Healthy Recipe: Bison Chili with Sweet Potatoes & Black Beans

Bison Chili with Sweet Potatoes & Black Beans

Recipe by Ivy Manning | Photo by Erin Kunkel

This rib-sticking chili features lean bison, which is a smart swap for ground beef. But the benefits get even better when you take out some of the red meat and replace it with plants. Black beans and sweet potato offer protein and fiber, so you’ll feel fuller longer, without sacrificing that meaty flavor. Omnivores, dig in.

INGREDIENTS

1 lb (500 g) ground bison, lean
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
2 cups (16 fl oz/500 ml) beef or chicken stock, reduced sodium
1 can (15 oz/470 g) diced tomatoes, preferably fire-roasted
1 small sweet potato, peeled and cut into ½-inch (12-mm) chunks
1 can (15 oz/470 g) black beans, no salt added, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon chopped canned chipotle chiles in adobo
2 teaspoons ground cumin
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Greek yogurt, sliced avocado, sliced green onions, or cilantro leaves for topping

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the bison and cook, stirring occasionally but leaving the meat in big chunks, until browned, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a colander to drain any fat.

Return the Dutch oven to the heat and warm the olive oil. Add the onion and bell pepper and sauté until beginning to brown, 7 minutes. Add the garlic and stir until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add the drained meat, stock, tomatoes with their juices, sweet potato, black beans, chipotle chiles, cumin, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender, 20 minutes.

Transfer the bison chili to bowls, top with yogurt, avocado, green onions, or cilantro, if you like, and serve warm.

Makes 4 servings

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories 442
Protein 31 g
Total fat 18 g
Saturated fat 6 g
Carbs 39 g
Fiber 10 g
Total sugars 9 g
Added sugars 1 g
Sodium 346 mg
*Not including any toppings.