Smoked Bison Chili with Black Beans and Chipotle
Hearty smoked bison simmered with black beans and smoky chipotle peppers, creating a rich chili perfect for outdoor gatherings. This american-inspired beef ready in about 55 minutes turns ground smoked bison, large, diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. 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 smoked bison
- 2 cups cooked or canned, drained and rinsed black beans
- 1 large, diced yellow onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 peppers, chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped, for garnish fresh cilantro
- for serving lime wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 large diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 pound ground smoked bison to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until spices are fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 2 cups drained and rinsed black beans, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices, 2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and 2 cups beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Step 5: Bring the 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: Serve hot topped with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side for squeezing.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoked Bison Chili with Black Beans and Chipotle 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 Smoked Bison Chili with Black Beans and Chipotle?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Bison Chili with Black Beans and Chipotle?
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 Smoked Bison Chili with Black Beans and Chipotle 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 Smoked Bison Chili with Black Beans and Chipotle?
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.
