What is the benefit of using ground bison over ground beef?

Ground bison is a leaner meat, offering less calories and fat per serving than ground beef. Bison also hosts a richer, sweeter flavor, making it quite the pleasant surprise in a traditional taco.

Can I use ground bison as a direct substitute for ground beef in taco recipes?

Yes, you can use ground bison as a direct substitute for ground beef in taco recipes. Bison meat is similar in texture and flavor to beef, but it's leaner, so you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to avoid drying it out. It's a great alternative for traditional beef tacos.

Are there any special tips for cooking ground bison to ensure it stays juicy and flavorful?

To ensure ground bison stays juicy and flavorful, it's important not to overcook it because it's leaner than beef and can dry out more easily. Cook it on medium heat until it's just done (no longer pink), and consider adding a small amount of oil to the skillet to help keep it moist.

Ground Bison Tacos

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil (or other neutral cooking oil)
1 medium onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, cored and diced
1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and finely chopped
1 pound ground bison
2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
8 small corn tortillas
1 avocado, sliced
1 cup fresh salsa or pico de gallo
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lime, cut into wedges

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Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the oil.
Once hot, sauté the onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Mix in garlic, jalapeños, and red bell pepper, sautéing for another 2-3 minutes.
Add the ground bison to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, add the ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
In a separate skillet, warm each corn tortilla over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side or directly over a gas stove flame for a charred effect. Keep warmed tortillas wrapped in a cloth set aside for serving.
To assemble the tacos, place the cooked bison and vegetable mixture on a tortilla, then top with salsa, avocado slices, and desired toppings. Garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
Serve immediately with lime wedges.

Notes

This recipe can easily be doubled for more servings.
You can adapt this recipe to your liking. For instance, you can serve the taco filling with flour tortillas or low-carb tortillas if you prefer. Add toppings like cheese, guacamole, or whatever you like.
Store any leftover bison taco meat in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.

Author: Carrie Forrest, MPH in Nutrition
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican
Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tacos
Calories: 441
Sugar: 7.4 g
Sodium: 555.4 mg
Fat: 22.3 g
Saturated Fat: 5.3 g
Carbohydrates: 37.6 g
Fiber: 7 g
Protein: 27.5 g
Cholesterol: 62.5 mg