What Cuts of Bison Should I Try? A Beginner’s Guide from True Grit Buffalo Ranch

June 2025
Health, Recipes

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.

Top 5 Reasons True Grit Buffalo Ranch Bison Is Worth Making the Switch To

If beef has been the go-to protein at the dinner table for years, switching things up can feel like a big decision. But for Alberta families looking for a leaner, flavourful, locally raised alternative, bison is worth a closer look.Bison has become increasingly popular among consumers who want high-quality protein without sacrificing flavour. It offers a rich, slightly sweet taste, is naturally lean, and can be used in many of the same recipes as beef—from burgers and meatballs to steaks, roasts, chili, and tacos.For shoppers looking for Alberta-raised bison meat, True Grit Buffalo Ranch offers a direct connection between the ranch and the dinner table. Located just outside Sherwood Park, True Grit raises bison with a focus on herd welfare, quality, and responsible ranching. The ranch offers individual cuts, curated boxes, and bulk options, making it easy to find a bison option that fits different households and cooking styles.So, what makes making the switch to True Grit Buffalo Ranch bison worth considering?

How to Cook Bison Without Drying It Out

One of the biggest myths about cooking bison is that it’s difficult.

The truth is, it’s actually very easy to cook—you just have to treat it a little differently than beef.

Because bison is naturally leaner, it cooks faster and doesn’t need as much time on the grill or in the pan. Once you understand a few simple tips, you’ll be able to enjoy tender, juicy bison every time.

Here at True Grit Buffalo Ranch, we’ve helped countless customers discover just how delicious bison can be. If you’re trying it for the first time, these tips will help you get the most out of every cut.

The Best Bison Short Rib Recipe for a Rich, Tender Alberta Meal

When you’re looking for a meal that’s comforting, impressive, and packed with flavour, it’s hard to beat slow-cooked bison short ribs. At True Grit Buffalo Ranch, our premium bison short ribs are one of our favourite cuts because they transform into incredibly tender, fall-off-the-bone perfection with just a little patience.

Whether you’re planning a Sunday family dinner, hosting friends, or simply looking to try something different from traditional beef, this bison short rib recipe is guaranteed to become a favourite.

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