Bacon Bison Beer Chili the perfect cool weather food recipe. Layers of ingredients using bacon, bison, salsa, and beer, leaves you with a big flavor, low calorie, high protein recipe. Easy to prepare makes this the perfect family recipe, or for watching the big game. Gluten free, Grain free, and Dairy free.
Chili is one of those recipes that warms the body and the soul.
A bowl of this Bacon Bison Beer Chili is perfect on a cold day when the wind is blowing and the snow is flying. You can wrap your hands around the bowl, let the warmth sink in, while you scoop up spoonfuls of delicious hearty flavor.
I actually enjoy making chili, it is one of those recipes that is always simple to put together, it’s just a matter of adding layers one at a time. It is an easy recipe even for a beginner cook to try out, because as long as you follow the directions you will find success, and tons of happy customers at the end.
When the snow hit the ground last week and little Miss and I went for a walk, we both were chilled to the bone when got home. One of us had a snow beard, one of us had cold hands, and we both wanted something to warm us up.
It was chili for me and Little Miss got a bit of warm chicken broth over her food. She deserved it after all that squirrel chasing on our walk.
I hope you give this recipe a try! If you do take a picture and share it on Instagram and tag me so I can see it @ahealthylifeforme.
Bacon Bison Beer Chili
Ingredients
- 3 slices thick-cut bacon finely chopped
- 1 large yellow onion finely chopped
- 1 large garlic clove minced
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground bison
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sweet smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- About 1 tsp. salt
- 1 can 14.5 oz. crushed fire-roasted tomatoes or regular crushed tomatoes
- 1 can 8 oz. salsa
- 1 cup flavorful medium-bodied beer, I used Green's
- 1 can 14.5 oz. mixed beans, drained {or use black beans}{check label for gluten free}
Toppings:
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapeno
Instructions
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In a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, cook bacon, stirring until it just begins to brown, about 4 minutes.
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Add bison, breaking up and string until slightly cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
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Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne and salt, stir to combine.
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Push bison to the perimeter of pan making a clear spot in the center.
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Add the onion and garlic to the center and stir cooking until translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
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Add tomatoes, salsa, and beer and bring to a boil.
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Reduce heat to medium-low, cover partially, and cook 30 minutes.
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Add beans and cook 10 minutes, uncovered. Season to taste with salt. Serve warm, with toppings on the side.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
Extra-Spicy Jalapeno Margarita
Hearty Chickpea Bison & Spinach Stew
Grilled Bison Ribeye Steak
Paleo Cauliflower Avocado Egg Bowl
Amy, I love using Bison meat–but I have never made my Bison Chili with bacon. I totally need to step up my game. And your dog–precious!
Thanks Kristen.
My second bison recipe today! Something I have never cooked with but this chili looks so amazingly good! Your dog is such a cutie! My Golden and I have been enduring the cold walks, and I must say I look forward to spring more than ever 🙂
I am so tired of the cold and all the muddy paw prints I keep mopping up. Hope you give the recipe and bison a try.
I’ve never cooked with bison before, but I think you’ve inspired me to pick some up and make this chili!!
I hope you give it a try Amanda.
This chili sounds so good but your dog totally stole the show. She’s ADORABLE!
Thanks Sharon. She is pretty darn cute!
Oh my goodness Little Miss is adorable! This chili looks fabulous and I sorta wish I had a bowl for dinner tonight. Plus you have all my favorite things – bacon, beef and spicy jalapeños!
Thank you Little Miss thinks she is all that.. probably because we tell her she is. 🙂 Any chili with beer in it has to be awesome! Hope you give the recipe a try.
Oh, it has been a long whille since I have had Bison! This chili looks perfect for a cold winter day, and we have been having them here this week- single digits! Love that you added bacon and beer too- how can you go wrong?? 😉
You know, I see bison at the grocery store and I never buy it. You have just given me a reason to give it a try! My family loves chili!
You gotta give it a try Michelle. You can use it in place of beef, but be careful it cooks quickly!
Bison has such fantastic flavor and is a great lean protein option. Love that you added in some beer for extra flavor!
Thank you! A little beer adds a great flavor.
Hi! Your bison (and bacon!) chili looked so good I included it in my latest buzzfeed post! Adorable dog, too.:)
http://www.buzzfeed.com/annemariewalker/17-meals-that-will-make-you-wish-for-cold-weather-20ib5
I’m trying to get some buzz on it, so it would be awesome if you could upvote the article and share it across social media. Have a great weekend. 🙂
Thanks for including me Annemarie.
Hi Amy – Is the beer you’re using Gluten Free? I’m confused as to how it’s gluten free if you’re using beer 😛
Other than that, I’m LOVING this recipe and can’t wait to try this one and others!
Hi Marcie, There are several gluten free beers available. I used Green’s. For those who don’t worry about gluten, they can use any dark beer that they like. Hope you love the recipe!
what brand/flavor of salsa do you use? there are so many options, I don’t want to choose the wrong one and have the flavors not blend together well
Hey Ashton, I really like Frontera Salsa, especially the jalapeno cilantro flavor.
Great recipe! I sprinkled some cheese on top on my bowl yummy