North Carolina Grilled Elk Burgers with Slaw

Introduction

When you think of North Carolina grilling traditions, bold flavors and classic southern toppings come to mind. This recipe brings all of that together: perfectly grilled elk burgers seared over 1,000°F on the Arteflame grill, topped with tangy pimento cheese and a crisp vinegar-based slaw — all made start to finish right on the grill. With the reverse sear method locking in the juices and the flat top griddle cooking everything just right, this dish is the perfect balance of rustic and refined. Let's fire up the Arteflame and make magic.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground elk meat
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp cold butter, cut into small cubes
• 4 brioche burger buns
• 1 cup pimento cheese (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp butter (for grilling buns)
• Optional toppings: sliced pickles, red onions

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins into the center of the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
4. Allow the fire to build and the grill to heat for about 20 minutes until the center grate reaches 1,000°F and the outer cooktop is evenly hot.

Step 2: Prep the elk burger patties

1. Mix ground elk meat with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and butter cubes.
2. Form the meat into four evenly sized burger patties, making a slight indentation in the center of each for even cooking.

Step 3: Make the slaw

1. In a bowl, mix shredded cabbage, apple cider vinegar, sugar, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard.
2. Stir until well combined. Let sit while burgers cook to let the flavors meld.

Step 4: Sear the elk burgers

1. Place patties directly on the center grate and sear for 2 minutes per side until a crust forms.
2. Move the burgers to the flat cooktop griddle, closer to the outer edge, to finish cooking using the reverse sear method.
3. Grill until internal temp reaches 135°F for medium-rare (or your preference), then remove from the grill at 120°F as it will continue to cook while resting.

Step 5: Toast the buns and prepare toppings

1. Lightly butter the insides of each bun and grill them on the flat cooktop until golden.
2. Warm the pimento cheese on the cooktop in a small pile if possible or spread directly over warm burgers to melt slightly.

Step 6: Assemble the burgers

1. Place the seared elk patty on the toasted bun.
2. Top with a generous spoonful of slaw.
3. Add melted pimento cheese and optional toppings like pickles or onions.
4. Cover with top bun and serve immediately.

Tips

• Use cold butter in patty mix to add moisture and richness.
• Always remove meat from grill 15°F before desired final temperature.
• Use butter on the cooktop for richer flavor and better crust.
• For warmer slaw, place the bowl near the center for passive heating without cooking the cabbage.
• Make all components on the Arteflame — no pots, pans or oven needed!

Variations

1. Smoky BBQ Elk Burger: Swap pimento cheese for smoked gouda and top with BBQ sauce and grilled onions.
2. Jalapeño Cheddar Elk Burger: Add chopped grilled jalapeños and sharp cheddar cheese for a spicy kick.
3. Blue Cheese & Bacon Elk Burger: Use blue cheese crumbles and grilled bacon slices; skip the slaw for a richer profile.
4. Nashville Hot Elk Burger: Brush patties with spicy hot sauce before moving to the griddle, and top with creamy ranch slaw.
5. Carolina Gold Elk Burger: Use Carolina Gold mustard barbecue sauce and bread-and-butter pickles for a traditional twist.

Best pairings

• Sweet Tea or a hoppy IPA
• Grilled sweet potato wedges or corn on the cob
• Peach cobbler cooked in the Arteflame pizza oven
• Classic Southern coleslaw or cucumber salad

Conclusion

This North Carolina Grilled Elk Burger recipe is everything a backyard cookout needs — juicy, seared elk patties, a creamy-spicy cheese topping, and tangy slaw made right on the Arteflame grill. With no pots or ovens involved, you'll love the flavor and simplicity of cooking everything over an open flame. Perfect for dinner parties, tailgates, or any time you want to show off your grilling skills.