How To Cook Bison Burgers On The Stove

bison burger on white plate with burger behind

Will Dickey

It's safe to say the Drummond family is big on ground beef recipes (they live on a cattle ranch, after all!). But sometimes it's good to switch things up from a regular beef burger recipe, so we're making the case for the best bison burgers ever. Ground bison meat is a naturally lean alternative that packs a ton of flavor. Whether you're trying to eat a little healthier or you just want to try something new, bison burgers are a great place to start.

If you've heard rumors that bison is gamey, we have good news for you—it's not! You won't get any gamey aftertaste with bison burgers. Just a thick, juicy burger with a little less guilt. In fact, bison burgers even have a slightly sweeter flavor compared to ground beef. We like a simple preparation that lets the unique flavors of the meat shine: salt, pepper, and a little bit of savory Worcestershire sauce enhances the meatiness of the bison and counters its natural sweetness. If you want to make these burgers extra special, top them off with melted cheese, pickles, grilled onions, and your favorite barbecue sauce brand. You won't regret it!

Is bison good for burgers?

Because bison meat is lower in fat and calories compared to ground beef, it's a lean alternative for your weeknight burger habit. Ground bison is a great choice for burgers because it can be easily be substituted in any recipe that calls for ground beef. As with most other burger recipes, we suggest not over-mixing to prevent it from getting tough.

How should bison burgers be cooked?

Ground bison is very lean, so it's best to cook it in a skillet at moderate heat. Cooking bison burgers on a very hot grill can risk the chance of overcooking and drying it out. Add some butter to your skillet and sear until just medium-rare (130 to 135˚) or rare so that the patties don't get dry.

How do you make bison burgers stick together?

You don't need any special binders to make these burger patties stick together. Simply combine the ground bison with your seasonings and form into 8-ounce balls.

Does bison taste like beef?

Bison meat is often described as being slightly sweeter than ground beef. It has a delicate flavor (that's not at all gamey) and it doesn't need much flavoring to make it shine. A simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce will bring out all the natural flavors of the meat.

Yields: 4 servings

Prep Time: 0 hours 5 mins

Total Time: 0 hours 20 mins

medium red onion, peeled

2 lb.

ground bison

1 tbsp.

Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp.

kosher salt

3/4 tsp.

ground black pepper

3 tbsp.

salted butter

toasted hamburger buns

Optional toppings: sharp cheddar cheese slices, BBQ sauce, dill pickle slices

This ingredient shopping module is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content on their web site.

Cut the red onion into ½-inch thick round slices, keeping the circles of the onion intact. Set aside.
Combine the bison, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper a large bowl. Mix gently but thoroughly to combine. Divide the mixture into four even portions, about 8 ounces each. Pat together into a ball (but not too tightly), then press into a patty, about 1-inch thick.
Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and swirl to coat the pan. Place the onion slices in the pan and cook for 3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Place the bison patties in the skillet and sear until golden, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until the internal temperature of the burger reaches 130 to 135˚ (for medium-rare), 3 to 4 minutes more. If you like cheese on your burgers, add it during the last minute of cooking, then cover to melt.
Serve the burgers immediately on toasted buns with seared red onion rings, pickles, and BBQ sauce.

Bison is a fun protein to try, but you can also make these burgers with ground beef!

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io