the edges and cooked through with an internal temperature of 160°F. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sheet Pan Spicy Colorado Bison Meatballs with Roasted Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Sheet Pan Spicy Colorado Bison Meatballs 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 ground bison from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sheet Pan Spicy Colorado Bison Meatballs 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 Sheet Pan Spicy Colorado Bison Meatballs with Roasted Peppers 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 Sheet Pan Spicy Colorado Bison Meatballs 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.