Campfire Dutch oven bison marinara recipe is the perfect dish to cook outdoors. I’m excited to share its advantages with you! When cooking in the outdoors, it’s essential to have the right gear, and a cast iron skillet is a must-have for this recipe. This type of skillet is easy to use and can withstand the high heat of a campfire, making it ideal for cooking the campfire Dutch oven bison marinara recipe.
One of the significant benefits of using a cast iron skillet is that it distributes heat evenly, ensuring that your dish cooks consistently throughout. This is particularly important when cooking a recipe like campfire Dutch oven bison marinara, which requires a slow and steady heat to bring out the rich flavors of the bison and marinara sauce. The cast iron skillet’s thickness also allows it to retain heat well, keeping your dish warm for a longer period.
Another advantage of using a cast iron skillet is its ability to achieve a perfect sear on the bison. A good sear is crucial in locking in the juices and flavors of the meat, and the cast iron skillet’s high heat retention makes it easy to achieve this. The campfire Dutch oven bison marinara recipe relies heavily on the quality of the sear, so using a cast iron skillet is a must.
Cooking the campfire Dutch oven bison marinara recipe outdoors also allows you to connect with nature while preparing a delicious meal.
When it comes to cooking the campfire Dutch oven bison marinara recipe, a cast iron skillet is the perfect companion. Its durability, heat retention, and ability to achieve a perfect sear make it an essential tool for outdoor cooking. By using a cast iron skillet, you’ll be able to cook the campfire Dutch oven bison marinara recipe to perfection, and enjoy a truly memorable outdoor dining experience.
Cooking Instructions For the Campfire Dutch Oven Bison Marinara Recipe
The first step of making the campfire Dutch oven bison marinara recipe is to start your fire or charcoals. You will using them for the campfire Dutch oven bison marinara recipe, so you will want to make sure you have plenty on hand.
If using embers, get a large fire going using (preferably) hardwood and let it slowly burn down. This process from start to finish can take upwards of an hour.
If using charcoals, fill a large chimney starter and light. This process will take approximately 20 minutes to get all the coals hot and ready. You will likely want to have some charcoals available in reserve.
Add a flat fire great on top of the embers for cooking
Preheat a Dutch oven on the campfire to 375 degrees. This usually takes 18 charcoal briquettes on the top and 9 on the bottom. Place mushrooms in the Dutch oven that has been greased with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt/pepper Place mushrooms in the Dutch oven for a few minutes to roast then remove and set aside. . Mushrooms will dry out and have intense flavor after about 30 minutes. Brown Ground Bison in Dutch oven or large pot.
- Brown Ground Bison in the Dutch oven. Once browning is almost complete add onion and caramelize.
- Add all seasonings. Add stewed tomatoes, sauce and paste Add mushrooms from the Dutch oven from earlier.
Simmer for at least an hour on stovetop or cook on low in slow cooker for 4 to 6 hours - Cook pasta per directions on in a separate cast iron pot on the grill grate. Remove pasta and drain, stir into the Dutch oven and serve according to plans.
Ingredients
spaghetti
ground bison
tomatoes
tomato sauce
tomato paste
onion
mushrooms
oregano
basil
salt
black pepper
garlic
5 Reasons I Love the Campfire Dutch Oven Bison Marinara Recipe
1. It is delicious
If you like meat, you will like Bison. People describe Bison meat as tasting comparable to beef but richer and somewhat sweeter. However, because bison is so thin, it is crucial not to overcook it. Bison should not be cooked beyond medium. Of course, if you use ground Bison, this isn’t an issue.
Some people are afraid that Bison will have a gamey flavor comparable to venison; however, I have never found this to be the case. Bison, in my opinion, tastes better than any meat I’ve ever tasted. Bison meat is denser, richer in flavor, and more satisfying than beef, in my opinion.
2. Lean Protein
Food guidelines advocate bison as a lean protein alongside skinless chicken breast and other wild game meats, and for good reason. 100g of lean bison contains just 2.42g of fat, compared to 8.09g in lean beef and 9.66g in lean pig. The same 100g of bison contains just 82mg of cholesterol, compared to 86mg in the same quantity of lean beef, pig, and chicken. If you want to keep things lean and clean, Bison is an excellent choice. Figures sourced from the Canadian Bison Association website.
3. Lot’s of the Good Stuff Inside
In addition to being lean as well as low in cholesterol, bison is high in iron (3.42mg per 100g lean meat compared to 2.99mg in beef, 1.1mg in pork, 0.6mg in chicken, and.34mg in salmon), vitamin B12, B6, Niacin, and Zinc. Bison’s high iron content makes it an ideal choice for both men and women who suffer from anemia. In 2018, Thehealthy.com (part of Reader’s Digest) identified bison as one of the 13 Superfoods Every Healthy Woman Needs in Her Diet because women are more susceptible to anemia, and bison delivers a high iron, low-fat choice to help address this issue.
Bison are raised without growth stimulants or hormones and are not regularly fed antibiotics.
4. It’s Sustainable
Bison are raised sustainably, contributing to the land’s development and biodiversity rather than depleting it. Because practically all of a bison’s nutritional demands can be supplied by *feeding on native perennial plants that grow natively in Canada, there is no need to overfertilize the soil. These grassland ecosystems would often be exploited for monoculture cultivation, such as grain or soybeans. Some monoculture farms have even been turned into more biodiverse bison grazing areas.
Raising a bison cow and her young requires between four and sixteen hectares of grazing space. However, bison live on, consume, and fertilize these enormous grasslands. Compare this to other commercial farming approaches that confine animals to limited quarters and raise their feed on monoculture farms. To be sustainable, these monoculture agricultural processes require a lot of acreage and artificial fertilizers. Of course, the feed must be moved from the farm to the animals.
5. You Already Know What To Do With It
One might be telling yourself, “This seems wonderful, but what do I do with it?” That is an excellent question. But here’s the thing: You are already aware of what to do with it. Let me ask you something: Have you ever cooked beef? If you said yes, you have your answer. You may make the same dishes you’ve always used; just substitute Bison for the protein. It is that easy.
Bison, The Meat of The Future.

Nutritional Facts for Meat Groups
I’ve been cooking with bison for more than a decade, at private dinners, and at home, and I’ve always liked it. An observation that has impressed me over the years is that bison ought to be more widely recognized than it is, and I believe it is about to be. I believe that as consumers seek for more sustainable meals and leaner meats, bison will gain appeal. There is a growing trend, and for good cause, of eating higher quality meat in lesser quantities. Bison, with its high caloric density and unquestionable quality, is the ideal protein for this future dietary standard.
If you’ve ever spotted Bison at the grocery store, thought about it, but then passed it up because you didn’t know what to do with it or how it would taste, I hope this has given you a reason to reconsider. I hope you try it because I am convinced that you will be pleased with the results.
Grass-fed, regenerative bison meat is superior in flavor, protein content, and nutritional density. Bison is a lean, soft, naturally tasty meat with a deeper taste profile and darker color than beef. Bison meat, unlike that of other exotic species, lacks a “gamey” or wild flavor and is typically thought to be sweeter. Bison meat is interchangeable in almost any red meat dish.
Bison steaks cook around 1/3 faster than beef steaks due to their thinner nature. Bison steaks are best cooked medium-rare (135°F)/medium (145°F) to keep the meat’s moisture and taste – this means taking the meat off the fire when it is approximately 5 to 10 degrees below your ideal temperature to account for the rise in temperature while it rests.
Bison Cooking Guidelines

Chart Showing Various Cuts of Bison
Steaks (Grill, Broil, or Pan-Broil)
Use steak ¾ to 1 inch thick
Place in lightly oiled skillet and use medium heat on stove top
Place bison on BBQ or 6 inches from the heat source in broiler
Cook 4 – 5 minutes per side
To increase tenderness, marinate sirloin tip and inside round steaks for 8- 24 hours
Roasts (Sirloin Tip, Inside Round)
Sear roast in oven at 500°F (260°C) or on stove in a hot pan
Season roast, add ¼ cup (50 mL) of liquid (water or red wine)
Roast at 325°F (165°C) in covered pan or place in slow cooker
Cook roast to medium rare 145°F (63°C)
Roasts (Rib, Loin and Tenderloin)
Use uncovered pan with rack
Season as desired to taste
Cook at 275°F (135°C)
Do not cook past medium 155°F (68°C)
Burger
Cook ground meats to 160°F (70°C) internal temperature
Make sure all patties sit flat on grill for entire cooking time.
Cooking equipment should maintain temperature of 375°F (190°C) even when loading continuously with frozen patties
Ground bison should always be cooked until no pink remains
Natural versus Organic—Bison Meat is Meat Raised Naturally
The term ‘natural’ does not mean the same as certified organic. Under Canadian labelling guidelines, a ‘natural’ or ‘naturally raised’ label claim is allowed only if animals were raised with minimal human intervention, such as bison. While we can’t claim our bison meat as certified organic, we can say that our products are about as natural and unprocessed as you can get.
Bison Meat Benefits
Bison meat is one healthy protein, but don’t just take our word for it. The U.S. and Canada’s food guides recommends bison meat as a ‘heart healthy lean protein’ for anyone, and many nutritional experts tout bison as ‘a step above beef when it comes to sustainability, heart health and even taste.’ Nutrient-dense bison meat is healthy because it’s:
Bison is lean meat with a similar texture, flavor, and appearance to beef, but its impressive nutrient profile uniquely supports an active lifestyle. With no carbs, only 2.1g of fat, and a whopping 24 grams of high-quality protein per serving, the health benefits of bison meat are extensive.
Promotes Muscle Recovery
The main appeal of bison is its high quality protein content. . Protein is essential for helping your muscles recover from a tough workout. With the high-quality protein that bison contains, your body can use it for muscle synthesis and utilize the naturally-occurring vitamins and minerals to support overall health.
Supports Bone Strength
Protein has been shown to have a positive association with bone strength, especially within the senior demographic. With bison possessing a very pure and high-quality source of protein, regularly consuming this lean meat can help improve muscle mass and bone strength, keeping individuals—particularly seniors—active and independent.
Great Source of Zinc
Just a 4-ounce bison patty can provide over 3 milligrams of zinc—an essential mineral for your immune system, metabolism, and healing wounds. Zinc from meat sources, such as bison, is more bioavailable than from vegetarian sources, which means that bison provides a form of zinc that’s easy for your body to absorb and utilize in the body.
Preventative Against Anemia
Anemia is associated with low intake or poor absorption of vitamin B12. Since bison is a good source of iron and vitamin B12, consuming it can help you avoid becoming anemic and experiencing symptoms of anemia such as fatigue, dizziness, paleness, and a rapid heart rate.
FAQ For the Campfire Dutch Oven Bison Marinara Recipe
Q: What ingredients are needed for the campfire Dutch oven bison marinara recipe?
A: For the campfire Dutch oven bison marinara recipe, you will need ground bison, canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, onions, garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Q: How long does it take to cook the campfire Dutch oven bison marinara recipe?
A: The campfire Dutch oven bison marinara recipe takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to cook, allowing the flavors to meld together over the campfire for a rich and hearty dish.
Q: Can I make the campfire Dutch oven bison marinara recipe on a stovetop or in an oven?
A: Yes, you can make the campfire Dutch oven bison marinara recipe on a stovetop or in an oven. Simply follow the same steps and cook on medium heat on the stovetop or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour.
Q: What type of pasta pairs well with the campfire Dutch oven bison marinara recipe?
A: The campfire Dutch oven bison marinara recipe pairs well with a variety of pasta types, including spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
Q: Is the campfire Dutch oven bison marinara recipe suitable for freezing and reheating later?
A: Yes, the campfire Dutch oven bison marinara recipe is suitable for freezing. You can freeze the cooked marinara sauce in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat on the stovetop or over a campfire before serving.
Other Bison Recipes to Try
Dutch Oven Rosemary Garlic Bison Pot Roast
Cast Iron Skillet Filipino Bison Picadillo Recipe
Bison Sirloin Steak n Ginger Sauce Recipe
Bison Flank Steak n Chipotle Honey Recipe

Campfire Dutch Oven Bison Marinara Recipe
Equipment
- Kitchen Twine
- mixing bowl
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Grill Grate
- knives
- Campfire Cooking Utensils
- Campfire Serving Utensils
- Campfire Fork Or Tongs
- fire proof cooking gloves
- Cast Iron Dutch Oven
- Foil Paper Non Stick
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti thin
- 1 lb ground bison ground browned
- 28 oz tomatoes canned stewed
- 14 oz tomato sauce can
- 1 6 oz tomato paste can
- 1 onion chopped
- 8 oz mushrooms sliced
- 1 tbs oregano dried
- 1 tbsp dried basil dried
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
- The first step of making the campfire Dutch oven bison marinara recipe is to start your fire or charcoals. You will using them for the campfire Dutch oven bison marinara recipe, so you will want to make sure you have plenty on hand.
- If using embers, get a large fire going using (preferably) hardwood and let it slowly burn down. This process from start to finish can take upwards of an hour.
- If using charcoals, fill a large chimney starter and light. This process will take approximately 20 minutes to get all the coals hot and ready. You will likely want to have some charcoals available in reserve.
- Add a flat fire great on top of the embers for cooking
- Preheat a Dutch oven on the campfire to 375 degrees. This usually takes 18 charcoal briquettes on the top and 9 on the bottom. Place mushrooms in the Dutch oven that has been greased with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt/pepper Place mushrooms in the Dutch oven for a few minutes to roast then remove and set aside. . Mushrooms will dry out and have intense flavor after about 30 minutes. Brown Ground Bison in Dutch oven or large pot.
- Brown Ground Bison in the Dutch oven. Once browning is almost complete add onion and caramelize.
- Add all seasonings. Add stewed tomatoes, sauce and paste Add mushrooms from the Dutch oven from earlier.
- Simmer for at least an hour on stovetop or cook on low in slow cooker for 4 to 6 hours
- Cook pasta per directions on in a separate cast iron pot on the grill grate. Remove pasta and drain, stir into the Dutch oven and serve according to plans.
1 comment
Really nice pasta, i used bison stew meat instead of ground bison.
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