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–+ servings
Bison burgers on white dinner plates.

Easy Bison Burgers

Samantha Erb
My lean and juicy bison burgers come together in just 20 minutes, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts! Topped with melted cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions, they're served on a toasted bun for a fun twist on the classic burger!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dinner Recipes
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 701 kcal

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

Calories: 701kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 56gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 163mgSodium: 1393mgPotassium: 1093mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 2618IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 248mgIron: 9mg

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.

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