Ground bison is an excellent lean protein choice—richer in iron, lower in fat and calories than beef, with a slightly sweeter flavor. These 15 versatile recipes make it easy to incorporate bison into your meals, from quick weeknight dinners to comforting classics.
1. Juicy Ground Bison Burgers
The ultimate bison burger: tender, flavorful, and perfect on the grill or stovetop.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 1 lb ground bison
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Optional: buns, cheese, lettuce, tomato
Instructions:
- Mix bison gently with seasonings—avoid overworking.
- Form into 4 patties with a thumb indent in the center.
- Grill or pan-sear over medium-high 4-5 minutes per side (160°F internal).
- Rest 5 minutes, then serve with toppings.
2. Tender Ground Bison Meatballs
Juicy meatballs great for spaghetti, subs, or appetizers.
Ingredients (makes ~20 meatballs):
- 1 lb ground bison
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Mix all ingredients gently.
- Roll into 1-inch balls.
- Bake 20-25 minutes until 160°F internal.
3. Bison Stuffed Peppers
Hearty bell peppers filled with bison, rice, and veggies.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 1 lb ground bison
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- Shredded cheese for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Halve peppers and remove seeds.
- Brown bison with onion and mushrooms.
- Mix in rice and tomatoes; stuff peppers.
- Top with cheese; bake 30-35 minutes.
4. Ground Bison Tacos
Quick, flavorful tacos with lean bison meat.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 1 lb ground bison
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
- 8 tortillas
- Toppings: lettuce, tomato, avocado, cheese, lime
Instructions:
- Brown bison in skillet.
- Add seasoning and ¼ cup water; simmer 5 minutes.
- Warm tortillas and assemble with toppings.
5. Hearty Bison Chili
Comforting chili packed with flavor and protein.
Ingredients (serves 6):
- 1 lb ground bison
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cans beans (kidney/black)
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- Chili powder, cumin, garlic
Instructions:
- Brown bison with onion.
- Add spices, tomatoes, beans.
- Simmer 30-45 minutes.
- Serve with toppings.
6. Classic Bison Meatloaf
Moist and flavorful meatloaf with a tangy glaze.
Ingredients (serves 6):
- 1 lb ground bison
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ½ cup milk
- 1 onion, diced
- Ketchup glaze
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix all ingredients gently.
- Form loaf; top with ketchup.
- Bake 1 hour (160°F internal).
7. Bison Bolognese Pasta Sauce
Rich, slow-simmered meat sauce for pasta.
Ingredients (serves 6):
- 1 lb ground bison
- 1 onion, carrot, celery (soffritto)
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup red wine
- Herbs: basil, oregano
Instructions:
- Brown bison; add veggies.
- Deglaze with wine.
- Add tomatoes; simmer 1-2 hours.
- Serve over pasta.
8. Bison Shepherd's Pie
Comforting casserole with mashed potato topping.
Ingredients (serves 6):
- 1 lb ground bison
- Mixed veggies (carrots, peas)
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- Beef broth, Worcestershire
Instructions:
- Brown bison with veggies.
- Add broth; simmer.
- Top with mashed potatoes.
- Bake 400°F 25-30 minutes until golden.
9. Bison Sloppy Joes
Messy, tangy sandwiches—kid-friendly classic.
Ingredients (serves 6):
- 1 lb ground bison
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- Mustard, Worcestershire
- Buns
Instructions:
- Brown bison with onion.
- Add sauce ingredients; simmer 15 minutes.
- Serve on toasted buns.
10. Bison Lasagna
Layered pasta casserole with rich bison sauce.
Ingredients (serves 8):
- 1 lb ground bison
- Lasagna noodles
- Ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan
- Tomato sauce, herbs
Instructions:
- Brown bison; make sauce.
- Layer noodles, sauce, cheeses.
- Bake 375°F covered 45 minutes, uncovered 15 minutes.
11. Bison Breakfast Skillet Hash
Hearty one-pan breakfast with eggs and veggies.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 1 lb ground bison
- 2 sweet potatoes, diced
- Onion, peppers
- 4 eggs
- Spices: paprika, garlic
Instructions:
- Cook sweet potatoes until tender.
- Brown bison with veggies.
- Make wells; crack eggs.
- Bake or cover until eggs set.
12. Bison Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Low-carb stuffed zucchini with bison filling.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 1 lb ground bison
- 4 zucchini
- Tomato sauce, cheese
- Onion, garlic
Instructions:
- Halve and scoop zucchini.
- Brown bison filling.
- Stuff boats; top with cheese.
- Bake 375°F 25 minutes.
13. Bison Cabbage Rolls
Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around bison rice filling.
Ingredients (serves 6):
- 1 lb ground bison
- 1 head cabbage
- 1 cup rice
- Tomato sauce
Instructions:
- Blanch cabbage leaves.
- Mix bison with cooked rice.
- Roll and place in dish.
- Cover with sauce; bake 350°F 1 hour.
14. Bison Lettuce Wraps
Light, Asian-inspired wraps with ground bison.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 1 lb ground bison
- Lettuce leaves
- Hoisin, soy, ginger
- Water chestnuts, carrots
Instructions:
- Brown bison with veggies.
- Add sauce; simmer.
- Spoon into lettuce cups.
15. Bison Eggplant Casserole
Layered bake similar to moussaka with bison.
Ingredients (serves 6):
- 1 lb ground bison
- 2 eggplants, sliced
- Tomato sauce, cheese
- Béchamel optional
Instructions:
- Grill eggplant slices.
- Brown bison sauce.
- Layer and bake 375°F 40 minutes.
Enjoy these versatile ground bison recipes—they're nutritious, delicious, and perfect for any meal!