Spicy South Dakota Buffalo Chili Burgers

Introduction

Nothing says bold flavor quite like a Spicy South Dakota Buffalo Chili Burger grilled to perfection on the Arteflame. By combining the rich, lean profile of buffalo meat with the deep, smoky flavor of fire-grilled chili peppers, this burger brings out the best of the West. Using the Arteflame’s versatile cooking zones, we’ll reverse sear the buffalo burgers for a steakhouse-quality crust, lock in the juices, and finish the entire dish on the flat top griddle. Let's fire it up and get grilling!

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs ground buffalo meat
• 4 fresh chili peppers (jalapeño or Hatch work great)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 brioche burger buns
• 4 slices pepper jack cheese
• 2 tbsp butter (for the griddle)
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños (optional)
• 1/2 cup arugula or mixed greens
• Favorite spicy mayo or chipotle aioli

Instructions

Step 1: Get the Arteflame grill started

1. Soak three paper napkins in vegetable oil.
2. Place the napkins in the fire bowl of the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack dry firewood over the napkins and light them.
4. Allow the fire to come to temperature—approximately 20 minutes—until the center grate reaches 1,000°F and the cooktop is evenly heated.

Step 2: Prepare the buffalo patties

1. In a bowl, gently mix ground buffalo with paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt and pepper. Do not overwork the meat.
2. Form into 4 even burger patties.
3. Set aside at room temperature while the grill heats up.

Step 3: Grill the chili peppers

1. Place chili peppers directly on the center grill grate to char, turning occasionally.
2. Once blistered and softened, move to the outer cooktop griddle to continue roasting slowly while you cook the burgers.
3. Remove stems and dice or slice for topping once cooled slightly.

Step 4: Reverse sear the burgers

1. Sear the patties quickly on the blazing hot center grill grate (about 1 minute per side) to lock in juices and create a crust.
2. Transfer burgers to the flat cooktop griddle to continue cooking over medium heat until the internal temp is 15°F below target (target is 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium).
3. Top with sliced pepper jack cheese in the final minute to melt.

Step 5: Toast the buns and assemble

1. Butter the inside of the brioche buns and place cut side down on the cooktop until golden.
2. Assemble each burger: bottom bun, arugula, burger patty with melted cheese, grilled chili peppers, diced red onion, pickled jalapeños if using, spicy mayo, top bun.

Tips

• Always remove your burgers from the grill when they are 15°F below your desired doneness. They will continue to cook after resting.
• Use a meat thermometer for perfect accuracy.
• Use butter instead of oil on the griddle for added richness.
• Grill all toppings on the cooktop while the meat finishes—chilis, onions, even buns.
• Move foods closer or further from the center to control heat—use the Arteflame’s natural zones.

Variations

1. South Dakota Bison & Blue Cheese Burger: Add crumbled blue cheese instead of pepper jack and top with caramelized onions.
2. Tex-Mex Chili Burger: Top with homemade pico de gallo, avocado slices, and cotija cheese.
3. BBQ Bison Burger: Use BBQ sauce instead of spicy mayo and add grilled jalapeño bacon.
4. Mushroom Swiss Buffalo Burger: Swap chili peppers for grilled mushrooms and Swiss cheese.
5. Buffalo Chipotle Ranch Burger: Drizzle with chipotle ranch, and top with fried onions and grilled poblanos.

Best Pairings

• Smoked sweet potato halves grilled skin-on with cinnamon butter
• Grilled corn with chili-lime butter
• Crisp coleslaw tossed with apple cider vinaigrette
• Ice cold South Dakota pale ale or bourbon barrel-aged beer
• Peach cobbler grilled in a skillet on the Arteflame

Conclusion

This Spicy South Dakota Buffalo Chili Burger is the perfect fusion of wild flavor and refined grilling technique. The reverse sear on the Arteflame ensures juicy, flavorful burgers with a perfect crust, while the fire-roasted chilies add just the right kick. With no need for pots, pans, or lids, clean-up is a breeze. Try it once and it might just become your go-to grilling recipe!