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    Hearty Texas-Style Bison and Bean Chili

    clock-icon75 minutes
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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
    units in
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    serves
    6 peoplechevron
    serves
    6 peoplechevron

    Olive Oil

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Ground Bison

    0 lb

    Substitute chevron-down

    Large Onion, finely chopped

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Beer

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    Diced Tomatoes

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    Strong Brewed Coffee

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Tomato Paste

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Brown Sugar

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Chile Sauce

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Cocoa Powder

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Serrano Pepper, seeded and finely chopped

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Ground Cumin

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    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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