Slow Cooker Bison and Wild Rice Stew
A deeply savory stew with tender bison, nutty wild rice, and roasted root vegetables, simmered to meld flavors in the slow cooker. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 440 minutes pairs bison stew meat, wild rice, carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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 bison stew meat
- 1 cup wild rice
- 2 medium carrots
- 2 medium parsnips
- 1 large yellow onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1.5 lbs cubed bison stew meat in the slow cooker, then add 2 diced carrots, 2 diced parsnips, 1 diced yellow onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 cup rinsed wild rice, 4 cups beef broth, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 7 hours until the bison is fork-tender and the wild rice is fully absorbed, with the broth thickened to coat the back of a spoon.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Bison and Wild Rice Stew take to make?
Total time is about 440 minutes (20 min prep + 420 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 Slow Cooker 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 stew meat from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker 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 Slow Cooker 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 Slow Cooker Bison and Wild Rice Stew?
American slow cooker 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
- ★★★★★
The bison was tender and the wild rice added a lovely nutty flavor. Perfect for a cold evening.
- ★★★★★
My family loved this stew! The slow cooker made it so easy to prepare without constant attention.
- ★★★★★
A great twist on traditional stew. The bison gives it a rich, earthy taste that my kids enjoyed.
