Warm up with a hearty bowl of Bison Chili with Sweet Red Cherries & Cocoa, a unique twist on classic chili. This flavorful dish combines the rich, savory taste of ground bison and smoky applewood bacon with the sweetness of sweet red cherries. Diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and black beans add texture, while a blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cinnamon brings warmth and depth to every bite. A hint of unsweetened cocoa powder ties everything together, adding a subtle richness that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cherries. Simmered to perfection in beef bone broth, this chili offers a balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it a standout dish for any occasion.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground bison
  • 8 slices applewood smoked bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen Joyfully Grown™ sweet red cherries (pitted and halved)
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 4 cups beef bone broth
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 heaping tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook the bacon and bison together: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon and ground bison together over medium heat until the bacon is crispy and the bison is browned. Break up the bison as it cooks.
  2. Add the rest of the ingredients: Once the bison and bacon are cooked, add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, diced tomatoes, sweet cherries, tomato paste, kidney and black beans, beef bone broth, and all the spices (chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cocoa powder, and cayenne).
  3. Bring to a boil with the lid on: Stir everything together, cover the pot, and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
  4. Simmer uncovered: Once it reaches a boil, remove the lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  5. Season and serve: Taste the chili after simmering and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve with your favorite toppings.

Recipe by Valerie Musser of @whosagoodlizard