Do you know the best way to cook bison? Because I do! And with these 21 delicious ground bison recipes, I will teach you, too. Check them out!
Whether it is your first time trying your hand at cooking bison or you simply wish to bolster your cooking game with new recipes, I’ve got you covered.
From chili and meatballs to burgers and tacos, these are the best meals to cook with ground bison.
Table of Contents
What is the Best Way to Cook Ground Bison?
The best thing about ground bison is that, just like any other ground meat, it cooks pretty quickly.
That means that it is best to cook it at a medium temperature, whether you grill, saute, or roast it.
Compared to ground beef, ground bison needs slightly less time to cook. For instance, if you cook your beef burger for about 8 minutes in total, you should cook the bison for 6 to 7 minutes.
What is the Best Seasoning for Ground Bison?
Bison has a bit sweeter taste than beef, so keep that in mind when choosing the seasonings. The flavor is also very delicate, which means that too many spices can easily overpower it.
Simple seasoning such as salt and pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce, all bring out the flavor nicely.
Also, fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, sage, and oregano are great additions, but keep in mind that their dried versions are also more than welcome.
Is Bison Healthier than Beef?
When it comes to meat, bison is surely a better choice not only than beef but also chicken, too. It is much leaner with way less fat and calories.
But that is not the only thing that makes it healthier. Bison also has a higher amount of iron than other meat proteins.
However, when purchasing bison, make sure to opt for the grass-fed cuts, as they are the healthiest.
Best Recipes with Ground Bison
With these ground bison recipes, you won’t even miss the beef in your patties. Try them all, and see just how delicious they are.
1. Spicy Bison Chili
Source: simpleandsavory.com
Spicy, smokey, and super comforting, this meaty and filling bowl has everything you’re looking for in your chili.
The secret to the richness of this flavor has to be the coffee and cocoa powder used, so make sure not to omit them.
Use olive oil, red onions, and cayenne pepper for a richer flavor.
2. Bison Meatballs
Source: inthekitch.net
These spicy and delicious bison meatballs will be the perfect thing to bring to a party.
Loaded with fragrant herbs, yellow onion, peppers, and spices up with some Worcestershire sauce, you will savor every single bite of these meaty balls.
For a sugar-free version, use a sweetener instead of brown sugar and honey.
3. Jalapeno Garlic Baked Bison Meatballs
Source: sweetandsavorymeals.com
Meatballs with jalapenos, ricotta, garlic, and parsley, for a divine taste.
They are also smothered in a rich and creamy marinara sauce that is enriched with herbs, jalapenos, and lots of garlic.
The meatballs are baked in the sauce, which makes them even more irresistible.
Feel free to check these ground venison recipes.
4. Bison Picadillo
Source: stetted.com
Bison picadillo is a ground bison and potato dish that is super versatile. You can add it to your wraps, over rice, on its own, or even turn it into a salad.
With just 10 minutes of prep time, the bison and potatoes are smothered in a spicy tomato sauce.
5. Spicy Bison Chili
Source: hildaskitchenblog.com
With a can of chipotle peppers, five Anaheim chilis, and a tablespoon of chili powder, this bison chili is as spicy as it gets.
The recipe uses tons of spices and black beans, but feel free to add canned corn as well if you want it more colorful.
6. Bison Stuffed Peppers
Source: runningtothekitchen.com
Bell pepper halves are packed with a delicious ground bison mixture and topped with shredded cheese.
The recipe depends on carrots, zucchini, onions, and garlic, but you are free to add the ones that you like.
The bison mixture includes rice, but quinoa will also work well in this recipe.
7. Slow Cooker Bison Sweet Potato Chili
Source: reciperunner.com
Cooked for eight hours in the slow cooker, this chili recipe is the perfect dump-and-forget-about-it meal that you can set in the morning and enjoy for dinner.
This is one of the easy ground bison recipes you can serve with sour cream. This is a perfect meal for cheap dinner.
8. Bison Cheddar Topper Cauliflower Steaks
Source: runningtothekitchen.com
Thick cauliflower steaks are topped with cheddar and a delightful saute made with bison meat, leeks, and cremini mushrooms.
If you don’t like (or have) cremini mushrooms, feel free to swap them for another kind. The result will be equally delicious.
Just add some black pepper and salt!
9. Bison Tacos
Source: inthekitch.net
Tasting just like beef tacos but with less fat and calories, this Bison version of the Mexican staple will definitely keep you coming for more.
Crispy, soft, and with slight creaminess, there is nothing but texture and flavors in these crunchy meat-packed pockets.
Check out more crockpot ground beef recipes.
10. Whole30 Bison Meatloaf
Source: kaleenaskitchen.com
Gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, and Whole30, this meatloaf is one of the safest choices to serve for dinner when you are feeding a large crowd.
With clean and lean ingredients such as bison and ground almonds, celery, onions, and spices and herbs, this healthy and super delicious meatloaf will satisfy everyone.
11. Bison Bolognese
Source: twopinkpeonies.com
This recipe uses bison instead of beef, and it also includes Italian ground sausage, which gives this family favorite a special kick.
Slowly cooked and packed with the most amazing flavors. Add some Italian seasoning and enjoy this simple recipe that tastes absolutely delicious.
This is a perfect recipe for Sunday dinner.
12. Bison Shepherds Pie
Source: kaleenaskitchen.com
If you are a shepherd’s pie fan, then you’ll love this bison version. Whole30, healthy, and simple to make.
And with just 5 minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for those busy nights when you are in need of some comforting meal.
Perfectly filling and super delicious!
13. Bacon Wrapped Grilled Bison Meatballs
Source: kitchenlaughter.com
Bison meatballs wrapped in bacon slices and grilled to perfection. You will have tons of fun both making and eating them.
Besides, securing the bacon with toothpicks serves a double purpose, as all you need to do after grilling is arrange them on the platter.
14. Southwestern Bison Chili
Source: kaleenaskitchen.com
Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish, this southwestern chili with bison, beans, and tons of spices is the perfect pick-me-up on a cold day.
Healthy and hearty, what’s not to love about this divine goodness?
15. Bison Burger
Source: hildaskitchenblog.com
Bison patties in a hamburger? This leaner substitute for your classic burgers will be even more appreciated by your taste buds.
The garlicky flavor really makes a difference, so make sure to add the required three cloves here. Check out these side dishes for burgers.
16. Slow Cooker Sweet Potato and Bison Chili
Source: twopinkpeonies.com
With 15 minutes of prep time and six hands-free hours in the crockpot, this recipe is the perfect way to try your hand at cooking ground bison.
With sweet potatoes, diced tomatoes, two types of beans, and tons of spices, this flavorful and hearty dish will comfort everyone.
17. Bison Meatballs
Source: agrillforallseasons.com
Another recipe for healthy bison meatballs that are packed with spices and therefore provide a super flavorful bite.
Whether for dinner or as an appetizer, this versatile meatball recipe can be used in many different dishes.
And the best part? You only need 15 minutes to whip these flavor-packed bites!
18. Bison Stuffed Peppers
Source: savaskitchen.com
Mini peppers packed with a delicious mixture made with ground bison and rice, then smothered in a tomato sauce and baked until super soft and creamy.
Ukrainian-inspired and bursting with flavor, this great recipe is a definite must-try.
19. Savory Swedish Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes
Source: kaleenaskitchen.com
With bison meat, ground almonds, ghee, and nut milk, this leaner and much healthier version of the Swedish classic will be a total hit.
Plus, the recipe also features creamy mashed potatoes and a finger-licking gravy for a full and super satisfying dinner plate.
20. Bison Meatballs
Source: slowthecookdown.com
This recipe actually includes two methods, as this bison mixture is just as delicious either way.
So simple and yet bursting with delightful flavor and texture, all you need is your favorite marinara sauce and some parmesan cheese on top for heavenly comfort food.
21. Bison Pasta
Source: seannaskitchen.com
Ground bison in a delicious tomato sauce with some onions, butter, and yes, a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top!
Don’t forget to use some tomato paste for that extra flavors and fresh parsley for the smell! There are many different ways to make this a healthier alternative as well!