Ground Bison
Meats
Nutri-ScoreA

Ground Bison

Bison bison

Clinical Encyclopedia

Ground bison is a lean meat option that is rich in protein and essential nutrients, making it a healthy alternative to traditional ground beef. It is known for its rich flavor and lower fat content.

Also known as:
Bison BurgerBison Meat
Scientific NameBison bison
Region of OriginNorth America

Macronutrient Ratio

Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g

Calories143 kcal
Water
75%
Fiber0g
Total27.0g
Protein
20g(74%)
Fats
7g(26%)
Carbohydrates
0g(0%)

Micronutrient DV% Score

Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value

Vitamins (DV%)
Minerals (DV%)

Complete Micronutrient Breakdown

Detailed concentration of essential micronutrients per 100g serving.

Vitamins

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Vitamin B122 µg (83%)
Vitamin b6 (pyridoxine)0.5 mg (29%)
Niacin (Vitamin B3)5.5 mg (34%)
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)0.2 mg (15%)
Thiamine (Vitamin B1)0.1 mg (8%)
Choline70 mg (13%)
Vitamins with less than 2% DV
Vitamin A: 0 µgVitamin C: 0 mgVitamin D: 0 µgVitamin E: 0.2 mgVitamin K: 0 µgFolate: 5 µg

Minerals

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Iron2.5 mg (14%)
Zinc4 mg (36%)
Selenium18 µg (33%)
Phosphorus200 mg (29%)
Potassium330 mg (7%)
Magnesium20 mg (5%)
Copper0.1 mg (11%)
Minerals with less than 2% DV
Calcium: 5 mgManganese: 0 mg

Health Benefits

Ground bison is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
It is lower in fat and calories compared to beef, making it a heart-healthy choice.

Possible Risks & Side Effects

!No clinically significant precautions or contraindications have been documented for this food in standard dietary intake.

How to Prepare & Consume

Ground bison can be cooked similarly to ground beef; it is best prepared by browning in a skillet or grilling. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safety.

Smart Selection & Storage

How to Select

Choose ground bison that is bright red in color with minimal visible fat. Check for a sell-by date to ensure freshness.

How to Store

Store ground bison in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.

Medicinal Profile & Bioactive Compounds

Therapeutic properties, key bioactive compounds, and clinical applications of this food.

Medicinal Properties
High in protein, Low in fat, Rich in iron
Main Applications
Muscle building and repair
Weight management
Bioactive Compounds
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)

May help reduce body fat and improve body composition.

How to Consume
Fresh, Cooked, Grilled
Did you know?

"Bison meat is one of the leanest red meats available, containing less fat than chicken and turkey."

Myths vs Realities

MythBison meat is tough and gamey.
RealityWhen cooked properly, bison meat is tender and flavorful, often preferred over beef.
MythAll bison are wild and not farmed.
RealityMost bison meat comes from farmed bison, which are raised sustainably.
MythGround bison is too lean and dry.
RealityGround bison can be juicy and flavorful when cooked correctly, especially with added fats or moisture.

Healthy Recipes

Spicy Bison Quinoa Bowls

These spicy bison quinoa bowls are packed with protein and flavor, featuring a blend of spices and fresh vegetables for a nutritious meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground bison
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a saucepan, cook quinoa in vegetable broth according to package instructions.
  2. 2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, add ground bison, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, and cook until browned.
  3. 3. Assemble bowls with quinoa, bison, black beans, bell pepper, and avocado.

Bison and Sweet Potato Hash

A hearty breakfast hash made with ground bison and sweet potatoes, perfect for a filling start to your day.

Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground bison
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add sweet potatoes, and cook until tender.
  2. 2. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened, then stir in ground bison, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Cook until bison is browned, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve.

Bison Lettuce Wraps

These refreshing bison lettuce wraps are a low-carb alternative, filled with savory ground bison and fresh veggies.

Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground bison
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 head of butter lettuce, leaves separated
  • Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. In a skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat, add ground bison, and cook until browned.
  2. 2. Stir in carrots, bell pepper, green onions, and soy sauce, cooking until vegetables are tender.
  3. 3. Spoon the mixture into lettuce leaves, garnish with sesame seeds, and serve.

Bison Stuffed Bell Peppers

Colorful bell peppers stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ground bison, brown rice, and spices make for a nutritious and filling meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground bison
  • 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2. In a skillet, cook ground bison until browned, then stir in cooked rice, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Stuff the bell pepper halves with the bison mixture, top with cheese if using, and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Bison Chili with Beans

This hearty bison chili is loaded with beans and spices, making it a perfect comfort food that is also healthy.

Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground bison
  • 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until softened, then add ground bison and cook until browned.
  2. 2. Stir in beans, tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, and simmer for 30 minutes.
  3. 3. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.

Bison Burgers with Avocado Salsa

These juicy bison burgers are topped with a fresh avocado salsa, making them a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional beef burgers.

Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground bison
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, diced
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Whole grain buns (optional)
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, combine ground bison, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, and form into patties.
  2. 2. Grill or pan-fry patties until cooked to desired doneness.
  3. 3. Mix avocado, tomato, red onion, and lime juice in a separate bowl, then top burgers with avocado salsa and serve on whole grain buns if desired.

Bison Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles

These flavorful bison meatballs served over zucchini noodles are a healthy twist on a classic dish, perfect for a low-carb meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground bison
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat or gluten-free)
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
  • 1 jar marinara sauce
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. 2. In a bowl, mix ground bison, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then form into meatballs.
  3. 3. Bake meatballs for 20-25 minutes, meanwhile sauté zucchini noodles in a pan until tender, then serve with marinara sauce and meatballs.

Bison Tacos with Mango Salsa

These bison tacos are bursting with flavor, topped with a refreshing mango salsa for a delightful twist on taco night.

Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground bison
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 corn tortillas
  • 1 mango, diced
  • 1/4 red onion, diced
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. In a skillet, cook ground bison with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until browned.
  2. 2. In a bowl, combine mango, red onion, lime juice, and cilantro to make the salsa.
  3. 3. Serve bison in corn tortillas topped with mango salsa.

Bison and Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms

These savory stuffed mushrooms filled with ground bison and spinach make for a healthy appetizer or snack that's full of flavor.

Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground bison
  • 12 large portobello or cremini mushrooms, stems removed
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2. In a skillet, heat olive oil, add garlic and spinach, cooking until wilted, then stir in ground bison, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Stuff the mushroom caps with the bison mixture, top with feta cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is ground bison healthier than ground beef?

Yes, ground bison is generally lower in fat and calories while being higher in protein.

How should I cook ground bison?

Cook ground bison to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure safety.

Can I substitute ground bison for ground beef in recipes?

Absolutely! Ground bison can be used in any recipe that calls for ground beef.

What are the nutritional benefits of ground bison?

Ground bison is rich in protein, iron, and vitamin B12, making it a nutritious choice.

Is ground bison more expensive than ground beef?

Yes, ground bison is typically more expensive due to its lower availability and higher production costs.

Can I freeze ground bison?

Yes, ground bison can be frozen for up to 6 months without losing quality.

What is the taste of ground bison like?

Ground bison has a rich, slightly sweet flavor that is often described as more flavorful than beef.

Is ground bison sustainable?

Bison are often raised on grasslands, making them a more sustainable meat option compared to conventionally raised cattle.