12 Ground Bison Dishes That Expand Beyond Basic Burgers
Ground bison offers a lean, flavorful alternative to traditional beef that’s perfect for adventurous home cooks. This premium meat brings rich, slightly sweet flavors to your favorite comfort food recipes.
These creative bison dishes prove you can transform this versatile protein into everything from hearty chili to elegant meatballs that’ll impress your dinner guests.
01. Herb-Crusted Bison Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Tender bison meatballs simmered in aromatic tomato sauce with fresh herbs. These crowd-pleasing appetizers showcase bison’s natural flavor beautifully.
Ingredients: 1 pound ground bison, 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs, 2 large eggs, 1 medium onion (finely diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 cups marinara sauce, 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped), 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Herb-Crusted Bison Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
1. Combine ground bison, breadcrumbs, eggs, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat which can make meatballs tough.
2. Roll the mixture into 20-24 uniform meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Keep your hands slightly damp to prevent sticking and ensure even sizing for consistent cooking throughout.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Brown meatballs in batches, turning carefully to achieve golden color on all sides, about 6-8 minutes total per batch.
4. Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with browned meatballs and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes until meatballs reach 160°F internally, then stir in fresh basil before serving.
02. Bacon-Topped Bison Cheeseburgers on the Grill
Perfectly grilled bison patties crowned with sharp cheddar and crispy bacon. These elevated burgers deliver restaurant-quality results in your own backyard.
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds ground bison, 6 slices thick-cut bacon, 6 slices sharp cheddar cheese, 6 Hawaiian hamburger buns, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Bacon-Topped Bison Cheeseburgers on the Grill
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook bacon on a grill-safe pan until crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels, keeping warm.
2. Gently mix ground bison with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Form into 6 patties slightly larger than your buns, creating a small indent in the center to prevent puffing during cooking.
3. Grill bison patties for 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness, being careful not to press down with your spatula which removes flavorful juices. Bison cooks faster than beef due to its lean nature.
4. During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with cheddar cheese and toast the buns cut-side down on the grill. Assemble burgers immediately with bacon on top while cheese is still melted.
03. From-Scratch Bison Chili with Bold Spices
Rich, warming chili built from ground bison and aromatic spices. This hearty bowl delivers complex flavors perfect for cold weather comfort.
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground bison, 2 large onions (diced), 4 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 2 cans diced tomatoes, 2 cans kidney beans, 2 cups beef broth, salt to taste.
How To Make From-Scratch Bison Chili with Bold Spices
1. Brown ground bison in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until no pink remains, about 8-10 minutes. The lean meat will release less fat than beef.
2. Add diced onions to the pot and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant throughout the mixture.
3. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, paprika, and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for 30 seconds to toast the spices and release their essential oils for maximum flavor development.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices, drained kidney beans, and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed. The chili should be thick and rich, with tender bison and well-developed spice flavors throughout each spoonful.
04. Sweet and Spicy Orange Bison Meatballs
Asian-inspired bison meatballs glazed in tangy orange sauce with heat. These sophisticated appetizers balance sweet marmalade with spicy chili sauce perfectly.
Ingredients: 1 pound ground bison, 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup orange marmalade, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons Asian chili sauce, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 2 green onions (sliced).
How To Make Sweet and Spicy Orange Bison Meatballs
1. Mix ground bison, panko breadcrumbs, and egg in a bowl until just combined. Roll into 16-18 uniform meatballs, keeping them slightly smaller than traditional meatballs for quicker cooking and better sauce absorption.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown meatballs in batches, turning carefully to achieve golden color on all sides, about 6-7 minutes total per batch.
3. Whisk together orange marmalade, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili sauce in a small bowl until smooth. This sweet and spicy glaze will coat the meatballs beautifully.
4. Return all meatballs to the skillet and pour the sauce over them. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 12-15 minutes, turning meatballs occasionally until sauce thickens and coats each piece.
5. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving. The finished meatballs should be glossy with sauce and tender throughout, perfect for serving over rice or as appetizers.
05. Simple Italian-Style Bison Meatloaf
Classic comfort food made with lean ground bison and Italian flavors. This seven-ingredient meatloaf proves simple recipes often taste the best.
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground bison, 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs, 2 large eggs, 1 medium onion (finely diced), 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 jar marinara sauce, black pepper to taste.
How To Make Simple Italian-Style Bison Meatloaf
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. The moderate temperature ensures even cooking throughout the lean bison meat without drying it out.
2. Combine ground bison, Italian breadcrumbs, eggs, diced onion, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently with your hands until ingredients are just incorporated, avoiding overworking.
3. Transfer half the meat mixture to your prepared loaf pan and create a shallow well down the center. Spread 1/2 cup marinara sauce in the well, then top with remaining meat mixture, sealing edges.
4. Spread another 1/2 cup marinara sauce over the top of the meatloaf, creating an even layer that will keep the surface moist during baking.
5. Bake for 55-60 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing, allowing juices to redistribute for cleaner cuts and better texture.
06. Instant Pot Bison Pasta with Red Wine Sauce
Restaurant-quality pasta with ground bison and mushrooms in rich wine sauce. Your pressure cooker transforms simple ingredients into elegant comfort food quickly.
Ingredients: 1 pound ground bison, 12 oz penne pasta, 8 oz baby portobello mushrooms (sliced), 1 cup red wine, 2 cups beef broth, 1 jar marinara sauce, 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tablespoons olive oil.
How To Make Instant Pot Bison Pasta with Red Wine Sauce
1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil. Brown ground bison for 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until no pink remains throughout.
2. Add sliced mushrooms and minced garlic to the pot, cooking for 2-3 minutes until mushrooms begin to release their moisture and garlic becomes fragrant.
3. Pour in red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add penne pasta, beef broth, and marinara sauce, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. Quick-release the pressure immediately when cooking time ends to prevent pasta from overcooking and becoming mushy.
5. Stir in fresh basil and let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes to absorb any remaining liquid. The finished dish should be creamy and well-coated with the rich wine sauce.
07. Brown Rice and Bison Stuffed Bell Peppers
Colorful bell peppers filled with seasoned bison and brown rice mixture. These wholesome stuffed peppers make a complete, nutritious meal in one beautiful package.
Ingredients: 6 large green bell peppers, 1 pound ground bison, 2 cups cooked brown rice, 1 can tomato sauce, 1 medium onion (diced), 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Brown Rice and Bison Stuffed Bell Peppers
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut tops off bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes completely. If needed, trim a small slice from the bottom to help peppers stand upright in your baking dish.
2. Brown ground bison with diced onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, breaking up the meat until fully cooked and onions are softened throughout.
3. Stir in cooked brown rice, half the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and heated through.
4. Stuff each pepper generously with the bison and rice mixture, packing it down gently. Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish and pour remaining tomato sauce around the base.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, top each pepper with mozzarella cheese, and bake uncovered for 15 more minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.
08. Smoky Chipotle Bison and Beef Chili
Hearty two-meat chili with smoky chipotle heat and vegetables. This satisfying bowl combines bison and beef for complex flavors that warm you completely.
Ingredients: 1 pound ground bison, 1 pound ground beef, 2 chipotle peppers in adobo (minced), 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 can corn (drained), 2 cans kidney beans, 1 large onion (diced), 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon cumin, 2 cups beef broth.
How To Make Smoky Chipotle Bison and Beef Chili
1. Brown ground bison and ground beef together in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, breaking apart with a wooden spoon until no pink remains, about 10-12 minutes total.
2. Add diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced chipotle peppers, chili powder, and cumin, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes with juices, drained corn, kidney beans, and beef broth. Bring mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
4. Simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until chili thickens and flavors meld together beautifully. The chipotle should provide smoky heat without overwhelming the meat flavors.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or fresh cilantro for added richness and freshness.
09. Air Fryer Bison Burgers with Liquid Smoke
Juicy air-fried bison patties with subtle smoky flavor. These quick-cooking burgers deliver grilled taste without firing up the outdoor grill.
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds ground bison, 1 teaspoon liquid smoke, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 6 hamburger buns, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Air Fryer Bison Burgers with Liquid Smoke
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes. Meanwhile, gently combine ground bison with liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
2. Form the seasoned meat into 6 patties, making them slightly larger than your buns and creating a small indent in the center to prevent puffing during cooking.
3. Place patties in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook for 8 minutes, then carefully flip each patty using a spatula to maintain their shape.
4. Continue cooking for 6-8 more minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F for medium doneness. The liquid smoke will give these burgers an authentic grilled flavor without the outdoor setup.
5. Let burgers rest for 2-3 minutes before serving on toasted buns with your favorite toppings. The resting time allows juices to redistribute for maximum flavor and moisture.
10. Easy Peri-Peri Bison and Pork Lasagna
Layered comfort food with spicy peri-peri bison and pork mixture. This simple lasagna uses no-boil noodles for convenience without sacrificing authentic Italian flavors.
Ingredients: 1 pound ground bison, 1/2 pound ground pork, 12 no-boil lasagna noodles, 3 tablespoons peri-peri sauce, 2 cups ricotta cheese, 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 jar marinara sauce, 1 zucchini (sliced thin), 2 eggs, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
How To Make Easy Peri-Peri Bison and Pork Lasagna
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Brown ground bison and pork together in a large skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Stir peri-peri sauce into the cooked meat mixture and set aside. In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, and half the mozzarella cheese until smooth and well mixed.
3. Spread 1 cup marinara sauce in the bottom of your prepared dish. Layer 4 lasagna noodles, half the meat mixture, half the ricotta mixture, and half the sliced zucchini.
4. Repeat layering with marinara sauce, remaining noodles, meat, ricotta mixture, and zucchini. Top with final 4 noodles, remaining marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
5. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake 15 more minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly. Let rest 10 minutes before cutting for clean slices.
11. Portobello-Enhanced Bison Burger Patties
Moist bison burgers enhanced with chopped portobello mushrooms. These innovative patties stay juicy while adding earthy mushroom flavor throughout every bite.
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds ground bison, 4 large portobello mushroom caps (finely chopped), 1 large egg, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 6 hamburger buns, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Portobello-Enhanced Bison Burger Patties
1. Remove stems and gills from portobello caps, then finely chop the mushrooms into small, uniform pieces. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet and sauté mushrooms until moisture evaporates, about 5 minutes.
2. Let sautéed mushrooms cool completely, then combine with ground bison, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until ingredients are just incorporated throughout the mixture.
3. Form into 6 patties, making them slightly larger than your buns. The chopped mushrooms will help keep these lean bison burgers moist and flavorful during cooking.
4. Heat remaining olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side until nicely browned and internal temperature reaches 160°F.
5. Toast hamburger buns lightly and serve immediately while patties are hot. The mushrooms create incredibly juicy burgers that rival any restaurant version you’ve tried before.
12. Classic Grilled Bison Burgers
Perfect grilled bison patties with binding ingredients for moisture. These straightforward burgers showcase bison’s natural flavor while staying tender and juicy throughout.
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground bison, 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 cup fine breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 8 hamburger buns, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Classic Grilled Bison Burgers
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F. Clean and oil the grates well to prevent the lean bison meat from sticking during cooking.
2. Gently combine ground bison with eggs, Worcestershire sauce, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. These binding ingredients prevent the lean meat from drying out on the grill.
3. Form mixture into 8 patties, making them slightly larger than your buns and creating a small depression in the center to prevent puffing as they cook.
4. Grill patties for 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness, being careful not to press down with your spatula which removes precious juices from the lean meat.
5. Toast buns on the grill during the last minute of cooking. Let burgers rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute throughout each patty.
6. Serve immediately on toasted buns with your favorite toppings. The eggs and breadcrumbs create incredibly moist burgers that showcase why bison is such a premium choice for grilling.
Final Thoughts
These bison recipes prove this lean protein works beautifully in familiar comfort foods. From spicy chili to elegant meatballs, bison adds rich flavor while keeping dishes healthier than traditional beef options.
Start with simple recipes like burgers or meatloaf, then explore more adventurous dishes as you discover how versatile and delicious ground bison can be.
