Smoky Colorado Bison Chili with Black Beans

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

A hearty and smoky chili featuring lean bison meat, black beans, and a blend of spices inspired by Colorado’s rugged flavors. This american-inspired beef (gluten free) ready in about 55 minutes pairs ground bison, olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 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: 10 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 American cuisine 370 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 diced yellow onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 cloves minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 lb ground bison and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, for 6-8 minutes until browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp chipotle powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 cup beef broth, and 1 can (15 oz) drained black beans. Stir well to combine.
  5. Step 5: Bring chili to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors meld.
  6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Colorado Bison Chili with Black Beans take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (10 min prep + 45 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 Smoky Colorado 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 Smoky Colorado 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 Smoky Colorado Bison Chili with Black Beans 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.

Is Smoky Colorado Bison Chili with Black Beans gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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