Jun 2010

Bison Burgers with Cheddar and Onions

Bison Burgers with Cheddar and Onions

I am generally quite fearless in the kitchen, but have always shied away from grilling. In spite of my liberal leanings, I long held onto the silly notion that cooking over an open flame was dude territory. As a result, all of the grilling in our household was assigned to The Astronomer and his little Smokey Joe. I was content with baking and sauteeing—you know, chick stuff.

Our longstanding division of kitchen duties came to a halt two months ago when I received a fantastically fun photography assignment that required me to grill like I’d never grilled before. From loins to shoulders to burgers, I did it all, and in the process, I discovered a great appreciation for the sport. I love how grilling makes me feel like a culinary badass and how it requires me to trust my instincts. I also like how cleaning up entails scrubbing a metal brush back and forth and little else.

For my first non-work-related grilling session, I decided to prepare bison burgers. Bison meat is often lauded for its nutritional prowess, but doesn’t have the greatest reputation for moistness due to its lower fat content.  However, this recipe for Bison Burgers with Cheddar and Onions from Cooking the Cowboy Way by Grady Spears makes an extremely flavorful, juicy, and satisfying specimen. And as an awesome bonus, it’s actually good for you. Grill on!

  • 2 pounds ground bison or chuck beef
  • 3/4 cup grated white cheddar cheese
  • 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper
  • 12 English muffins or hamburger buns

Bison Burgers with Cheddar and Onions

Prepare a charcoal or gas grill to medium-high heat. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, grated cheese, onion, salt, and pepper thoroughly with your hands.

Bison Burgers with Cheddar and Onions

Divide the mixture into 12 small patties, making sure they are compacted and firm. Place the patties on the hot grill and cook for 5 minutes on each side, or until they register an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.

Bison Burgers with Cheddar and Onions

Serve on a carbohydrate of your choice along with your favorite condiments.

Makes 12 juicy bison burgers.

Recipe from Cooking the Cowboy Way: Recipes Inspired by Campfires, Chuck Wagons, and Ranch Kitchens by Grady Spears. [For Printable Recipe Click Here]

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18 thoughts on “Bison Burgers with Cheddar and Onions

  1. Is that an English Muffin I spy there? It is! It is!

    I highly approve of your carbohydrate choice.

    So glad these worked out! Now you have me wanting to be a grilling bad ass!

  2. whoo hoo you badass!

    i just got a grill myself…though badass i am not. i’ll have to learn a thing or two from you.

  3. funny, just yesterday i was showing your blog to my other half and he asked if you ever post about things you cook (not just eating out) and i said rarely. way to make me eat my words ;).

  4. Sarah – I think you started reading the blog when I was in wedding planning mode, which left very little time for kitchen explorations. Now that I’m properly hitched, I can devote more time to testing out new recipes! Woo hoo!

    Thanks for sharing my blog with your dude 😉

  5. that really looks good. ive been dying to get my hands on some bison but its so hard for me to find hallal/kosher. we dont even have whole foods around here.its a drive. good to see u cooknig!

  6. My Man’s Belly – This recipe won’t let you down. The grated cheese and quick cooking time are the secrets to juicy bison burgers.

  7. I’ve seen Bison at the Sprouts Farmers market. You’ve inspired me to give this a try! I’ll let you know how it turns out….

  8. can i come over for burgers! they look so good! I seriously need a grill makes meat taste so much better but first i need a patio or backyard.

  9. There’s bison at the Farmer’s Market in Columbus. Now I have an excuse to buy some!

  10. I’ve been trying to find a great bison burger recipe after purchasing some ground buffalo at the grocery store the other week. This looks awesome! Thanks.

  11. Excellent recipe! Made these for my family and they loved them. I just googled Bison Burgers and came across your site! Thanks again.

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