Bison Chili (Best Paleo Chili Recipe) - Fed & Fit (2024)

Whether you’re looking for a healthy, robust dish to serve up at a gameday party or you’re simply looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this Paleo Bison Chili is guaranteed to please the whole crowd.

Bison Chili (Best Paleo Chili Recipe) - Fed & Fit (1)

Table of Contents

  • This recipe is…
  • Can ground beef be substituted for ground bison in this recipe?
  • How to Serve
  • Toppings for Paleo Bison Chili
  • More Favorite Chili Recipes
  • Paleo Bison Chili Recipe

This recipe is…

GFGluten FreeDFDairy FreePPaleoLCLow Carb

Chili can be a polarizing topic. Do you like yours with beans? How about with chunks of tomatoes? Must yours be served with a dollop of sour cream, sprinkle of cheese, or pickled jalapenos? Do you insist on your chili served over rice or over nothing? Do you prefer yours with more heat than spice or more spice than heat? Chunk steak or ground meat? So many options. So many beautiful, wonderful, a-recipe-developer’s-dream options.

I’ve come to understand that every family unit has their own signature chili habits. My own little family got into a habit of cooking down almost 1 whole pound of fresh chopped kale into our chunky tomato-rich chili! I call it my Weeknight Leafy Green & Beef Chili and you can find the cherished recipe in my printed ‘Fed & Fit’ book. That chili recipe came to be when I had an entire bag of chopped curly kale nearing its last leg. Desperate to put *something* on the table, leafy green beef chili was born. To my absolute surprise, my husband LOVED the dish. Loved! He asks for it so often, I had to save a copy of the new-memory-rich dish in my printed book.

Bison Chili (Best Paleo Chili Recipe) - Fed & Fit (2)
Bison Chili (Best Paleo Chili Recipe) - Fed & Fit (3)

Today’s recipe is inspired by a different family unit’s signature — my parents. While I do love our leafy green chili, my mom’s chili brings about a different kind of comfort. Its the kind of comfort that only comes from home. I grew up on this style chili and to tell you the honest-to-goodness truth, I’ve spent the last 15-somthing years of my cooking career intentionally NOT learning the recipe. You see, I loved the childish mystery of my mom’s chili! I loved (and still love) our nights at their house where she whips up her signature chili and we all exclaim, “how do you do it?!” She grins, tells me the secret (which I purposefully uncommitted to memory), and then she feels all the warm fuzzies while watching her family enjoy spoon after spoon, bowl after bowl of the simple, nourishing meal.

I’m now happy to report TWO things:

  1. I finally learned the recipe. I finally took notes, praised her for her years of simple genius, and made a batch (for you) from home.
  2. My mom’s chili still holds the same awe-inspiring power over me. Turns out, the magic in this chili had nothing to do with my knowing HOW she made it …it has everything to do with the love, patience, and intention that goes into the dish. If anything, it’s even more special to me now.

Can ground beef be substituted for ground bison in this recipe?

So, there you have it, friends! While I made this version with ground bison, you can absolutely make it with ground beef. It’s simple, from the heart, and a signature of my childhood.

How to Serve

Serve it over whatever makes you happiest (white rice, cauliflower rice, mashed potatoes, a baked potato, or even some cooked vegetables).

Toppings for Paleo Bison Chili

Garnish with your favorite toppings. I prefer mine with a touch of purple onion, some fresh jalapeno, and fresh cilantro. The Paleo Sour Cream from my ‘Fed & Fit’ book (or just plane old sour cream) would make for a tasty topping, too!

Bison Chili (Best Paleo Chili Recipe) - Fed & Fit (4)
Bison Chili (Best Paleo Chili Recipe) - Fed & Fit (5)

More Favorite Chili Recipes

Pumpkin Turkey Chili RecipePaleo Beef Chili CasseroleEasy Homemade Beef Chili

Paleo Bison Chili

By Cassy

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 45 minutes mins

Total: 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Bison Chili (Best Paleo Chili Recipe) - Fed & Fit (10)

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Whether you’re looking for a healthy, robust dish to serve up at a gameday party or you’re simply looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this Paleo Bison Chili is guaranteed to please the whole crowd.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground bison may use ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon grass-fed butter ghee, or your favorite cooking fat
  • 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
  • 3 large cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 3 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 24 ounces tomato puree or tomato sauce
  • 1.5 cups or 12 ounces water tip from my mom: just fill the tomato puree jar halfway up
  • fresh cilantro for garnish
  • fresh jalapenos for garnish
  • chopped purple onion for garnish

Instructions

  • Place a large heavy-bottomed pot (like enameled cast iron) or simply large pot over medium/high heat. Add the ground bison, break it up with a spoon, and stir until it’s completely browned. This may take about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the ground meat to a separate bowl, leaving the drippings behind in the pan.

  • Add the butter to the pan and then the chopped onion. Saute until the onions are translucent and then add the garlic. Keep cooking until the onions start to develop a slightly brown color.

  • Return the ground meat to the pan, stir to combine, and then add the seasonings. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the spices darken in color slightly.

  • Add the tomato puree and water, stir to combine, and let simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes, or until some of the water has evaporated off.

  • Serve over the base of your choosing and garnish as you like!

Nutrition

Calories: 429kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 609mg | Potassium: 1127mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1861IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 88mg | Iron: 9mg

Additional Info

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 429

Keyword: bison chili, paleo bison chili, paleo chili

Bison Chili (Best Paleo Chili Recipe) - Fed & Fit (11)

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Chili Cooking Method Dairy Free Dinner Food Gluten Free Low Carb One-Pot Meals Paleo Stovetop

About the Author

Cassy Joy Garcia, NC

Cassy Joy Garcia, a New York Times best-selling author, of Cook Once Dinner Fix, Cook Once Eat All Week, and Fed and Fit as well as the creative force behind the popular food blog Fed & Fit.

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Bison Chili (Best Paleo Chili Recipe) - Fed & Fit (2024)

FAQs

What is the best meat combination for chili? ›

Because venison is a lean meat, the chuck does the work of adding more fat and richness to the chili. You could also combine chuck and ground turkey, or use ground sirloin and toss in a bit of bacon or sausage for additional smoky or spicy flavor.

What can I add to chili to make it less gassy? ›

Chili does not always cause flatulence. The secret is anti-flatulence herbs and spices. I'm talking fennel seeds, anise, dill, ginger, cumin, caraway seeds, garlic or parsley, just to name a few. They will allow for the unwanted gases to leave your body odorless and unnoticed.

What kind of ground beef is used in chili? ›

Use lean beef, but not super lean meat. The best ground beef for chili has some fat, so 85% lean is ideal. Don't be tempted to use extra-lean beef or drain off the fat after browning the meat. The fat bastes the meat during cooking, which adds richness to the sauce and keeps the meat moist.

What adds the most flavor to chili? ›

If you want more of a smoky flavor, add cumin, Spanish paprika, ancho chili powder, or a combination. If you are looking for more heat, add cayenne, crushed red pepper, or Hungarian paprika. If it's too spicy add a little brown sugar and some sweet paprika.

What can I add to chili to make it unique? ›

5 Secret Ingredients That'll Take Your Chili to the Next Level
  1. Cocoa Powder. Chocolate might not be the first thing you think of when you're making a batch of chili but it pairs perfectly with peppers. ...
  2. Beer. Why use water or stock as your liquid when you could add beer? ...
  3. Coffee. ...
  4. Cinnamon.
Sep 12, 2021

What neutralizes gas from beans? ›

Baking soda will help, but involves soaking: Add a teaspoon of baking soda to 4 quarts of water. Stir in the dried beans and bring to a boil. Then turn off the heat and let the beans soak at least 4 hours (or overnight). Drain and rinse and then rinse again.

What foods get rid of gas in your stomach? ›

Foods that can reduce or relieve gas include low carb vegetables such as carrots and tomatoes, low sugar fruits such as apricots and peaches, and herbal teas with peppermint. Exercising, gently massaging the abdomen, and taking over-the-counter (OTC) remedies can also help a person relieve gas.

What foods reduce gas in stomach? ›

Non-gassy foods include: Red meat, poultry, or fish. Non-starchy vegetables, such as leafy greens and bell peppers. Fermented foods, such as kefir.

What is Texas Roadhouse chili made of? ›

It's Texas, podnuh, so that means no beans in this chili. But there is plenty of meat, from pork loin ends to beef stew meat to ground beef. I think you'll like the taste that comes from the different types of chile peppers.

What is a Texas chili? ›

What primarily distinguishes Texas chili from other chili recipes you might find is a lack of beans, but it also doesn't feature any tomatoes. It is, largely, a ground beef dish that's seasoned with a spicy chili paste made of dried peppers.

Is Texas Roadhouse chili made from scratch? ›

Is Texas Roadhouse Chili made from Scratch? Yes, this chili recipe that Texas Roadhouse is made from scratch daily. It is served on their starter menu but I have eaten as my main meal. This thick and juicy chili is topped with cheddar cheese and green onions.

What is the secret to really good chili? ›

Only Add Flavorful Liquids

Instead of adding water to your chili, add some more flavor with chicken or beef broth, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or even beet or wine. Each one of these options brings out different notes and levels of sweetness that will enhance your culinary creation.

What are the best onions for chili? ›

Sweet onions are great for caramelizing due to their higher sugar content. You can cook them into your chili, serve them raw over top, or even elevate your chili with a sophisticated caramelized onion topping! Some of my favorite sweet onions are Walla, Walla, Maui, and Vidalia Onions.

What are the best beans for chili? ›

The best beans for chili are pinto, kidney, and black beans, like in this easy and tasty recipe. This 3-bean chili freezes great for meals later in the week. If you prefer thinner chili, add an extra can of tomato sauce. The green chiles are not hot and add a wonderful flavor, so don't be afraid to use them.

What is the most popular meat in Chile? ›

Popular meats in Chile:
  • Chicken: Chicken is a versatile meat used in many Chilean recipes. ...
  • Other meats like rabbit and goat are an essential part of regional dishes.
  • Beef: Beef is a staple in Chilean cuisine and is used in various traditional dishes.

Is chicken or beef stock better for chili? ›

Luckily, there isn't a right or wrong answer. Beef broth adds a hearty, robust flavor, while chicken broth brings a lighter, more delicate taste. Veggie broth or organic mushroom broth is a great option for those who prefer a plant-based chili.

Does traditional chili have meat? ›

As purists would have it, traditional red (chili con carne) hasn't changed much over the years. It still consists of meat, red chili peppers, and spices—no beans, rice, pasta, or other fillers, aside from vegetables, according to ICS criteria.

How do you make chili taste more meaty? ›

In a pot of chili, just a few strips of bacon add a smoky, meaty depth. And it's not just the bacon itself that adds flavor, it's the bacon fat, too. Before you start your recipe, cook 3 to 4 strips of thick-cut bacon until they're as crispy as you like.

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