Ground Bison Tacos

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Looking for a lean option for taco night? Seasoned ground bison tacos are easy and so full of flavor. Add your favorite toppings and sides for a full spread.

We make tacos constantly at my house, which means I’m always switching up what we put in them.

While slow cooker chicken tacos are always a winner, lately I’ve been whipping up these easy ground bison tacos.

I’ve made bison tacos before using bison picadillo as filling, but this simple version is just like the classic ground beef taco filling you’re probably used to making.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner that’s sure to please the whole family, give these bison tacos a try!

What’s the difference between bison and beef?

Bison, also known as American buffalo, is a flavorful alternative to beef.

Most bison ranches focus on sustainability, where the bison are able to roam the fields and enjoy grasses and other wild-growing plants for the main part of their diet.

Bison meat is leaner than beef, with finer marbling of fat. Because of this, it cooks quickly, and works well as a ground meat in many applications from bison meatballs to bison burgers.

While bison does have a slightly more pronounced flavor than beef, it is not gamey, and some even consider it slightly sweeter than beef.

Bison/American buffalo are not to be confused with African buffalo or Asian water buffalo, the latter of which produces the milk for mozzarella and other dairy products.

Ingredients for bison tacos

You’ll need:

Ground bison – Many grocery stores now carry ground bison either near the beef or in a speciality meat section. Ask your butcher for where you can find it.

Onion – I add onion to the ground bison for extra flavor. White or yellow onion is best. You’ll only need ½ cup, so save the rest for topping the tacos.

Olive oil – To cook the bison and onion. Because the meat is low in fat, you’ll need to add a little to the pan to prevent sticking.

Taco seasoning – I like to use my own homemade taco seasoning, which is more flavorful than store-bought packets. Use your favorite!

Tomato paste – Tomato paste or tomato sauce adds a richness to the taco filling. If you are using tomato paste, you’ll also need to add a little water.

Tortillas – Use your favorite tortillas, but don’t forget to warm them so they are pliable. Tortillas are best warmed on a griddle, in a dry frying pan, or directly over a flame.

How to make this recipe

In a large sauté pan, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat.

Add the onion and ground bison, breaking up the meat into small pieces.

Cook until the bison is browned and no pink remains, and onions are softened, about 8 minutes.

Stir in taco seasoning. I recommend between 2 and 4 tablespoons of taco seasoning, depending on how spiced you like it.

Stir the meat well until the spices are aromatic, then stir in the tomato paste and water (or tomato sauce).

Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for a few minutes to meld flavors.

Serve immediately.

Serving suggestions

Whenever we have tacos, I make sure to put a wide variety of toppings out, so everyone can customize to their heart’s content.

Offer cheeses like crumbled cotija or shredded cheddar.

Add tang with pickled red onions or pickled jalapeños.

Go with fresh chopped cilantro, chopped onions, or sour cream.

Top with roasted tomato salsa, vibrant tomatillo salsa, or garlicky guacamole.

You can also turn this into a taco bowl with your favorite rice and beans, or make a taco salad.

However you serve it, it’s sure to be a delicious winner!