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Spicy bison chili with ground bison, beans, poblano peppers, and jalapeños topped with fresh cilantro

Spicy Bison Chili

This spicy bison chili is packed with lean ground bison, fresh poblano and jalapeño peppers, hearty beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and smoky Okie Rub. A splash of Mexican lager and fresh lime juice add incredible depth and brightness to this hearty, flavor-packed chili.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Okie Rub
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

Optional Toppings

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven: Provides even heat for browning the bison and slowly simmering the chili
  • Wooden spoon: Helps break up the bison and scrape the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot
  • Chef’s knife + cutting board For prepping ingredients
  • Can opener: For opening the tomatoes and beans
  • Citrus juicer: Makes it easy to add fresh lime juice at the end

Method
 

  1. Heat the avocado oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground bison in an even layer and let it cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes to develop a deep brown crust. Break the bison into large crumbles and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes, until mostly browned but not completely cooked through.
  2. Add the onion, poblano peppers, jalapeños, and 1/2 tsp salt directly to the bison. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the bison is cooked through.
  3. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and Okie Rub. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the tomato paste darkens slightly and begins to caramelize.
  4. Pour in the Modelo Especial and scrape the bottom of the Dutch oven with a wooden spoon to release all of the flavorful browned bits. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, until the beer has reduced by about half.
  5. Stir in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, beef broth, bay leaf, and remaining 1 tsp salt.
  6. Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Partially cover and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Remove the lid and continue simmering for 15 to 20 minutes, until the chili has thickened to your liking. For a thicker chili, mash about 1/2 cup of the beans against the side of the pot with a wooden spoon and stir them back into the chili. Add a splash of beef broth if the chili becomes too thick.
  8. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir in the fresh lime juice and cilantro. Taste and adjust with additional salt or lime juice as needed.
  9. Let the chili rest off the heat for about 10 minutes before serving. Ladle into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings.

Video

Notes

  • Bison: Ground bison is lean, so avoid constantly stirring it as it cooks. Letting the meat sit undisturbed for a few minutes helps develop a deep brown crust and adds significantly more flavor.
  • Heat Level: Remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños for a more moderate chili. Leave some intact if you prefer more heat.
  • Okie Rub: The Spice Girl Kitchen Okie Rub is salt-free, so salt is added separately to properly season the chili.
  • Okie Rub Substitute: If you don’t have Okie Rub, substitute 1 tbsp chili powder, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 2 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp dried oregano.
  • Beer: Modelo Especial is my preferred beer for this recipe because it adds subtle malty depth without overpowering the bison and peppers. You can substitute another Mexican lager or replace the beer with 1/2 cup additional beef broth.
  • Beans: Look for canned beans with a simple ingredient list, ideally beans, water, and salt or simply beans and water.
  • Tomatoes: Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add smoky flavor and a hearty, chunky texture. Regular diced tomatoes can be substituted if needed.
  • Make Ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day. Prepare it up to 3 days ahead and gently reheat on the stovetop.
  • Storage: Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Allow the chili to cool completely, then freeze in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Nutrition (per serving, 8 servings): approximately 400 calories, 14g fat, 35g carbs, 37g protein, 9g fiber. Nutrition information is an estimate. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.