Bison Burger

If you want to surprise your backyard barbecue guests, offer them a bison burger. This bison burger recipe is generously seasoned with garlic, onion and cayenne, with a dollop of mustard mixed into the meat to add flavor and moisture. Serve them with sweet caramelized onions, mayo, arugula and smothered with melted Swiss cheese for a sophisticated twist on the everyday burger. Serve them alongside some potluck sides and desserts for an outdoor meal no one will forget.

Ingredients for Bison Burgers

• Butter: Rich butter adds flavor and encourages the onions to brown.
• Onions: Sweet yellow onions are perfect for caramelizing.
• Balsamic vinegar: A little vinegar balances the sweetness and intensifies the color of the caramelized onions.
• Bison: Lean ground bison makes for a lighter burger that’s rich in flavor.
• Dijon mustard: A generous dollop of mustard is mixed right into the meat, providing flavor and moisture.
• Garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne: This powerful trio of seasonings lends the meat deep savory notes with just a hint of heat.
• Swiss cheese: Swiss cheese has nutty notes that pair well with onions (think French onion soup).
• Buns, arugula and mayo: We recommend these toppings, but feel free to top these burgers with whatever you like.

Directions

Step 1: Caramelize onions

In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt butter and add onions. Cook until very soft, stirring as needed. Add vinegar and seasonings, then continue cooking for another 15 to 20 minutes until onions are deeply golden-brown and completely tender. Truly caramelized onions are a labor of love, but it’s worth it for their naturally sweet flavor and silky texture.

Step 2: Shape bison patties

Combine ground bison, mustard and seasonings in a large bowl and lightly mix. Using a gentle hand, shape into 4 patties,  1/2 inch thick.

Step 3: Cook burgers

Heat canola oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook burgers until a thermometer inserted in the center reads 160°, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Add a slice of cheese to each burger during the last 1 to 2 minutes of cooking, cover the pan to help melt the cheese.

Step 4: Top and serve bison burgers

Serve this bison burger on a sesame seed bun, topped with caramelized onions, arugula and mayonnaise.

Bison Burger Variations

• Speedy toppings: If you don’t have time to caramelize onions, sauteed mushrooms are a complementary pairing with Swiss cheese. Or use traditional burger fixings: lettuce, tomato, cheddar cheese and a slice of red onion.
• Mix in minced veggies: Mincing a 1/2 cup of your favorite vegetables is not only a sneaky way to add more vegetables to the meal. They also add moisture to this bison burger recipe (it’s a trick we use with turkey burgers, too). Try onion, celery, carrot, zucchini, peppers or a mix. The trick is to mince them finely and gently stir them into the meat.
• Lettuce be gluten-free: Swap out the burger bun for a crunchy baby iceberg lettuce leaf.
• Go spicy: Use pepper jack cheese instead of Swiss and add a squirt of sriracha sauce to the mayo.

How to Store Bison Burgers

Leftover bison burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Can you freeze this bison burger recipe?

Yes; lay uncooked patties on a tray lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid then pack in a zipper-top bag and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw and cook as directed.

Tips for Bison Burgers

How does bison meat compare to beef?

Bison meat has a rich flavor, but is overall lighter in calories and saturated fat. Because there is less fat, take care to not overcook the burgers.

What are some tips for shaping bison patties?

Just like with traditional beef burgers, the trick is to be gentle with the meat. Don’t overmix or compress, use a light hand when shaping the patties. Gently press a dimple in the center of each burger to help them hold their shape while cooking.

What do I serve with bison burgers?

You can serve this bison burger recipe with all the typical burger sides. Try baked sweet potato fries or a green salad.

Why does it take so long to caramelize onions? Can I make them ahead of time?

True caramelized onions can take 45 minutes to an hour. You are stirring and waiting for all of those natural onion sugars to break down and caramelize. If you don’t take them all the way to a deep golden-brown, they are just sauteed onions. Don’t get us wrong, sauteed onions are delicious too, but there’s nothing like a completely wilted, super-sweet caramelized onion.

The good news is, if you are committed to making them, you can make a bigger batch and cook them up ahead of time. They can be stored in the fridge for 4 days or frozen for 3 months.