If you’re stuck in a cooking rut, reaching for ground beef out of habit, here’s something to consider: bison. This red meat alternative packs a punch in flavor and comes with health perks too. These 11 recipes are the perfect example of why bison is worth trying out. Try mixing up your routine with something that’s both delicious and a bit better for you for dinner!
Easy Baked Bison Meatballs
Get ready for bison meatballs that’ll make everyone at the table smile. Mixed with Italian spices and Parmesan, they’re juicy, tender, and full of flavor. These meatballs are a breeze to bake and go great with red sauce or on their own. They’re a prime example of how bison can easily replace beef in any recipe, offering a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Plus, they’re kid-approved, which is always a win in our book.
Get the Recipe: Easy Baked Bison Meatballs
Bison and Cheddar Cauliflower Steaks
Dive into the hearty world of bison and cheddar cauliflower steaks. Topped with a savory mix of bison, crimini mushrooms, and leeks, this dish turns dinner into a comforting feast. It’s a creative way to introduce bison into your meals, offering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. Easy to prepare, this dish is ideal for those nights when you crave something warm and filling. It’s comfort food made healthier and more exciting with the rich taste of bison.
Get the Recipe: Bison and Cheddar Cauliflower Steaks
Bison Stew
When the weather gets chilly, there’s nothing like a hearty bison stew to warm you up. This dish combines the rich flavors of bison with your favorite stew vegetables for a comforting meal. It’s versatile enough to make in a slow cooker or on the stovetop, fitting seamlessly into your meal prep routine. Bison adds a unique twist, making this stew a must-try for those looking to explore beyond beef. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel right at home.
Get the Recipe: Bison Stew
Feta Bison Burgers
These bison burgers are a game-changer, especially when you’re looking to switch up your grill game. Juicy bison pairs perfectly with tangy feta cheese and sweet caramelized onions, offering a flavorful alternative to traditional beef burgers. They cook up just as easily as their beef counterparts, making them an excellent choice for any cookout. Plus, swapping in bison adds a rich twist that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. It’s a simple yet impressive way to elevate your burger experience.
Get the Recipe: Feta Bison Burgers
Bison Meatloaf
Bison meatloaf is here to shake up your meatloaf game. With caramelized onions and a chipotle glaze, it’s moist, flavorful, and far from ordinary. This recipe shows off bison’s versatility and how it can enhance a classic dish. It’s straightforward to make and only needs a pound of meat, making it a budget-friendly option. This meatloaf could easily become your new go-to for a comforting, easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Bison Meatloaf
Bison Tacos
Spice up taco night with ground bison tacos. Ready in 20 minutes and requiring just a handful of ingredients, they’re topped with a spicy avocado sauce that makes dinner exciting again. Bison brings a rich flavor that’s both subtle and satisfying, making these tacos a fantastic way to switch up your routine. It’s a fun, fast meal that demonstrates bison’s flair in everyday cooking.
Get the Recipe: Bison Tacos
Bison Stuffed Peppers
Bison stuffed peppers are here to make dinner both delicious and nutritious. Packed with lean bison and a mix of rice, zucchini, carrots, and onion, they’re a healthier twist on a classic. These peppers are easy to whip up and are perfect for a weeknight meal that feels special without the fuss. The melted cheese topping just takes it over the top. They’re a great example of how bison can make familiar dishes even more memorable.
Get the Recipe: Bison Stuffed Peppers
Bison Sloppy Joes
Bison Sloppy Joes in 30 minutes? Yes, please. This twist on a childhood favorite uses simple, natural sweeteners and a secret tip for an unbeatable flavor. It’s quick, easy, and nostalgia-inducing, with bison adding a robust taste that beef just can’t match. These Sloppy Joes are proof that some classics can be made even better with a little creativity.
Get the Recipe: Bison Sloppy Joes
Ground Bison Spaghetti
This ground bison spaghetti is about to become a family favorite. Lean bison simmered in a spicy red sauce over classic spaghetti noodles brings a hearty and flavorful twist to pasta night. It’s an effortless way to introduce bison into your meals, offering a healthier option without sacrificing taste. The sauce is surprisingly easy to make, ensuring this dish is both simple and delicious. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Ground Bison Spaghetti
Buffalo Burger
Meet the buffalo burger, your new favorite way to burger. Juicy and fulfilling, bison offers a delicious alternative to the everyday beef patty, providing a tasty way to mix things up. This burger proves that bison is not just for special occasions; it’s perfect for any day of the week. It’s a straightforward, satisfying meal that showcases the unique qualities of bison.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Burger
Bison Chili
This bison chili brings the heat and heartiness you crave on a cold day. Loaded with veggies and lean protein, it’s a healthy take on a comfort food staple. The spice mix warms you up from the inside, making it a perfect meal to cozy up with. Bison’s rich flavor sets this chili apart, proving that switching from beef can bring a whole new depth to your dishes. It’s a big bowl of goodness that you’ll want to make over and over.
Get the Recipe: Bison Chili
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
