Spiced Colorado-Inspired Bison Chili with Roasted Peppers
A hearty bison chili bursting with smoky roasted peppers and warm spices, inspired by the adventurous outdoor spirit of Fort Collins, Colorado. This american-inspired beef ready in about 55 minutes pairs (450g) 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 350 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 (450g) ground bison
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup, chopped roasted red bell peppers
- 2 tsp chipotle chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp, fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup chopped, for garnish fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb ground bison, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned.
- Step 4: Mix in 1 cup chopped roasted red bell peppers, 2 tsp chipotle chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika, stirring for 2 minutes to toast the spices.
- Step 5: Pour in 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) drained black beans, and 1 cup beef broth. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 6: Bring chili to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lime juice.
- Step 8: Serve topped with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Colorado-Inspired Bison Chili with Roasted Peppers 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 Spiced Colorado-Inspired Bison Chili 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 (450g) ground bison from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Colorado-Inspired Bison Chili 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 Spiced Colorado-Inspired Bison Chili 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 Spiced Colorado-Inspired Bison Chili 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.
