This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our full Disclosure Policy.
The Bison burger, often called the buffalo burger, has gained popularity as a leaner and flavorful alternative to traditional beef burgers. These delicious patties are rich in taste and packed with nutrition, making them a fantastic addition to your recipe book!
We can all agree that a classic hamburger is an all-time favorite meal, especially during the summer! Nothing beats a juicy burger grilled on the BBQ, but it is always nice to have some alternative options to try for dinner.
In fact, my sweet daughter prefers a juicy homemade buffalo burger to any other type of burger. She loves that this recipe is so easy that she can help!
Why We Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to love this delicious buffalo burger recipe. Here are just a few:
- Using bison meat provides a delicious alternative to conventional beef, as it has a leaner composition, which makes it lower in fat while having higher protein.
- Buffalo burgers are rich in taste and packed with nutrition.
- Typically bison meat is sourced from grass-fed animals, contributing to a more natural and sustainable diet.
You can also use this meat as a substitute in my delectable Portobello Stuffed Mushrooms recipe.
Where To Find Bison Meat
Our family is lucky enough to have grass-fed bison meat accessible just outside our small town, making this recipe very easy and convenient for us. Those of you living in larger areas should be able to find buffalo meat at most specialty butchers or farmer’s markets these days!
Ingredient Substitutes
I always advise trying the recipe as written the first time and then feeling free to change it to your liking!
If ground bison meat is unavailable or you prefer a different meat, consider ground beef, turkey, or chicken as alternatives. They can be substituted in equal amounts for the ground bison. If you are looking for a plant-based option, try using a veggie burger patty made from ingredients like black beans or lentils.
For seasoning alternatives, or if you want to explore beyond the standard salt and pepper, consider using spices such as cumin, smoked paprika, or garlic powder. For an earthy flavor, try adding fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
What Makes a Great Buffalo Burger
Buffalo or bison meat is very lean and low in fat, which can sometimes cause this burger to be a bit dry if it is prepared and cooked incorrectly! The key to making a burger that stays juicy and delicious is making sure you add enough liquid ingredients! If you find the recipe below still not moist enough for your liking, add more BBQ sauce and Worcester sauce to the recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 lb or 32 oz. ground buffalo or bison
- 1lb or 16 oz. ground pork (optional) or add a touch of bacon fat for moisture
- 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp of paprika
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 2 tsp Salt
- 2 tsp Pepper
- Dill (fresh or dried)
- 2 tbsp. Worcester
- 1/4 cup diced onion or a hand full of chives
- 2 tbsp. flour – Cocoanut flour will work as a gluten-free option
- Vegetable Oil for brushing on burgers before grilling.
- Cheese (optional – for melting on burgers)
Optional Sauce
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
This recipe calls for 2 lbs. of ground meat, but you can always adjust to the number of people you cook for!
Directions
- Mix together ground buffalo meat, spices, BBQ sauce, Worcester, herbs, and diced onion or chives. Then, add the flour to help bind the meat together. Be sure you don’t overwork the bison meat, as it tends to dry out quickly when overhandled.
- Grab approximately 1/3 cup of the bison burger mixture and roll it together between your hands. Roll until the meat forms a nice ball, then flatten between your hands to form a patty. If time allows, cover the buffalo burgers and place them in the refrigerator for a few hours. This allows the meat to marinate and take in the flavors of the spices.
- Preheat the BBQ or smoker to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill, if desired. Remove the burgers from the fridge and brush them with vegetable oil.
- Grill buffalo burgers on each side. Cook for approx. 4-5 minutes per side or until desired. To determine the correct doneness, use an instant-read thermometer and aim for an internal temperature of 140-145°F (60-63°C) for medium-rare. When the patties reach their desired temperature, immediately remove them from heat to prevent overcooking.
- Place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each patty in the last two minutes of cooking and let it melt. Simultaneously, toast the hamburger buns on the grill or skillet for a minute or two to add some crunch (spread butter on buns before toasting).
- While the bison patties are cooking, it’s time to prepare the toppings. Begin by thinly slicing a shallot and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix together BBQ sauce and Dijon mustard to create a tangy and flavorful spread for the buns.
- Spread the BBQ-Dijon mixture on both sides of the toasted hamburger bun. Place a bison patty with melted white cheddar cheese on the bun’s bottom half, then layer with the thinly sliced shallot and a piece of crunchy romaine lettuce. Finally, place the top half of the bun on the assembled ingredients, pair it with this delicious salad, and enjoy!
A good meat thermometer goes a long way when grilling!
Cook Time for Grilling
Grilling a buffalo burger is best done on medium to medium-high heat! The grill gives these burgers a wonderful char and brings out the meat’s natural flavors. When the burger is done, it should be brown on the outside but can still look dark pink in the middle. Here are some guidelines to use when grilling at medium heat:
- 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium-rare
- 5 to 6 minutes per side for medium
- 6 to 8 minutes per side for well done
Place the cooled burgers in an airtight container or if you are using plastic wrap, be sure to wrap the burgers tightly to protect them from outside contaminants
Refrigerate the leftovers promptly to prevent bacterial growth. It’s important to consume refrigerated leftovers within three to four days to ensure they remain safe to eat.
To freeze the burgers, individually wrap each burger tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a sealed freezer bag or an airtight container. Make sure to label the container with the storage date before placing it in the freezer. Frozen bison burgers typically last up to three months without compromising quality and taste.
Shop Favorites For the Grill
Tips and Tricks for Making Buffalo Burgers
- Handle bison meat with care. Due to its lean nature, bison has a tendency to dry out quickly, so avoid overhandling or overcooking it.
- Bison must be cooked at a lower temperature than beef, making a skillet or grill ideal for this purpose.
- Press a slight indent in the center of each bison patty using your thumb. This trick helps the burgers cook evenly and prevents the center from bulging out. Take special care not to press too hard, as delicate bison meat can fall apart.
- Mixing in a grated onion adds moisture and enhances the bison’s flavor. To counter any gamey taste, try incorporating herbs and spices, such as garlic, rosemary or thyme, into your bison burger recipe.
- Another twist you can take with these burgers is infusing them with cheese. Take a smaller amount of meat and form a thin patty. Place a chunk of cheese in the center of this patty. Roll a second thin patty and place it on top of the cheese. Pinch the edges together to hold in the cheese!
- Give your bison burger a chance to rest once it’s off the heat. Allowing the burger to sit for a few minutes before serving helps retain its juices and ensures a tender bite. This brief rest period will allow the meat to continue cooking, solidifying its spot within the desired temperature range.
- Looking to make your burger gluten-free or just another bun option? Grab a few pieces of lettuce and enjoy your bison burger on a lettuce “bun.”
Hope you enjoy these delicious Buffalo Burgers! If you try them, please let me know what you think in the comments below.
More Delicious Grilling Recipes
- Bacon Wrapped, Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breast
- How To Make Homemade Fire Smoked Tomatoes
- How to Make the Best Smoked Chicken
Frequently Asked
Contrary to what so many people believe, bison and buffalo are not the same. The American bison was found roaming the hills of North America, whereas Buffalo are actually found in Africa and Asia. Bison have large humps on their backs and showcase a long beard whereas Buffalo don’t.
Buffalo meat tastes very different than beef. It has a lighter, almost sweet taste to it in comparison. It isn’t ‘gamey’ at all but more of a full-bodied taste, some describe it as ‘earthier’ than beef. Depending on what you use for seasoning, Buffalo burgers offer a bold flavor that is a delicious alternative to other more common types of meat used for making hamburgers.
Buffalo or bison meat is a healthy alternative to most other types of meat used for hamburgers. It contains half the fat content of lean beef and is even lower in fat than chicken! Buffalo meat is lower in cholesterol and higher in mineral content plus it offers to be higher protein than beef making it an excellent choice for any health-conscious consumer.
Sauces can take bison burgers to the next level. Some popular options include garlic aioli, barbecue sauce, or a tangy mustard. You might also try a homemade chipotle mayo or fresh herb chimichurri. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect pairing for your personal taste preference.
want to save this recipe?
Enter your email & I’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from B Vintage Style.
Ingredients
- 2 lb ground bison
- 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
- 1 lb ground pork (optional)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika smoked
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 2 tsp Salt
- 2 tsp Pepper
- 1 tbsp Dill fresh or dried
- 2 tbsp Worcester
- 1/4 cup diced onion or a hand full of chives
- 2 tbsp flour – Cocoanut flour will work as a gluten-free option
- Vegetable Oil for brushing on burgers before grilling.
- Cheese optional – for melting on burgers
Instructions
- Mix together ground buffalo meat, spices, BBQ sauce, Worcester, herbs, and diced onion or chives. Add flour to help bind the meat together.
- Grab approx. 1/3 cup bison burger mixture and roll-together between hands. Roll for a few minutes so that the meat forms a nice ball. Flatten between hands to form a pattie.
- If time allows cover buffalo burgers and place them in the refrigerator for a few hours. This allows the meat to marinade and take in the flavors of the spices.
- Preheat your BBQ or smoker. Pull burgers from the fridge and brush on vegetable oil like you would BBQ sauce.
- Grill buffalo burgers on each side. Cook for approx. 4-5 minutes per side or until desired. To determine the correct doneness, use an instant-read thermometer and aim for an internal temperature of 140-145°F (60-63°C) for medium-rare. When the patties reach their desired temperature, immediately remove them from heat to prevent overcooking.
- In the last two minutes of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each patty and let it melt.
- Toast hamburger buns on the BBQ (spread butter on buns before toasting).
- Add toppings of your choice to the bun – ex … lettuce, pickles, avocado, onions, and chips (BBQ or dill pickles or plain ruffle chips are a great option that adds some crunch).
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Pin for later
