Introduction
These Nevada-style bison burgers are packed with juicy, bold flavor and seared to perfection on the Arteflame grill. Using reverse searing, we lock in moisture with a steakhouse-quality 1,000°F sear on the center grate, then bring the patties to perfect doneness on the flat top cooktop. Topped with caramelized onions and melted cheddar, these burgers deliver a taste of the open Nevada range in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground bison
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 4 slices aged cheddar cheese
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 brioche burger buns
- 2 tbsp butter (plus extra for toasting buns)
- Optional: lettuce, tomato, pickles for toppings
- Vegetable oil (for lighting the grill)
- 3 paper napkins (for starting the fire)
- Hardwood firewood
Instructions
Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill
- Pour vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
- Place napkins in the center of the grill base.
- Stack hardwood firewood over the napkins.
- Light the napkins and allow the grill to heat up for about 20 minutes until the center grate reaches 1,000°F and the flat griddle is evenly hot.
Step 2: Prep the Burger Patties
- In a bowl, mix ground bison, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form into 4 equal-sized patties, pressing a slight dimple into the center of each to prevent puffing while cooking.
Step 3: Caramelize the Onions
- Place sliced onions with 2 tbsp butter on the flat cooktop near the outer edge (medium-low heat zone).
- Slowly cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes until golden and caramelized.
Step 4: Reverse Sear the Bison Burgers
- Place the patties on the center grill grate for 60-90 seconds per side to sear at 1,000°F and lock in the juices.
- Move the seared patties to the flat cooktop (medium zone) and continue cooking until internal temp reaches 135°F for medium-rare (remove at 120°F).
- Add cheddar slices in the last 2 minutes to melt.
Step 5: Toast the Buns
- Butter the brioche bun halves and place them on the flat cooktop until golden and crispy.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
- Place the cooked patties on the toasted buns.
- Top with caramelized onions and optional toppings like lettuce, tomato, or pickles.
Tips
- Always remove your burgers from the grill when they’re 15°F below your desired temp—they’ll continue cooking off the grill.
- For perfect heat control, move food closer or farther from the center grate depending on how much heat is needed.
- Use butter instead of oil on the griddle for enhanced flavor and golden color.
- Keep buns on the outer ring to toast gently without burning.
- Flip onions occasionally to prevent uneven browning.
Variations
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Smoky Bacon Bison Burger: Add cooked smoked bacon strips and a smoky chipotle aioli for added richness.
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Southwest Bison Burger: Top with pepper jack cheese, avocado slices, and a drizzle of chipotle mayo.
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Mushroom Swiss Bison Burger: Replace cheddar with Swiss and top with sautéed mushrooms caramelized on the flat griddle.
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BBQ Bison Burger: Slather patties in BBQ sauce and top with crispy onions rings grilled on the flat top.
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Nevada Ranch-Style Burger: Add a fried egg and thick-cut grilled tomato slices for a hearty ranch-inspired version.
Best Pairings
- Sweet potato wedges grilled on the flat top
- Grilled corn on the cob with garlic butter
- Cold craftIPA or Nevada pale ale
- Chilled coleslaw with apple cider vinegar dressing
- Grilled pineapple slices for a sweet touch
Conclusion
Grilling on the Arteflame brings out the best in these Nevada-style bison burgers. From bold sears at 1,000°F to gently caramelized toppings all done on one surface, every bite screams flavor. Serve them on a toasted brioche bun with classic or creative toppings, and you’ll never look at burgers the same again.