Healthy Ground Bison Recipes (2024)

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Juicy, flavorful, lean ground bison is “trending” among health-conscious foodies. This collection of Healthy Ground Bison Recipes provides inspiration for including this healthy protein option in your weeknight menu rotation. The demand for bison is growing due to increased marketing efforts, its widespread availability, and great nutritional profile. In this post, I will present the pros and cons of bison, and try to anticipate any questions you might have… Bueno?

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👩🏻‍🍳 Tamara Talks – About Bison

I only recently discovered ground bison through my subscription to Imperfect Foods, and it makes a regular appearance on the dinner table at Andersen casa now. We’re loving this healthy bison burger, and I’m working on a recipe for ground bison tacos.

Bison is sustainable when it is grass-fed. The grazing habits of bison actually promote a healthy ecosystem. Grass-fed meat tends to be more expensive (whether it’s bison or beef), and with the increase in demand, it is important to check the label. Make sure your bison is sustainably raised. Some farmers are starting to raise bison on grain in feed lots.

While bison is has some nutrition advantages over beef, it is still considered to be red meat. We limit red meat to once or twice a month. Consult your physician if red meat is a concern.

Advantages

  • ground bison is an excellent source of protein
  • bison is a rich source of B vitamins
  • it is high in selenium, iron, and zinc
  • bison is low in fats and calories
  • when grass-fed it is sustainable
  • a healthier substitute for beef and lamb
  • it has no “gamey” taste

Disadvantages

  • bison is very lean and easy to overcook
  • bison can be expensive
  • it is high in selenium, iron, and zinc
  • bison is low in fats and calories

Bison Versus Beef Nutrition Facts

Here are the nutritional differences between 4 ounces (113 grams) of bison and beef:

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💭 Tips

Bison is really easy to overcook. An instant read thermometer is helpful. Reducing the flame or cooking temperature slightly may help prevent overcooked bison.

If you prefer “well done” meat, bison may not be your best choice. Ground bison is juicy and flavorful at about 160° internally. Steaks and roasts can be consumed above 145°.

Bison retains some pink color when fully cooked.

How do I store ground bison?

Treat ground bison like you would ground beef. Store in the refrigerator 1 to 2 days at 40° or below. Store it in the freezer for 3 to 4 months.

What is the best way to thaw ground bison?

There are 3 ways to thaw ground bison: 1. In the refrigerator. 2. In cold water. 3. In the microwave. I never recommend the microwave because it’s so easy to have it start cooking, and then it’s difficult to use in many recipes.

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🐂 Ground Bison Recipes

We have already enjoyed one of these recipes – the Bison Cheddar Topped Cauliflower Steaks. I’m looking forward to trying them all, but the Cherry Bison Meatballs are calling my name. Keep scrolling for all the healthy and delicious ground bison recipes!

Healthy Ground Bison Recipes

A collection of 8 healthy, simple ground bison recipes to shake up your weeknight dinners a bit...

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Healthy Bison Burgers with Hatch Chile

Lean ground bison provides the foundation of this Healthy Bison Burgers with Hatch Chile. The burger patties are bound with egg and ground corn tortillas, and a puréedonion keeps the meat moist.

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Photo Credit:colleenchristensennutrition.com

Cherry Bison Meatballs

Bison meatballs with a sweet twist! These cherry bison meatballs are packed with flavor and so easy to make!

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Photo Credit:boulderlocavore.com

Bison Chili with Black Beans

Bison Chili with Black Beans has big flavor and is an easy chili recipe. A fun twist on traditional chili recipes.

This recipe is inspired by Greek flavors of garlic, lemon, and oregano. These flavorful meatballs are very tender thanks to the addition of milk-soaked bread, and they make a great appetizer or main course.

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Photo Credit:www.runningtothekitchen.com

Bison Stuffed Peppers

Lean protein packed ground bison stuffed peppers are filled with rice, shredded zucchini, carrots, onion and tomato sauce for a deliciously hearty meal with a melted cheesy topping. A healthier alternative to beef and an easy meal to make!

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Photo Credit:slowthecookdown.com

Bison Meatballs

These delicious bison meatballs are a healthier alternative to ground beef. Super quick and easy to make, they are ready to serve in less than half an hour and can be made ahead of time. Stir them into your favorite marinara sauce and serve over pasta for the most perfect comfort food.

This Ground Bison Veggie Bowl recipe is perfect for paleo and low-carb diets. It’s a grain-free and easy recipe that is so delicious and satisfying. This is a 30-minute meal that you can make on busy weeknights.

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Meet Tamara

Hola from the Rio Grande Valley in south Texas! I'm Tamara, the recipe developer, co*cktail mixologist, photographer, and writer behind Beyond Mere Sustenance. Beyond Mere Sustenance is a food blog with creative (often unique) recipes that are mostly healthy (I call it healthyish) with a Latin flair. Having lived on or near the border my entire life and traveled extensively in Peru, you’ll find a strong emphasis on Peruvian and Mexican recipes.

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Healthy Ground Bison Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the best way to cook ground bison meat? ›

Nice and lean, ground bison cooks quickly, so I like to grill, roast or sauté at a medium temperature (as opposed to medium high for beef), remove from heat and 5-10 minutes before serving. Lean meats do have more of a tendency to stick, so use plenty of oil.

How healthy is ground bison? ›

Bison meat is healthy meat. A 100-gram portion provides 20 grams of protein, 146 calories, and 7 grams of fats. It has almost no carbohydrates or fiber. Bison meat also provides small amounts of iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc, and other minerals.

What seasoning is good with bison? ›

Seasoning: Bison steaks have a naturally robust flavor, so keep the seasoning simple to complement the meat rather than overpowering it. Use a combination of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and any other preferred herbs or spices.

Is bison good for high blood pressure? ›

Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Promoting Heart Health

Research has found that omega-3 fatty acids hold the potential to effectively lower blood pressure, quell inflammation within the body and notably mitigate the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases.

Is ground bison healthier than chicken? ›

Here are a few quick nutrition facts about bison meat:

Naturally has 30% less fat than skinless chicken and is an excellent source of protein and iron—without any carbs.

What pairs with bison? ›

When it comes to pairing bison with alcohol, red wine is a natural choice. But some red wines go better than others. Unlike, say, roast beef, bison is low in fat, so it won't be its best with tannic reds such as inexpensive young Cabernet Sauvignon. (The fat softens the tannins.)

Is ground bison healthier than beef? ›

Bison is leaner than beef and may be a healthier choice if you're looking to reduce your calorie or fat intake. It has nearly 25% fewer calories than beef and is lower in total and saturated fat ( 2 , 3 ). Additionally, due to its lower fat content, bison has finer fat marbling, yielding softer and more tender meat.

What flavors go with bison? ›

Bison Burger with Cabernet Onions and Wisconsin Cheddar

And with delicious bison meat, homemade fried onions, and Wisconsin cheddar, there's really no way you can go wrong.

What are the disadvantages of bison meat? ›

Though consuming bison meat comes with several nutritional benefits, there are a couple of drawbacks to keep in mind, such as its slightly higher price and the fact that it's easier to overcook.

Can I eat ground bison everyday? ›

“And certainly, don't eat bison every night,” adds Pritikin dietitian Kimberly Gomer. “Just because some cuts of bison are healthier than beef does not mean that bison is a free-for-all.” Bison, even genuinely lean cuts like tenderloin, still contain some saturated fat.

How often should you eat ground bison? ›

Eating 5oz of bison, 3-4 times per week can help most people reduce LDL cholesterol 40 to 45% over a 6-month period.

What do you put on ground bison? ›

Bison Burgers

These bison burgers are absolutely amazing. It's the new ground bison recipe you have to make. They're juicy and healthier than beef burgers. With ingredients like spicy habanero peppers and topped with caramelized onions, avocado, and blue cheese, you won't be disappointed.

Does ground bison have to be fully cooked? ›

Whether a burger or a steak, bison meat should never be cooked beyond medium. Medium rare to rare is recommended. If you or your customers like well-done meat, it is best not to serve bison. Since bison is lower in fat (which acts as an insulator) than other meats, it is easily overcooked.

Should I add fat to ground bison? ›

Although ground bison is leaner, there is no need to add fat to keep it from sticking to the pan or falling apart. All meat, no matter the leanness, has enough fat available to cook with it properly. The great thing about ground bison, you don't need to drain off any grease from the pan!!!

Do you cook ground bison the same as beef? ›

Since bison is low in fat, it should be cooked at lower temperatures and for less time than beef. Ground bison should be cooked to an internal temperature of 155°F. Roasts and steaks should be cooked to an internal temperature of 135°F (medium rare) or 145°F (medium).

How long do you cook ground bison on the stove? ›

Ground Bison

For burgers, cook patties over medium-high heat for 2½ minutes per side for rare. Cooking patties from frozen can help, 4 minutes for the first side and 2 for the other.

Does ground bison taste like hamburger? ›

What Does Bison Taste Like? Think of the best steak or burger you've ever had: The flavor of bison meat can easily compete with it. It tastes similar to beef but has a slightly sweet undertone that sets it apart. Unlike some specialty meats, bison is not gamey, and it's incredibly tender no matter how you prepare it.

Does ground bison cook like beef? ›

Bison meat cooks differently than beef. Bison has a very minimal fat content and should be cooked over lower heat than beef. But remember, if cooking a burger, a ground bison burger will cook more quickly than a ground beef burger.

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