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Signal Mountain Wild Game Chili Recipe (Grand Teton National Park)

By: Author Bram Reusen

Posted on Last updated:

Signal Mountain wild game chili recipe inspired by: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

I can’t think of many things that are more enjoyable than indulging in a hearty meal after a long hike in the mountains, especially when it’s cold outside. And one of the most belly-filling, soul-warming meals is this Signal Mountain wild game chili.

If you’re looking for a dinner idea that’s inspired by a national park, why not try making/replicating the famous wild game chili that has featured on the menu of Grand Teton National Park’s Signal Mountain Lodge for years.

In fact, this is one of the most famous meals in America’s national parks. While there’s plenty to see and do in Grand Teton National Park, from majestic mountain views to wildlife like moose and grizzly bears, many visitors also don’t pass up the opportunity to enjoy a bowl of the famed Signal Mountain wild game chili.

Signal Mountain Lodge Wild Game Chili

Signal Mountain Wild Game Chili

  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Cook time: 1 hour
  • Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Servings: 8

Below, you’ll find my own recipe for this Grand Teton National Park-inspired dish, which I based on the actual Signal Mountain wild game chili recipe.

So, have some fun in the kitchen—perhaps reminiscing about your own visit to Grand Teton—and enjoy this amazing national park chili.

This Signal Mountain wild game chili recipe contains affiliate links. You can read more about our Terms of Use / Disclosure here.

Necessary Kitchen Tools

Signal Mountain Wild Game Chili Recipe
Yield: 8 servings

Grand Teton Wild Game Chili Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Inspired by the iconic wild game chili that has been served at the Signal Mountain Lodge in Grand Teton National Park for years, this hearty chili is amazing after a long hike or simply on a chilly fall evening.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 yellow or green bell pepper, diced
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound of ground bison
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup beer
  • 1 can kidney beans (16 oz.), drained and rinsed
  • 1 can black beans (16 oz.), drained and rinsed
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (14 oz.)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in the soup pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the onions and garlic and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally.
  3. Add the ground bison and break it up with the wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is browned all over, about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally.
  4. Add the chili powder, ground cumin, tomato paste, brown sugar, salt and pepper. Stir properly until everything is combined.
  5. Add the beef broth, beer, drained beans and crushed tomatoes. Stir until combined.
  6. Bring the mixture to a brief boil.
  7. Reduce to a simmer over low to low-medium heat. Simmer for 45 minutes or longer, uncovered, until the wild game chili has thickened to your liking. Stir occasionally while the chili simmers.
  8. Add your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

Notes

Note 1: You can use any kind of ground meat to make this Signal Mountain wild game chili. I used 90% lean ground bison, but excellent alternatives are ground elk, ground venison, ground turkey or even ground moose, if you can find that somewhere.

Note 2: For a vegetarian version of this Signal Mountain chili, you can use plant-based ground meat, such as Impossible Burger.

Note 3: You can replace the beer in this recipe with more beef broth (or vegetable broth for a veggie version).

Nutrition Information

Yield

8

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 287Total Fat 11.9gSaturated Fat 4.1gCholesterol 47mgSodium 914mgCarbohydrates 24.2gFiber 7.3gSugar 5.7gProtein 20.3g

A general nutrition calculator was used to determine the nutritional information of this recipe, which is meant solely as an indication of the dish's nutritional values. Depending on specific ingredients, quantities used and/or serving size, the ultimate dish you end up making may have different nutritional aspects. Please consider the information provided here only as guidance and not as an absolute fact.

© Bram
Cuisine: Soups & Stews / Category: Recipes

Which Toppings to Use for Signal Mountain Game Chili

The original wild game chili at Signal Mountain Lodge is topped with shredded cheese and scallions. You can use whichever toppings you prefer, though, in any combination. These are popular options:

  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Sliced scallions
  • Diced red onion
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Sliced avocado
  • Lime wedges
  • Tortilla chips
  • Hot sauce
If You Decide to Make This Delicious Signal Mountain Game Chili at Home, Feel Free to Tell Everyone About It Below! Happy Cooking!
Game Chili inspired by Grand Teton National Park
Signal Mountain Wild Game Chili Recipe

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