Bison Burger with Green Chile
Lean, juicy bison patties get a smoky, spicy kick from roasted green chiles and melted pepper jack cheese. This Southwest-inspired burger is a flavorful and healthier alternative to the classic beef burger, ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Patty Mixture
- b.In a large bowl, place the ground bison. Add half of the diced green chiles (about 2 oz), garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- c.Using your hands, gently mix the ingredients until they are just combined. The mixture should be uniform but still have a coarse texture. Avoid overworking the meat to ensure tender burgers.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Form the Patties
- b.Divide the bison mixture into 4 equal portions, each weighing about 6 oz.
- c.Gently shape each portion into a patty that is approximately 3/4-inch thick and slightly wider than your burger buns to account for shrinkage during cooking.
- d.Press a shallow dimple into the center of each patty with your thumb. This simple trick prevents the burgers from puffing up into a ball shape as they cook.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Bison Burgers
- b.Preheat a grill or a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat (around 400-450°F or 205-230°C). Lightly brush the grill grates or the skillet with vegetable oil.
- c.Place the patties on the hot surface. Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side. Flip the burgers and cook for another 3-5 minutes for medium-rare to medium doneness. The internal temperature should read 140-145°F (60-63°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
- d.During the final minute of cooking, place a slice of pepper jack cheese on top of each patty to allow it to melt perfectly.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Toast Buns and Assemble
- b.While the cheese is melting, place the burger buns, cut-side down, on the grill or in a separate dry pan. Toast for about 60 seconds until they are lightly golden and fragrant.
- c.To assemble, place a cooked patty on each bottom bun. Top with a spoonful of the remaining diced green chiles.
- d.Layer with a lettuce leaf, a slice of tomato, and a few rings of red onion.
- e.Place the top bun on and serve immediately for the best experience.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Bison is very lean. For the juiciest burger, do not cook past medium (145°F / 63°C).
- 2Handle the ground bison as little as possible when mixing and forming patties to prevent them from becoming tough.
- 3The dimple in the center of the patty is crucial for a flat, evenly cooked burger that doesn't bulge.
- 4Let the cooked patties rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- 5Always toast your buns. It adds flavor, texture, and prevents them from getting soggy.
- 6For an extra smoky flavor, use fire-roasted Hatch green chiles if they are in season and available.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add a Sauce
Whip up a quick chipotle aioli by mixing 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 1 minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce and a squeeze of lime juice. Spread it on the toasted buns.
Change the CheeseChange the Cheese
If you don't have pepper jack, try sharp cheddar, smoked provolone, or Monterey Jack cheese.
Extra ToppingsExtra Toppings
Elevate your burger with creamy sliced avocado, crispy bacon, or even a fried egg on top.
Make it Gluten FreeMake it Gluten-Free
Serve the burger patty on a gluten-free bun or wrapped in a large lettuce leaf for a low-carb option.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Powerhouse
Bison is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, supporting immune function, and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Rich in Iron and B12
This burger is packed with iron and vitamin B12, two crucial nutrients for producing red blood cells, preventing anemia, and maintaining high energy levels.
Heart-Healthier Choice
Compared to traditional beef, bison has less total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol, making it a more heart-friendly option for red meat lovers.
Metabolism Support
The capsaicin found in green chiles has been shown to provide a temporary boost to metabolism and may aid in fat oxidation, adding a subtle thermogenic benefit to your meal.
Frequently asked questions
A single Bison Burger with Green Chile contains approximately 580-650 calories, depending on the bun and exact fat content of the bison.
