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Hearty Texas-Style Bison and Bean Chili

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Pixicook editorial team

A rich and filling chili made with ground bison, beans, and a variety of flavorful ingredients.

Ingredients for Hearty Texas-Style Bison and Bean Chili

units in
USchevron
serves
6 peoplechevron

Olive Oil

tablespoons

Large Onion, finely chopped

each

Beer

0 oz

Strong Brewed Coffee

cups

Tomato Paste

tablespoons

Chile Sauce

tablespoons

Cocoa Powder

tablespoons

Serrano Pepper, seeded and finely chopped

each

Ground Cumin

tablespoons

How to Make Hearty Texas-Style Bison and Bean Chili

1. Brown the Meat

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add 1 pound of ground bison. Cook the meat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Cook Onion

Add 1 large finely chopped onion to the pot. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

3. Deglaze with Beer

Pour in a 12-ounce bottle of beer. Allow the beer to simmer for a couple of minutes, reducing slightly.

4. Add Tomatoes and Coffee

Add a 14 1/2-ounce can of diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee, and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. Stir everything together thoroughly.

5. Add Brown Sugar, Chile Sauce, and Cocoa Powder

Incorporate 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of chile sauce, and 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder into the mix. Stir in half a serrano pepper, seeded and finely chopped.

6. Season and Simmer

Season the chili with 1.5 tablespoons of ground cumin. Let the chili simmer on low heat for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Variations

White Chicken Chili

Use ground chicken or chopped chicken breast, white navy beans, green chiles, and white pepper with chicken stock and a splash of cream.

Garnishes Galore

Offer a range of garnishes such as lime wedges, cilantro, diced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, or sour cream infused with lime zest.

Pork and Hominy Chili (Chili Verde)

Use pork shoulder, hominy, tomatillos, and green chiles with chicken stock and lime juice.

Incorporate Beer or Coffee

Replace some of the beef broth with a dark beer or a shot of espresso for added complexity.

Spice it Differently

Introduce spices like cumin seeds toasted and ground fresh, smoked paprika, or a hint of cinnamon or clove.

Pitfalls and tips

Select Quality Ingredients

Opt for grass-fed, locally sourced bison with good marbling for the best flavor and tenderness.

Layer the Flavors

Introduce ingredients in stages for a complex flavor profile.

Toast the Spices

Toast spices like cumin, coriander, and chili powder in a dry pan to deepen their flavors.

Simmer Slowly

Allow the chili to simmer on low heat for at least two hours for flavors to meld.

Brown the Meat Well

Take time to get a deep sear on the bison, contributing significantly to the chili's flavor profile.

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