Smoky Colorado Southwestern Bison Burgers | Ultimate Grilling Recipe

Introduction

There is something undeniably majestic about grilling bison; it connects you directly to the culinary heritage of the American West. These Colorado Southwestern Bison Burgers are not just a meal—they are an experience that brings the rugged spirit of the Rockies right to your backyard. Unlike traditional beef, bison offers a leaner, slightly sweeter profile that pairs perfectly with the earthy aromatics of sage and the gentle heat of roasted chiles. Cooking this on an Arteflame grill elevates the dish further, allowing you to achieve that perfect sear while keeping the lean meat juicy and tender. Whether you are looking for a healthier alternative to the classic cheeseburger or simply want to impress guests with bold, regional flavors, this recipe delivers a smoky, savory punch that captures the essence of Southwestern cuisine.

Ingredients

The Bison Patties

• 2 lbs fresh ground bison meat (preferably 90/10 lean ratio)
• 2 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped (or 1 tbsp dried rubbed sage)
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1.5 tsp Kosher salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

The Southwestern Toppings

• 4 slices Pepper Jack cheese
• 4 whole Hatch green chiles (roasted, peeled, and seeded) or 1 can (4oz) diced green chiles
• 1 large red onion, sliced into thick rings for grilling
• 4 Brioche or potato buns
• Fresh arugula or iceberg lettuce
• 1 large tomato, sliced
• Chipotle mayonnaise (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bison Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground bison, chopped sage, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix with your hands until the spices are just incorporated. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the lean bison tough.
3. Form the meat into 4 equal-sized patties. Press a small indentation into the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent them from puffing up during grilling. Let them rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Build a fire in the center of your Arteflame grill using hardwood or charcoal. Let it burn down until the cooktop reaches the optimal searing temperature.
2. Lightly oil the flat steel cooktop with a high-smoke-point oil (like grape seed or avocado oil) to season the surface and prevent sticking.

Step 3: Grill the Vegetables and Buns

1. Place the red onion rings on the flat cooktop where the heat is medium-high. Grill for about 3-4 minutes per side until they are softened and have nice char marks. Move them to the cooler outer edge to keep warm.
2. If you are using fresh Hatch chiles, blister them near the center fire until the skin is charred, then peel and seed. If using canned, warm them quickly on the cooktop.
3. Place the buns cut-side down on the cooktop for 30-60 seconds until golden brown and toasted. Set aside.

Step 4: Grill the Bison Burgers

1. Place the bison patties directly onto the hot steel cooktop. For a deeper crust, you can sear them closer to the center grate for 1 minute per side, then move them to the flat plancha surface to finish cooking.
2. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Because bison is lean, it is best enjoyed medium-rare to medium (130°F - 135°F internal temperature).
3. During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a roasted Hatch chile and a slice of Pepper Jack cheese. Cover with a basting dome if available to melt the cheese quickly.

Step 5: Assemble the Burger

1. Spread a generous layer of chipotle mayonnaise on the bottom toasted bun.
2. Layer with lettuce and tomato slices.
3. Place the cheese-covered bison patty on top.
4. Finish with the grilled red onions and the top bun. Serve immediately while hot and juicy.

Tips

Cooking with bison requires a slightly different approach than beef due to its low fat content. The most critical tip is to avoid overcooking the meat. Bison can go from juicy to dry very quickly if taken past medium. Aim for a warm pink center to enjoy the natural sweetness of the meat. Additionally, because the meat is lean, it doesn't shrink as much as fatty beef, so form your patties to the exact size of the bun. When mixing your ingredients, handle the meat as little as possible; this ensures the texture remains tender rather than dense. Finally, utilize the different heat zones of your Arteflame. Sear the meat hard near the center for flavor, then move it to the cooler outer ring to bring it up to temperature gently without drying it out.

Variations

While the classic Southwestern profile is a crowd-pleaser, bison is a versatile canvas for many flavor combinations. You can easily tweak this recipe to suit different palates or dietary preferences without losing the spirit of the dish. Here are a few delicious twists to try on your grill:

• The "Black & Blue": Swap the Pepper Jack cheese for crumbled Blue Cheese and replace the chiles with caramelized balsamic onions.
• The Breakfast Bison: Add a fried egg (cooked right on the Arteflame cooktop) and a slice of crispy bacon on top of the green chile.
• Mushroom Swiss: Sauté cremini mushrooms with thyme on the plancha and melt Swiss cheese over the patty instead of spicy jack.
• Low Carb / Keto: Ditch the bun entirely and serve the patty over a bed of grilled greens and avocado slices.
• Extra Heat: Add chopped fresh jalapeños into the meat mixture before forming patties for an internal spicy kick.

Best pairings

To round out this Colorado-inspired meal, you want sides and drinks that complement the smoky, spicy, and savory notes of the burger. Since you already have the grill fired up, it makes sense to utilize the cooktop for your sides as well. The goal is to balance the heat of the chiles and the richness of the meat with something crisp or refreshing.

• Grilled Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness cuts through the spice of the Hatch chiles.
• Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grill corn on the cob on the Arteflame, then slather with lime crema, cotija cheese, and chili powder.
• Beverage Pairing: A cold, hoppy IPA or a crisp Amber Ale from a local Colorado microbrewery is the classic choice. For wine lovers, a bold Zinfandel stands up well to the bison.
• Cucumber Tomato Salad: A simple vinegar-based salad provides a fresh, acidic contrast to the heavy burger.

Conclusion

Mastering the Colorado Southwestern Bison Burger on your Arteflame grill is more than just cooking dinner; it is about embracing a lifestyle that values quality ingredients and open-fire cooking. This recipe perfectly balances the lean, gamey sophistication of bison with the bold, comforting flavors of the Southwest. Whether you are hosting a summer cookout or enjoying a quiet autumn evening by the fire, these burgers are guaranteed to be the highlight. Remember, the secret ingredient is always the fun you have while grilling. So, gather your friends, crack open a cold drink, and enjoy the unparalleled taste of the Rockies right at home.