Have you ever tried a cast iron skillet ground bison vegetable stew recipe? What if you could create such a dish with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction? Let’s talk about the benefits of cooking with Dutch ovens and the exceptional quality of our cast iron skillet ground bison vegetable stew recipe.
Did you know that over 80% of home-cooked meals fail to reach their full flavor potential due to improper cooking equipment? A staggering 90% of those who switch to using cast iron skillets find a dramatic improvement in their cooking results. That statistic alone highlights how critical the right equipment is for unlocking the full range of flavors and textures in your dishes.
This mouthwatering stew combines the rich taste of ground bison with a variety of fresh vegetables. Our cast iron skillet ground bison vegetable stew recipe not only embodies this dream but makes it surprisingly attainable. Let’s dive into why making this recipe in a Dutch oven is an absolute gamechanger.
Cast iron Dutch ovens excel at developing deep, complex flavors. The thick walls retain and evenly distribute heat, allowing the bison and vegetables to caramelize and meld together beautifully over time. This results in a stew that is savory, nuanced, and utterly satisfying.
Once heated, cast iron retains its temperature far more effectively than other materials. This ensures that your stew maintains a consistent cooking environment, preventing the ingredients from overcooking or undercooking. The final dish comes out perfectly balanced with every spoonful.
Cast iron Dutch ovens can seamlessly transition from stovetop to oven, allowing for versatile cooking techniques. Additionally, these robust cooking vessels are virtually indestructible. Investing in one means you’re not just buying a pot; you’re securing a lifetime of culinary adventures.
Cooking Instructions For the Cast Iron Skillet Ground Bison Vegetable Stew
- The first step of making the ground bison vegetable stew recipe is to start your fire or charcoals. You will using them for the ground bison vegetable stew 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 grill grate for your Dutch oven or a tripod to hang it over the fire
- Gather all ingredients.
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes; remove meat and set aside.
- Add onion and tomato paste to the same pot; cook and stir until onion is tender, about 5 minutes.
- Return beef to the pot; stir in beef broth. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until meat is tender, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
- Add potatoes, carrots, corn, green beans, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, rosemary, and bay leaf; simmer, covered, for 45 minutes, adding some water if stew gets too thick.
- Add mushrooms and peas; cook and stir until heated through, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Remove from the fire and serve
Ingredients
vegetable oil
bison
onion
tomato paste
beef broth
potatoes
carrots
corn
green beans
thyme,
red pepper
rosemary
bay leaf
mushrooms
5 Reasons I Love the Cast Iron Skillet Ground Bison Vegetable Stew
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 Cast Iron Skillet Ground Bison Vegetable Stew
Q: What ingredients are needed for the cast iron skillet ground bison vegetable stew recipe?
A: For the cast iron skillet ground bison vegetable stew recipe, you will need ground bison, various vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, celery, tomatoes, beef broth, olive oil, and seasoning like salt, pepper, and thyme.
Q: How do I prepare the vegetables for the cast iron skillet ground bison vegetable stew recipe?
A: To prepare the vegetables for the cast iron skillet ground bison vegetable stew recipe, chop the carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, and celery into bite-sized pieces. Ensure all vegetables are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
Q: What is the cooking time for the cast iron skillet ground bison vegetable stew recipe?
A: The cooking time for the cast iron skillet ground bison vegetable stew recipe is approximately 45 minutes to an hour. This includes browning the ground bison, sautéing the vegetables, and simmering the stew until the vegetables are tender.
Q: Can I substitute ground bison with another meat in the cast iron skillet ground bison vegetable stew recipe?
A: Yes, you can substitute ground bison with another meat in the cast iron skillet ground bison vegetable stew recipe. Ground beef, turkey, or chicken can be used as alternatives, but it may slightly alter the flavor and cooking time.
Q: How should I store leftovers of the cast iron skillet ground bison vegetable stew recipe?
A: To store leftovers of the cast iron skillet ground bison vegetable stew recipe, let the stew cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate the stew for up to 3-4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months for longer storage.
Other Bison Recipes to Try
Great American Elk Burger and Green Chiles Recipe
The Best Outdoor Marinated Elk Steak Recipe
Easy Elk Stew and Vegetables Recipe
Easy Campfire Elk Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Cast Iron Skillet Ground Bison Vegetable Stew 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 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 lb. bison cubed stew meat, trimmed
- 1 onion thinly sliced
- 6 oz can tomato paste
- 15 oz can beef broth low fat - low sodium
- 3 potatoes cubed
- 1 cup carrots chopped
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup green beans chopped
- 1 tsp thyme dried
- ¼ tsp red pepper crushed flakes
- 1 sprig rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 10 oz mushrooms quartered
Instructions
- The first step of making the cast iron skillet ground bison vegetable stew is to start your fire or charcoals. You will using them for the cast iron skillet ground bison vegetable stew, 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 grill grate for your Dutch oven or a tripod to hang it over the fire
- Gather all ingredients.
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes; remove meat and set aside.
- Add onion and tomato paste to the same pot; cook and stir until onion is tender, about 5 minutes.
- Return beef to the pot; stir in beef broth. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until meat is tender, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
- Add potatoes, carrots, corn, green beans, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, rosemary, and bay leaf; simmer, covered, for 45 minutes, adding some water if stew gets too thick.
- Add mushrooms and peas; cook and stir until heated through, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Remove from the fire and serve
Nutrition
1 comment
Really nice stew for the campfire.
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