These bison burgers are extremely tender, juicy, and packed with flavor- plus, they are ready to eat in less than 15 minutes! You can load these burgers up with your favorite toppings for the ultimate better-than-beef burger! In fact, bison is healthier, more tender, and juicier than beef!
Easy Bison Burgers
Bison is a healthier alternative to beef that is loaded with natural flavor! Additionally, it is no harder to make than any traditional burger! So it’s an all-around winner!
These burgers are quick to cook and super delicious, with no need for any fancy ingredients.
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🥘 Ingredients
If you’ve never bought ground bison before, it can be found at any local grocery store! All the rest of the items are fairly common as well!
- Ground Bison – 1 pound of ground bison.
- Steak Seasoning – 1 tablespoon of steak seasoning (try my recipe, or use your favorite brand - *see note).
- Cheddar Cheese – 3 slices of cheddar cheese (optional).
- Hamburger Buns – 3 toasted hamburger buns.
- Ketchup – Ketchup is adjusted to taste (optional).
*Be sure to see the recipe card below for ingredients, amounts, & instructions!*
🔪 How To Make Bison Burgers
These bison burgers are simple and quick to make! You will need a cast-iron skillet (or another heavy-bottomed pan), a spatula, and a meat thermometer.
This recipe makes 3 servings (though you can make more or less by forming larger or smaller patties). If you’re wanting to serve more people, just double or triple the recipe!
- Portion. To begin, divide the 1 pound of ground bison into 3 even-sized portions that are just over 5 ounces each (5.33 ounces if you want to be precise). Next, form each portion into a ball and then press gently on the top to form a patty that is roughly 1” thick.
- Prepare. Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium heat. Use 1 tablespoon of steak seasoning to season the patties generously on both sides (*see note).
- Cook. Once your skillet is hot, add your patties and sear for about 5 minutes on the first side (until golden brown). Then flip your burgers and sear the opposite side until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare, about 3-4 minutes. If adding the 3 slices of cheddar cheese, place it onto your patties during the final minute of cooking. Cover the skillet to melt the cheese quickly.
- Rest and assemble. Finally, move your burgers to a plate or cutting board and loosely cover with foil. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving on 3 toasted hamburger buns with ketchup or your favorite burger toppings.
To make a complete meal, add a side of sweet potato fries or potato wedges! For a great alternative side dish, you could try out my broccoli tots! Enjoy!
💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes
- You can make 2, 3, or 4 patties per pound. Make sure that you allow more cooking time for larger patties (and check smaller patties earlier).
- In place of steak seasoning, you could use a combo of 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder instead.
- Bison burgers do not require any binders (like bread crumbs or eggs) to stick together. All you need is your meat and seasonings!
- No extra fat is required as the bison is flavorful and like using premium beef. Although, you could finish the burgers by basting with 2-3 tablespoons of butter if your bison is lean (or just because it’s incredibly delicious that way)!
- Dress your bison burger up with extra toppings, if you'd like! A few good choices would include sauteed onions, BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, sliced dill pickles, or any of your favorite burger toppings!
🥡 Storing & Reheating
Keep your leftover bison burgers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. If you need to store them for any longer than that, you are better off freezing them.
To freeze the patties, use the same container or a heavy-duty freezer bag with parchment paper between the patties (this is best without the cheese) for up to 4 months.
Reheating Bison Burgers
The easiest way to reheat your bison burgers is in the microwave on low power. Set your microwave to 50% power and microwave for 30 seconds on the first side, flip, then 30 seconds on the opposite side. If they are not warmed through, continue in 20-second increments.
❓ What Does Bison Taste Like?
Bison is a very flavorful kind of meat that tastes similar to beef. It is a tad sweeter than beef with a richer flavor. Bison is not gamey and cooks to be very tender!
❓ Can You Eat Bison Burgers Rare?
Yes, bison burgers can be eaten rare! In fact, it tastes delicious rare and retains a lot of juiciness! On the other hand, it is very easy to overcook bison as the meat dries out once it is passed medium.
❓ Are Bison Burgers Healthier Than Beef?
If you are wanting to limit your calories or fat consumption then bison would be a better option as it is leaner than beef. It is also higher in protein and contains more iron!
🍔 More Delicious Burgers
- Mushroom Swiss Burgers
- Western Bacon Cheeseburger
- Wagyu Burger
- Hawaiian Burger
- Elk Burgers
- Venison Burgers
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📖 Recipe Card
Bison Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground bison
- 1 tablespoon steak seasoning (my recipe, or your favorite brand -*see note)
- 3 slices cheddar cheese (optional)
- 3 hamburger buns (toasted)
- ketchup (optional to taste)
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
- Divide the ground bison into 3 even-sized portions just over 5 ounces each (5.33 ounces if you want to be precise). Form each portion into a ball, then press gently on top to form a patty about 1" thick.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed frying pan (or grill pan, or grill) over medium heat. Season patties generously on both sides with steak seasoning (*see note).
- Once your skillet or frying pan is hot, add your patties and sear for about 5 minutes on the first side (until golden-brown).
- Flip your burgers and sear the opposite side until the burger's internal temperature reaches 135˚ (57°C) for medium-rare, about 3-4 minutes. If adding cheese, place it on your patties during the last minute of cooking. Cover the skillet to melt the cheese quickly.
- Transfer your burgers to a plate or cutting board and loosely tent foil over the top. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving on toasted hamburgers with ketchup or your favorite burger toppings.
Notes
- You can make 2, 3, or 4 patties per pound. Make sure that you allow more cooking time for larger patties (and check smaller patties earlier).
- In place of steak seasoning, you could use a combo of 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder instead.
- Bison burgers do not require any binders (like bread crumbs or eggs) to stick together. All you need is your meat and seasonings!
- No extra fat is required as the bison is flavorful and like using premium beef. Although, you could finish the burgers by basting with 2-3 tablespoons of butter if your bison is lean (or just because it’s incredibly delicious that way)!
- Dress your bison burger up with extra toppings, if you'd like! A few good choices would include sauteed onions, BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, sliced dill pickles, or any of your favorite burger toppings!
- To store: Keep your leftover bison burgers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Any longer than that, you are better off freezing them. Use the same container or a heavy-duty freezer bag with parchment paper between the patties (this is best without the cheese) for up to 4 months.
- To reheat: The easiest way to reheat your bison burgers is in the microwave on low power. Set your microwave to 50% power and microwave for 30 seconds on the first side, flip, then 30 seconds on the opposite side. If they are not warmed through, continue in 20-second increments.
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