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A Dutch oven filled with chili on a tree stump.

Ground Bison Chili

A woman's face.Angie Zoobkoff
The perfect hearty stick-to-your-ribs chili for cool-weather camping trips, or anytime you need a cozy comfort meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Tex-Mex
Servings 4 servings
Calories 410 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tablespoons neutral vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 pound (454 g) ground bison
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons chipotle chile powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans rinsed and drained
  • Sour cream, grated cheddar, and sliced scallions for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

  • If cooking over a campfire, prepare a hot fire with a grate about 6 inches from the heat.
  • Set a Dutch oven on the grate over medium heat (or over medium heat on your stove) and add the oil.
  • Stir in the onions and sauté until softened, about 6 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
  • Add the ground bison, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the meat is browned, 6 to 7 minutes.
  • Stir in the tomato paste, chile powder, cumin, and oregano, and cook until the tomato paste darkens and everything is fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth and bring to a simmer.
  • Simmer the chili, partially covered, stirring occasionally, until very thick, about 1 hour. Stir in the beans during the last 10 to 15 minutes to allow them to heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning, if needed.
  • Serve warm, topped with sour cream, grated cheese, and chopped scallions, if desired.

Notes

  • Get ahead--Rinse and drain your beans before heading out. Store them in a sealed container in your cooler.
  • Adjust consistency--If your chili is too thick, stir in extra broth or water, ¼ cup at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
  • Dietary--This recipe is suitable for gluten-free and dairy-free diets.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 portionCalories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 27gFat: 24gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 989mgFiber: 7gSugar: 8g
Keyword campfire cooking, chili, cold weather camping, dutch oven cooking
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