Bison Chili

I was going to a Colorado 'Rock Chick' themed happy hour and needed something to bring, I decided on Bison Chili.  Problem is I had never made chili in my life, so I went on an internet hunt.  I found a few different recipes, mashed them together, added some of my own flare and this is what came out.  It has evolved a little since then, as most of my recipes do when I don't have an ingredient on hand or just forget what i'm doing and start to wing it!  But so far it has come out great every time!

Ingredients

1 lb Bison (or ground beef or turkey or a mix!)

1 can of your favorite baked beans 

1 can petite diced tomatoes

1/2 large yellow onion

1 green bell pepper

1 red bell pepper

1 jalapeno

3 cloves garlic

1 tbs chili powder

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp oregano

dash of cinnamon

sprinkle red pepper flakes

Dice the peppers and onions (deseed and devein the jalapeno)

Smash and mince garlic

Add to skillet with 1 tbs olive oil, salt and pepper, cook until veggies are tender

Add veggies to slow cooker with baked beans and tomatoes

Brown Bison (or whatever meat you are using) in the skillet, add seasonings while it is cooking

Add meat to slow cooker, stir together and cook on high for 3 hours

Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions or whatever toppings you like!

Seriously its that easy...

I have made it with a mix of bison and beef, the beef adds a little more fat and flavor.  If you add another lb of meat I suggest adding another can of beans, can be baked or regular kidney or white beans, whichever you prefer.

If just using Bison you can add a sausage link out of its casing or a few slices of bacon, for flavor if you dont mind the extra fat.

This version is not very spicy, but it does have a some heat to it. If you like your chili super spicy add more red pepper flakes or another jalapeno.

PS. If you're wondering what a Rock Chick happy hour is, you will need to read the Rock Chick series by Kristen Ashley.  And you can thank me later for that wonderfulness.