Woodland Park-Inspired Bison Chili with Roasted Vegetables

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

Hearty bison chili enriched with fire-roasted vegetables and smoky spices, capturing the spirit of Colorado’s Woodland Park in a comforting bowl. This american-inspired beef ready in about 60 minutes pairs ground bison, olive oil, onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 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 cup diced onion, 1 cup diced red bell pepper, and 1/2 cup diced carrot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften and edges brown.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 lb ground bison to the pot. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking apart the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) drained kidney beans, and 1.5 cups beef broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving. Serve hot with optional sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Woodland Park-Inspired Bison Chili with Roasted Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 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 Woodland Park-Inspired Bison Chili with Roasted Vegetables?

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 Woodland Park-Inspired Bison Chili with Roasted Vegetables?

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 Woodland Park-Inspired Bison Chili with Roasted Vegetables 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 Woodland Park-Inspired Bison Chili with Roasted Vegetables?

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.

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