Bison Stuffed Peppers

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bison stuffed peppers

Well, hungry people, I think I might have found my new favorite recipe: Bison Stuffed Peppers. And yes, the bison really does make all the difference in this dish. In case you didn’t know, there is actually a difference between a bison and a buffalo. American bison are commonly referred to as buffalo, but that’s really not the case. Bison also happens to be super healthy and leaner than its beefy counterpart.

bison stuffed peppers with corn salad

One of the great things about this recipe is that any leftover bison meat can be used to make tacos! Talk about versatility. Bison brings a unique flavor and texture that pairs well with a variety of dishes.

When it comes to getting the best bison meat, I highly recommend checking out your local farmer’s market. I personally picked up some quality bison meat from Cleveland’s West Side Farmer’s Market, supporting a relatively local farm. If you don’t have access to a farmer’s market, you can try reputable brands like Great Range Brand.

ingredients for stuffed peppers

Here’s What You Need

  • Ground bison: The star of the recipe, providing a lean and flavorful alternative to beef.
  • Yellow, red & green bell peppers: Serve as the edible vessel for the delicious bison stuffing.
  • White onion: Adds a savory and aromatic base flavor to the filling.
  • Cremini mushrooms: Enhances the umami richness and adds a meaty texture to the filling.
  • Garlic: Provides a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dish.
  • Cherry tomatoes: Adds a burst of freshness and acidity to the filling.
  • Red onion: Offers a mild and slightly sweet flavor to complement the other ingredients.
  • Lemon juice: Adds brightness and a tangy element to balance the richness of the dish.
  • Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds depth to the filling.
  • Tomato sauce: Provides a smooth and saucy texture to bind the ingredients together.
  • Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory and tangy flavor to enhance the overall taste.
  • Brown or Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy and slightly spicy element to the filling.
  • Thyme: Adds a warm and earthy flavor to complement the bison and other ingredients.
  • Oregano: Offers a robust and aromatic herbal note to the filling.
  • Red pepper flakes: Adds heat and a touch of spiciness to the dish.
  • Paprika: Provides a smoky and slightly sweet flavor with a vibrant red color.
  • Coriander: Adds a citrusy and aromatic flavor that pairs well with bison.
  • Cooked orzo: Adds a pleasing texture and acts as a filling component.
  • Jalapeno cheese: Infuses a mild heat and a creamy, cheesy element to the dish.
  • Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty and salty flavor to enhance the overall taste.
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps sauté the onions for a flavorful base.

Now Let’s Jump Into It

First, you’ll need to cut each bell pepper in half and remove the seeds. These hollowed-out peppers will serve as flavorful vessels for our delicious bison filling.

hollowed out peppers

To create the savory filling, start by browning a little butter in a large saucepan and adding some chopped onions.

sauting onions

Allow the onions to sauté until they begin to caramelize, releasing their delightful aroma. Next, add the bison meat to the pan with the onions and break it apart using a wooden spoon, stirring constantly. The goal is to evenly cook and brown the bison.

browning bison meat in skillet

Once the bison is nicely browned, introduce some mushrooms and your favorite seasonings to add depth and flavor. Remember to stir continuously to ensure everything cooks evenly.

However, be cautious not to overcook the bison since it is leaner than beef and can dry out easily.

A cooking time of 5-7 minutes over medium-high heat should be enough to achieve a beautifully browned pound of bison meat.

pepper filling in skillet

With the bison cooked to perfection, it’s time to add the final touches to our filling. Pour in a can of tomato sauce, some cooked orzo, and chopped cherry tomatoes. Give it a good stir, allowing the mixture to warm up and the flavors to meld together.

orzo in skillet with bison filling

Now comes the exciting part—stuffing the peppers! Transfer the bison mixture into the hollowed peppers, making sure to use up all the filling. If there’s any extra meat left, don’t worry.

stuffed peppers in casserole dish

Simply pile it around the peppers instead.

It’ll make for some fantastic taco meat for those who prefer to skip the peppers.

filled bison peppers

To add a cheesy and slightly tangy touch, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top of the stuffed peppers.

Then, pop the dish into a preheated oven set at 350°F and let it bake for about 30 minutes. Keep an eye on the peppers and remove them once the tops are nicely browned. If you’re a cheese lover like me, feel free to add more cheese on top and broil for an additional 5 minutes to achieve that golden crust we all adore.

serving of stuffed bison peppers and corn salad

Once your Bison Stuffed Peppers are ready, take them out of the oven and prepare to be amazed. The flavors will have melded beautifully, and the peppers will be tender and delicious. These stuffed peppers are perfect as a standalone dish, but you can also serve them with some baller corn salad for a refreshing contrast.

bison tacos

If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving the bison stuffed peppers with tortillas for a unique taco experience.

The combination of tender bison meat, flavorful peppers, and your favorite toppings will create a mouthwatering fiesta in your mouth!

Tips & Tricks

  • Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences. You can add more or less of the herbs and spices listed in the recipe to suit your desired flavor profile.
  • Bison Cooking Time: As bison is leaner than beef, it’s important not to overcook it to prevent dryness. Keep a close eye on the bison while browning and ensure it is cooked just until no longer red. This will help retain its juiciness.
  • Peppers: Choose peppers that are firm and vibrant in color for the best results. You can mix and match different colored bell peppers to add visual appeal to your dish.
  • Toppings: Get creative with toppings! Consider adding some fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley on top of the stuffed peppers for an extra burst of freshness.
  • Cheese: If you’re not a fan of jalapeno or Parmesan cheese, feel free to substitute with your favorite cheese varieties. Cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack would all work well in this recipe.
  • Sides and Accompaniments: The recipe suggests serving the stuffed peppers with Mexican corn salad and tortillas. However, you can also pair them with other sides like a green salad, rice, or roasted vegetables based on your preferences.
  • Leftovers: If you happen to have any leftover stuffed peppers, they can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. The flavors tend to meld together even more, making them just as delicious, if not better, on the following day.
stuffed bison peppers

Need a Side?

Why not Mexican corn salad? It’s a cooling counterpart to it’s heated bison brethren.

corn salad recipe

So, what are you waiting for? Head to your local farmer’s market, grab some quality bison meat, and give this recipe a try. It’s a delightful and affordable way to indulge in the rich flavors of bison while enjoying a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Happy cooking, hungry people!

orange stuffed peppers

Bison Stuffed Peppers

The Starving Chef
Flavorful bell peppers filled with lean ground bison, aromatic herbs, and a savory tomato-based filling, topped with melted cheese for a delicious and wholesome meal.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Backyard Cooking
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz ground bison
  • 3-6 yellow, red & green bell peppers whole, tops & seeds removed
  • ½ cup white onion chopped
  • 5 cremini mushrooms chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 5 cherry tomatoes chopped
  • ½ cup red onion chopped
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ½ cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 tablespoons brown or dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons thyme
  • 2 tablespoons oregano
  • 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon coriander
  • 1 cup cooked orzo
  • ¼ cup jalapeno cheese
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • salt & pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Slice each pepper in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Place them into a glass dish or pan. Cook the orzo according to the package instructions.
  • Chop the onion, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and mince the garlic and herbs. Add the butter to a large skillet over medium heat and add the chopped red and white onions. Sauté until just browning and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Drop the bison into the same skillet and increase the heat to medium-high. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon to break up the bison meat. Add the mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic, thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, paprika, and coriander.
  • Once the bison is no longer red, add the tomato paste and stir to combine. Then pour in the tomato sauce, cooked orzo, and cherry tomatoes. Stir well to combine and bring to a boil.
  • When the bison mixture is heated through, spoon it generously into each halved pepper and use the excess filling between each pepper. Sprinkle on half of each cheese. Place into the oven for 30 minutes.
  • Sprinkle on the remaining cheese and broil for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is nice and melted.
  • Serve alongside some simple Mexican corn salad and tortillas for tacos! Enjoy!
Keyword bison, peppers
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