Thick and satisfying Ground Bison Chili

This ground bison chili is a delicious blend of the wild game chili recipes I’ve shared over the years, with a few pantry-inspired twists. This time, I added white hominy and white sweet potatoes — and I’ve officially fallen in love with cooking with white sweet potatoes. They have a firmer, drier texture than traditional orange varieties, which means they hold their shape beautifully and won’t turn soft or mushy during a long simmer. If you prefer a more traditional chili, you can easily swap in beans for the sweet potatoes, the hominy, or even use a combination of both to make it your own.

This recipe serves six generously, with enough leftovers to enjoy the next day — and if you’re like me, you might even think it tastes better then.

Cooking Wild Game the Way We Love It

Every recipe I share comes straight from my kitchen to yours. This is how I cook for my family here in Nevada — hearty, flavorful wild game meals built on simple ingredients and bold seasoning. I love sharing the dishes we gather around, and I hope they inspire you to bring your own family’s flavors and traditions to the table.

Why Ground Bison and Wild Game Are a Healthier Choice

When it comes to lean protein, ground bison and other wild game are a healthy upgrade over traditional ground beef. They’re naturally lower in fat and calories, higher in protein, and packed with iron, zinc, and other essential nutrients. Wild game also tends to be grass-fed or free-range, which means fewer additives and a cleaner, more natural flavor. Choosing bison or elk for your chili not only gives you a richer, bolder taste but also a heartier, nutrient-packed meal that’s better for you and your family — without sacrificing any of the comfort and satisfaction of a classic chili.

Love This Bison Chili? Try My Hearty Ground Elk Chili Too

If you’ve tried my hearty ground elk chili recipe, you’ll notice some similarities here. That elk version also leans into bold spices, slow-simmered depth, and hearty add-ins that make it a true comfort-food meal. Both recipes are built around rich wild game flavor, pantry staples, and simple techniques that let the meat shine. If you love one, chances are you’ll want to make the other next.

Ground Bison Chili Recipe

This robust ground bison chili is a flavorful wild game twist on a classic comfort food. Packed with bold spices, white hominy, and white sweet potatoes, it’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for feeding the whole family.

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: bison chili, ground bison chili recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 lbs ground bison
• 4 tbsp canola oil, divided
• 2 yellow onions, chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 (14.5-ounce) cans petite diced tomatoes
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 cup dry red wine (optional)
• 1 (30-ounce) can white hominy, washed and drained
• 2 cups white sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp ancho chili powder
• 1 tsp Mexican oregano
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

• Heat a large stockpot over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and the ground bison, cooking until browned. Remove the bison from the pot and set aside.
• Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pot along with the onions and garlic. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the onions have softened.
• Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and red wine. Return the browned bison to the pot and add all of the seasonings. Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour.
• Add the hominy and cubed white sweet potatoes. Continue cooking until the sweet potatoes are tender but still hold their shape.
• Garnish with sharp cheddar cheese, sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve with crusty sourdough or warm cornbread.

Slow Cooker Option

• After browning the bison and softening the onions and garlic, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients, stir well, and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
• And one more thing — chili almost always tastes better the next day. If you have the time, make it ahead, let the flavors develop overnight, and simply reheat before serving.

Notes

• Substitute ingredients: Swap sweet potatoes or hominy for beans if you prefer a more traditional chili. Kidney, pinto, or black beans all work beautifully.
• Flavor development: Chili tastes even better the next day — make ahead and reheat for maximum depth.
• Browning the meat: Don’t rush browning the bison; it adds rich flavor and texture.
• Customize your heat: Adjust chili powders or add fresh chilies to suit your family’s spice preferences.
• Slow cooker option: After browning the bison and softening the onions, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.

More Wild Game Flavor: Explore My Bison Recipes

If you love this robust ground bison chili, you’ll definitely want to try some of my other bison recipes. From hearty bison meatloaf and savory bison shepherd’s pie to quick weeknight bison tacos, each dish showcases the bold, natural flavors of this lean, nutrient-packed meat. My recipes are designed to be approachable, adaptable, and full of the flavors my family loves — perfect for inspiring your own wild game cooking adventures.