If you’re new to bison meat, welcome to a healthier, more flavourful alternative to traditional beef. At True Grit Buffalo Ranch, we’re proud to raise our bison naturally and humanely—offering premium cuts that are lean, nutrient-rich, and packed with bold, slightly sweet flavour.
But if you’re wondering where to start, you’re not alone. Bison is similar to beef in many ways, but it has its own characteristics when it comes to cooking and choosing cuts. Here’s a quick guide to help you explore our most popular selections and find the perfect one for your next meal.
1. Ground Bison – Versatile & Lean
Best for: Burgers, tacos, meatballs, chili, casseroles
Why we love it: Ground bison is one of the easiest ways to get started. It cooks quickly and can be swapped in for any ground beef recipe—but with less fat and more protein.
Pro tip: Because it’s leaner, cook it over medium heat and avoid overcooking to keep it juicy.
2. Bison Brisket – Slow-Cooked Perfection
Best for: Smoking, braising, low-and-slow oven roasts
Why we love it: Brisket is a rich, flavourful cut with a lot of connective tissue—perfect for long, slow cooking that breaks it down into tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat.
Pro tip: Give yourself time. Cook it low and slow for hours, and it’ll reward you with deep, smoky flavour.
3. Chuck Roast – Classic Comfort Food
Best for: Pot roast, shredded bison sandwiches, slow cooker recipes
Why we love it: This cut is ideal for hearty meals. It’s well-marbled and tender when braised, making it great for feeding a family or stocking up on leftovers.
Pro tip: Add root veggies and herbs to the pot for a one-dish meal full of flavour.
4. Prime Rib Roast – Impressive & Juicy
Best for: Special occasions, holiday meals, dinner parties
Why we love it: This is the showstopper cut. A bison prime rib roast is beautifully marbled and full of bold flavour—perfect for roasting and slicing.
Pro tip: Let it rest after cooking and carve against the grain for the best texture.
5. Ribeye – Bold Flavour on the Grill
Best for: Grilling, pan-searing
Why we love it: Ribeye is a favourite for steak lovers. It’s rich, juicy, and tender with a bold bison flavour that shines on the BBQ.
Pro tip: Bison cooks faster than beef—aim for medium-rare and monitor the grill closely.
6. Sirloin Roast – Lean & Crowd-Pleasing
Best for: Oven roasts, slicing thin for sandwiches or meal prep
Why we love it: A great lean roast for weekday dinners or weekend gatherings. It’s tender, full of flavour, and easy to slice.
Pro tip: Marinate or rub with herbs before roasting for extra flavour.
7. Short Ribs – Fall-Off-the-Bone Goodness
Best for: Braising, slow cooker meals
Why we love it: Short ribs are rich and succulent when cooked slowly. The meat becomes incredibly tender and pairs well with bold sauces and red wine reductions.
Pro tip: Cook until the meat pulls cleanly from the bone and serve with mashed potatoes or polenta.
8. Stew Meat – Built for Comfort Food
Best for: Stews, soups, chili, slow-cooked dishes
Why we love it: Pre-cut and ready for slow simmering, bison stew meat is ideal for cozy meals on cool evenings. It holds up beautifully in broth and develops amazing flavour over time.
Pro tip: Brown the meat before simmering to build a richer base.
Ready to Try Bison?
At True Grit Buffalo Ranch, we offer all of these cuts fresh from our pasture-raised bison, raised right here in Sherwood Park. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to bison, there’s a cut that fits your kitchen and your taste.
Visit us online to shop locally and experience the quality of Alberta-raised bison—lean, natural, and full of flavour.