My bison burgers are prepped and ready in just 20 minutes! I combine ground bison with a handful of flavorful seasonings and Worcestershire sauce, pan-fry to perfection, and then load them up with all of the classic burger fixin’s.
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My Best Bison Burger Recipe
I remember the first time I tried bison burgers. Before I took a bite, I couldn’t help but think to myself, “Hmm, I wonder if this will be gamey like venison.” I was pleasantly surprised when it didn’t taste gamey at all!
Bison (or buffalo) has become more popular as it’s such a great, leaner alternative to ground beef. Listen, I love myself a good old-fashioned grilled beef burger (I’m even sharing my favorites below), but I can usually get behind a lighter option… especially if it’s still totally packed with protein.
My husband Ben and kids were a bit more hesitant about trying it, but they were all convinced after one bite. This one’s also a great option for backyard barbecues and cookouts — simply double or triple the recipe, and there will be enough for a crowd!
For more burger recipes to try, don’t miss my air fryer hamburgers, hamburgers in the oven, turkey burgers in air fryer, and Ninja Foodi hamburgers!
Bison Burger Ingredients
- Ground bison – Leaner and slightly richer than beef, bison is one of the better red meat options as it’s high in protein but low in fat.
- Seasonings – I add kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder directly to the bison meat, along with Worcestershire Sauce, to form the patties. They come out super savory and full of umami flavor!
- Cheese – I like cheddar cheese or classic American slices best.
- Burger buns – Opt for sesame buns like I did, though brioche buns, pretzel buns, or even lettuce wraps are good substitutes.
- Butter – To toast the buns!
- Mayonnaise – I’ve got to have a little mayo on my burger, and I usually add some ketchup too. Feel free to skip or use another preferred sauce instead.
- More toppings – Lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and pickles are all a must in our house, but don’t hesitate to get creative!
How to Cook Bison Burgers
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Add the ground bison meat, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce to a large mixing bowl and combine with a light hand. Divide the mixture into two equal portions and shape them into patties.
STEP TWO: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and coat the inside of each burger bun with butter. Toast them until they’re golden brown, then set them aside.
STEP THREE: Using the same skillet, heat it over medium-high and cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and determine the internal temperature:
- Rare: 120-125 degrees F
- Medium rare: 130-135 degrees F
- Medium: 140-145 degrees F
- Medium well: 150-155 degrees F
- Well done: 160 degrees F +
STEP FOUR: Once cooked, allow the burgers to rest for 3-5 minutes before assembling so they stay juicy.
STEP FIVE: To assemble, spread mayo on the top bun, then add the lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles on the bottom bun. Add the bison patty and top with a slice of cheddar so it melts a bit. Cover with the top bun, serve immediately, and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Bison Burger
- Be gentle when mixing the bison with the seasonings. Overmixing can make the patties dense and tough. Mix just until everything is combined for the best results.
- Make a small indentation in the center of each patty to keep the burgers from puffing up in the middle. They’ll cook more evenly and be easier to assemble with all the toppings.
- Allow the patties to rest at room temperature for a few minutes before cooking. It’s another way to ensure they cook more evenly. It just happens to be the perfect amount of time to toast the buns!
- Keep a close eye on the burgers toward the end of the cooking process. Bison has a lower fat content, so it cooks faster than beef. I find they’re at their juiciest when cooked to medium-rare to medium, so I pull them off as soon as they hit about 135 degrees F.
Bison Burger Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- This recipe can also be made on the grill or in the air fryer. For the grill, preheat to medium-high and grill for 3-4 minutes on each side. They’ll need about 4-5 minutes per side at 375 degrees F in the air fryer.
- A few teaspoons or a bit of hot sauce mixed directly in with the seasonings would add a spicy kick! We love fiery flavor in our house, so I make this variation A LOT.
- I also love a good mushroom and Swiss burger, and the flavors work super well with bison! I simply sauté some ‘shrooms in butter and garlic, then pile them on top of the patty with a slice of Swiss.
- Add a tablespoon of barbecue sauce to the meat mixture or brush the patties with sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for a smoky flavor. When I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add an onion ring on top!
- Creamy avocado would pair really well with the richness of the bison. Slice it thin, place it on top of the burger, then add a few squeezes of fresh lime juice to brighten the whole thing up.
What to Serve With a Bison Burger
Buffalo burgers pair so well with all of those classics we all know and love! My loaded fries with bacon and cheese are a must for an indulgent meal, or try air fryer French fries for something a bit, well, less loaded. Instant Pot mac and cheese and traditional coleslaw are great for backyard barbecues. And don’t forget to top it with some big mac sauce!
Bison Burgers FAQs
How is bison different from beef?
Bison is leaner and more tender than beef, making it a lighter red meat alternative. It has a slightly sweeter and richer flavor that some people say tastes “cleaner” compared to beef… and I have to agree!
Why are my bison burger patties falling apart?
Because bison is so lean, burger patties may fall apart if they’re overmixed or overhandled. It’s super important to mix the meat mixture until just combined, and to firmly shape the patties before leaving them to sit for a few minutes before cooking.
Can I mix bison with ground beef?
Yes! Combining bison with ground beef is a great way to add flavor and a bit of fat. The beef boasts a juicy, rich flavor while the bison brings a lean, slightly sweet taste. Aim for a 50/50 blend for the best texture.
How should I store leftover bison burgers?
Store leftover cooked bison burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Uncooked patties can be frozen for up to 3 months, and cooked patties will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months.
More Easy Recipes
Easy Bison Burgers
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground bison
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 slices cheddar cheese or American cheese
- 2 burger buns
- 1 tbsp butter for toasting buns
- 2 tbsp mayo
- 2 lettuce leaves
- 4 slices ripe tomatoes
- ¼ cup red onions
- ¼ cup pickles
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground bison meat, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix them with a light hand until they are just combined (overmixing can make the burgers dense). Divide the mixture into two equal portions and then shape them into burger patties.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Spread butter on the inside of each bun and toast them until they turn golden brown. Set the buns aside.
- Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and then cook the patties for 3–4 minutes per side or until they reach your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the patties:
- Allow the cooked patties to rest for 3-5 minutes before assembling. This helps redistribute the juices for a juicier burger.
- Spread mayo on the top bun. Place lettuce and tomato slices, onions and pickles on the bottom bun. Add the rested bison patty and immediately place a slice of cheddar cheese over it so it melts slightly. Cover it with the top bun and serve immediately.
Notes
- Make this recipe on the grill over medium-high heat and cook them for 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Make this recipe in the air fryer at 375 degrees F for about 4 to 5 minutes per side.
- Be gentle when mixing the bison with the seasonings. Overmixing can make the patties dense and tough.
- Make a small indentation in the center of each patty to keep the burgers from puffing up in the middle.
- Allow the patties to rest at room temperature for a few minutes before cooking.
- Keep a close eye on the burgers toward the end of the cooking process. Bison has a lower fat content, so it cooks faster than beef.
- Store leftover cooked bison burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Doneness chart:
- Rare: 120-125 degrees F
- Medium-rare: 130-135 degrees F
- Medium: 140-145 degrees F
- Medium-well: 150-155 degrees F
- Well done: 160 degrees F +
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
