Although not one of the more commonly eaten meats in the United States, bison began gaining popularity in the early 2000s when Ted Turner opened the first Ted’s Montana Grill in Ohio. If you’re considering experimenting with the protein – or if you’re a longtime fan – these ground bison recipes are a few of my all-time favorite bison dishes. Bison meat is high in iron, and it has a lighter, slightly sweeter, and more delicate flavor than ground beef. It’s also leaner and has fewer calories than beef, so it’s a good choice if you’re dieting. Dieting or not, I heartily urge you to give these recipes a try.
1. Bison Meatballs
If you’re looking for a leaner, healthier alternative to ground beef, bison is the way to go. As I’ve already mentioned, it’s lower in calories than ground beef. It also has more B12, iron, and protein. Furthermore, you can make a dozen of these yummy meatballs in less than half an hour. You can use them in any dish in which you’d use ground beef meatballs. The Worcestershire sauce and Italian seasonings add even more flavor, and the breadcrumbs give them the perfect texture.
2. Bison Burger
If you can make a burger, you can make these thick, delicious bison burgers. You’ll shape and season your patties to suit your tastes, then throw them in the skillet or on the grill. Be sure to add your cheese while the patty is still hot so that it gets all gooey and melty. Then pile on the rest of your favorite toppings and enjoy!
3. Mexican Bison Bake
This is hands down, my favorite recipe on this list. It’s just so full of… well, everything! Not only does this recipe call for a pound of ground bison and six ounces of penne pasta, but it also includes black beans, tomatoes, tortilla chips, cheddar cheese, onions, salsa, and tons of herbs and spices. It’s incredible! It has a very distinct Mexican flair, and it’s crunchy, spicy, cheesy, and filling. Once it’s done, you can top it with the cilantro-lime sour cream and onions, along with all your other favorite toppings.
4. Harvest Bowl with Ground Bison
This dish is beautiful and perfect for the fall season. If you’re from North America, it’s also an excellent dish for showcasing your native cuisine since it contains ingredients that are all native to North America. Native Americans could have eaten a meal very similar to this hundreds of years ago by using ingredients they found on the land. The protein comes from the bison. There are also shallots, turnips, mushrooms, potatoes, squash, sage, maple syrup, and other native spices and herbs. The sauce is made from a mixture of native berries – strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, chokecherries, or cranberries – and a little honey or maple syrup. Together, these ingredients make a delightful meal that’s healthy, tasty, and can indeed be considered American cuisine.
5. Bison Pasta
This pasta is so easy to make. Aside from the bison, it requires only pantry staples, and you can have it ready to serve in about half an hour. It has an excellent taste that’s fresher than beef, and it meshes perfectly with the tomato sauce and Italian seasonings.
6. Bison Black Bean Chili
When it comes to warm, thick, and comforting fall and winter dishes, you can’t beat homemade chili. It’s the ultimate cool-weather meal. Bison black bean chili is even better than most. It already has a nice, earthy, and spicy flavor from the bison and the chili powder. Once you add in the corn, onions, garlic, tomatoes, bulgur, black beans, and red wine, it becomes even more delicious. You can also add a teaspoon of coffee for a richer, bolder taste.
7. Bison Shepherd’s Pie
It’s hard to go wrong with shepherd’s pie. You can use just about any meat or veggies you like, but this one calls for bison, carrots, onions, and peas. The meat and veggie mixture makes up the bottom of the pie, and you’ll top it with the fluffy potatoes. It’s like having an entire plate of food combined into one incredible dish. It’s nutritious, filling, and the ultimate in home-cooked comfort foods. Feel free to go heavier on the veggies if you like. I like mine with peppers, celery, carrots, red onions, and English peas.
8. Bison Sweet Potato Hash
Bison for breakfast? Don’t mind if I do! This colorful, tasty hash is something you can eat for practically any meal, but I like to start the day with it when I have the ingredients. Despite having so much good stuff in it – bison, sweet potatoes, onions, peppers, fried eggs, and more – it only takes about 35 minutes to make. It’s slightly sweet and has a crispy, sticky texture that’s only found in the very best hash.
9. Macaroni and Cheese with Ground Bison
This dish is similar to cheeseburger macaroni; only it’s made with ground bison instead of ground beef, and it has a bit more spice and flavor to it. This is thanks mainly to the onions, garlic, green pepper, and tomato bouillon. The apple smoked cheddar cheese is also an excellent addition that takes the dish – forgive my cliche – from ordinary to extraordinary. You can use any cheese you like, but I highly recommend sticking with the apple smoked cheddar. It gives the whole dish a wonderful, smoky flavor that you just can’t beat.
10. Bison Bolognese
Bolognese sauce is one of the best options for people who enjoy their pasta meaty and just a little spicy. The bison doesn’t change the overall flavor of traditional bolognese that much, but it does make it taste just a tiny bit sweeter. That sweetness, combined with the heat and spice of the onions, garlic, peppers, oregano, basil, and pepper flakes, makes for a very yummy sauce indeed. You can serve it over whatever kind of pasta you like. However, bolognese is traditionally served on top of tagliatelle. Spaghetti, penne, and fettuccine are also good options. Click on a star to rate it!
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