South Dakota-Inspired Bison Chili with Roasted Corn and Black Beans
Hearty and flavorful bison chili enriched with roasted corn and black beans, seasoned with bold spices for a warming meal reflecting South Dakota's rugged flavors. This american-inspired beef 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground bison
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3 cloves minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped (optional) fresh cilantro
- for serving (optional) sour cream
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb ground bison and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper; cook for 2 minutes to toast the spices.
- Step 5: Add 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices, 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans, 1 cup frozen corn kernels, and 1 1/2 cups beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Step 6: Bring the chili to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover partially, and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and chili thickens.
- Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does South Dakota-Inspired Bison Chili with Roasted Corn and Black Beans 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 South Dakota-Inspired Bison Chili with Roasted Corn and 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 South Dakota-Inspired Bison Chili with Roasted Corn and 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 South Dakota-Inspired Bison Chili with Roasted Corn and 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.
What goes well with South Dakota-Inspired Bison Chili with Roasted Corn and Black Beans?
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.
