10 Best Ground Bison Recipes

Thinking about trying bison? While it’s not as common as other meats in the U.S., bison started to gain traction back in the early 2000s when Ted Turner opened the first Ted’s Montana Grill in Ohio.

Whether you’re new to bison or a longtime fan, these ground bison recipes are some of my absolute favorites–and they’re perfect for anyone looking to mix things up in the kitchen!

1.Bison Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s pie is a classic for a reason. This hearty dish is super versatile–you can use just about any meat or veggies you like. This version features bison, carrots, onions, and peas for a robust flavor.

The bottom layer is a savory mix of meat and veggies, topped with fluffy mashed potatoes. It’s like a full meal in one dish! This recipe is nutritious, filling, and packed with home-cooked comfort.

Feel free to load up on the veggies–peppers, celery, carrots, red onions, and English peas all work beautifully. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in or feeding a crowd.

2.Harvest Bowl with Ground Bison

This dish is a stunning fall favorite, celebrating the rich flavors of North America. It’s a great way to highlight native ingredients, just as Native Americans might have done centuries ago.

At the heart of this recipe is bison, the star protein, accompanied by shallots, turnips, mushrooms, potatoes, squash, sage, and a touch of maple syrup.

The sauce is a delightful mix of native berries–like strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, chokecherries, or cranberries–and a hint of honey or maple syrup.

Together, these ingredients create a dish that’s not only delicious but also healthy and authentically American. 🍂🍁

3.Bison Meatballs

Looking for a healthier swap for ground beef? Bison is your answer! Not only is it lower in calories, but it also packs more B12, iron, and protein. Plus, you can whip up a dozen of these tasty meatballs in just 30 minutes.

Use them anywhere you’d typically use beef meatballs–they’re super versatile. The Worcestershire sauce and Italian seasonings bring big flavor, while breadcrumbs give them the perfect texture.

It’s a quick, nutritious, and delicious option for any meal!

4.Bison Sweet Potato Hash

Bison for breakfast? Why not? This vibrant, tasty hash is perfect for any meal, but it’s especially great way to start your day. Packed with bison, sweet potatoes, onions, peppers, fried eggs, and more, it’s a hearty mix that’s ready in just 35 minutes.

With its slightly sweet flavor and crispy, sticky texture, this hash is everything you want in a breakfast dish and more.

5.Bison Burger

If you can make a burger, you can easily whip up these hearty, flavorful bison burgers. Customize the patties to your liking with your favorite seasonings, then cook them in a skillet or on the grill.

Don’t forget to add your cheese while the patty is still hot–it’ll melt into a gooey, delicious mess. Top it off with your go-to fixings and enjoy the perfect meal!

6.Macaroni and Cheese with Ground Bison

Looking for a twist on the classic cheeseburger macaroni? This version kicks things up a notch by swapping ground beef for bison and adding an extra layer of spice and flavor.

The magic comes from sautéed onions, garlic, green peppers, and a touch of tomato bouillon. But the real star of the show? Apple smoked cheddar cheese.

It’s the kind of addition that takes a dish from everyday to exceptional. While you can use any cheese you like, trust us–stick with the apple smoked cheddar.

It brings a deep, smoky flavor that elevates the entire meal to a whole new level.

7.Bison Black Bean Chili

Homemade chili is the ultimate hearty, warming bowl for fall and winter. Bison black bean chili takes it up a notch with its rich, earthy flavor from the bison and a kick of spice from the chili powder.

Loaded with corn, onions, garlic, tomatoes, bulgur, black beans, and a splash of red wine, this chili is a flavor powerhouse. For an extra depth of flavor, add a teaspoon of coffee–it makes all the difference.

Perfect for cozy nights, this satisfying dish is exactly what you need for the season.

8.Bison Pasta

This pasta dish is quick and delicious to make. Using bison and a few pantry staples, you can have it ready in about 30 minutes. The bison adds a fresh, lighter flavor compared to beef, blending perfectly with the rich tomato sauce and aromatic Italian seasonings for a satisfying meal.

9.Mexican Bison Bake

This Mexican-inspired casserole is a real showstopper! Let me tell you, it’s packed with all the good stuff: a pound of ground bison, six ounces of penne pasta, black beans, tomatoes, tortilla chips, cheddar cheese, onions, salsa, and a blend of herbs and spices.

It’s crunchy, spicy, cheesy, and super satisfying. Once it’s ready, top it with a dollop of cilantro-lime sour cream and some onions. Feel free to add your favorite toppings and make it your own!

10.Bison Bolognese

Bison bolognese sauce is a hearty twist on the classic pasta favorite. Using bison instead of beef adds a touch of sweetness to the dish without straying too far from the traditional flavor.

The sweetness pairs perfectly with the bold, spicy kick from onions, garlic, peppers, oregano, basil, and pepper flakes, creating a rich and satisfying sauce.

Serve it over your favorite pasta–tagliatelle is the traditional choice, but spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine also work beautifully. It’s a flavorful, meaty pasta dish that’s sure to become a new staple!