Here are 7 delicious ground bison recipes for you to try:
1. Bison Burger with Caramelized Onions and Blue Cheese:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground bison
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
Instructions:
- Season the ground bison with salt and pepper, then shape into four burger patties.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until caramelized.
- Grill or pan-fry the bison burgers to your desired doneness.
- Toast the hamburger buns and assemble the burgers with caramelized onions on top. Sprinkle blue cheese over the onions.
2. Bison and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground bison
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 4 bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shredded cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground bison over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked bison, quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each bell pepper half with the bison and quinoa mixture.
- Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 25-30 minutes. Optionally, add shredded cheese on top and bake until melted.
3. Bison Tacos with Avocado Lime Crema:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground bison
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 8 small taco shells
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
For Avocado Lime Crema:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a skillet, cook the ground bison over medium heat. Season with taco seasoning and cook until browned.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, sour cream, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth to make the crema.
- Warm the taco shells in the oven or on the stovetop.
- Assemble the tacos with seasoned bison, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheddar cheese, red onion, and a drizzle of avocado lime crema. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
4. Bison and Vegetable Stir-Fry:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground bison
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix ground bison with soy sauce and set aside to marinate.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add marinated bison and cook until browned.
- Add sesame oil, sliced onion, bell peppers, zucchini, garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Serve the bison and vegetable stir-fry over cooked rice or noodles.
5. Bison and Sweet Potato Chili:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground bison
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions
Instructions:
- In a large pot, brown the ground bison over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add diced sweet potato, diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Serve the bison and sweet potato chili hot, topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions if desired. Enjoy!
6. Bison Stuffed Peppers:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground bison
- 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shredded cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground bison. Drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked bison, quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each bell pepper half with the bison and quinoa mixture.
- Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 25-30 minutes. Optionally, add shredded cheese on top and bake until melted.
7. Bison Meatball Skewers with Yogurt Sauce:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground bison
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water
- Cooking spray
For Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine ground bison, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into meatballs.
- Thread the meatballs onto the soaked skewers and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly coat with cooking spray.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned.
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper to make the yogurt sauce.
- Serve the bison meatball skewers with the yogurt sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
FAQs
What is the best way to cook ground bison?
The best way to cook ground bison is to treat it similarly to ground beef. It can be grilled, pan-fried, baked, or used in various recipes such as burgers, meatballs, and stir-fries. Due to its lower fat content, it’s important not to overcook bison to prevent dryness. Cooking it to medium or medium-rare can help retain its natural juiciness and flavors.
Is ground bison better for you than beef?
Ground bison is often considered a healthier alternative to beef. Bison meat is leaner, containing less fat and calories compared to traditional beef. It is also a good source of protein, iron, and other nutrients. However, the nutritional benefits depend on factors such as cooking methods and cuts of meat used. Bison is a great option for those looking to reduce fat intake while enjoying a flavorful and nutrient-dense protein source.
What flavors go well with bison?
Bison has a rich and slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with a variety of ingredients. Traditional beef-friendly seasonings like garlic, onion, thyme, and rosemary work well with bison. Additionally, bolder flavors such as cumin, chili powder, and paprika complement its taste. Fruits like berries and apples, as well as tangy ingredients like balsamic vinegar or mustard, can enhance the overall profile of bison dishes. Experimenting with a balance of savory and sweet flavors can create delicious and well-rounded meals.
Does ground bison taste like ground beef?
While ground bison shares similarities with ground beef, it has a distinct flavor profile. Bison is often described as slightly sweeter and richer than beef, with a leaner and more tender texture. Some may notice a milder gamey taste, but overall, ground bison maintains a delicious and unique taste that sets it apart from traditional ground beef. It serves as a flavorful alternative for those seeking a change in their culinary experience.