Hearty Vermont Elk Burgers on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

Get ready to elevate your grilling game with these Hearty Vermont Elk Burgers. We’ll sear the elk patties over 1,000°F on the center grate of the Arteflame Grill, then finish them gently on the flat-top cooktop for the perfect reverse sear. Paired with sharp cheddar and caramelized onions, these burgers are bursting with bold, smoky flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground elk meat (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 4 brioche burger buns
• 4 thick slices of sharp Vermont cheddar cheese
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for caramelizing onions)
• 2 tbsp butter (for grilling buns)
• Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, Dijon mustard

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour a small amount of vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the oil-soaked napkins in the center of your Arteflame Grill.
3. Stack dry hardwood firewood on top of the napkins.
4. Light the napkins and allow the firewood to ignite.
5. In about 20 minutes, the grill will be hot with the center grate reaching over 1,000°F.

Step 2: Form and Season the Elk Patties

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground elk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Form into 4 equal 1/2 lb patties and gently press a finger-sized dimple in the center of each to prevent puffing.
3. Set aside on a platter while the grill heats up.

Step 3: Caramelize the Onions

1. Place 2 tbsp butter on the flat cooktop griddle close to the center for a higher heat zone.
2. Add the sliced onions, stirring occasionally for about 15–20 minutes until deeply golden and soft.
3. Move onions to a cooler section if browning too quickly.

Step 4: Sear the Elk Patties

1. Place the elk patties directly on the center grill grate to sear at high heat (~1,000°F).
2. Sear for 1.5 to 2 minutes on each side to build a crust and lock in juices.
3. After searing, move the patties to the flat griddle cooktop to finish cooking to desired doneness using the reverse sear method.
4. Use a meat thermometer and remove the patties when they are 15°F below your target internal temp. Let rest to finish cooking.

Step 5: Toast the Buns & Grill Cheese

1. Lightly butter the insides of each brioche bun.
2. Place them cut-side down on the flat cooktop until golden and toasted.
3. Just before removing the patties, place a slice of sharp Vermont cheddar on each and let melt.

Step 6: Assemble the Burgers

1. Place each elk patty on the bottom bun.
2. Top with a generous scoop of caramelized onions.
3. Add optional toppings like lettuce, tomato, and Dijon mustard.
4. Finish with the top bun and serve hot.

Tips

• Never press the patties while cooking—this squeezes out the juices.
• Rest the meat after grilling to keep it juicy.
• The flat top’s edge is cooler—perfect for buns or onions that need less heat.
• Use only real hardwood for the cleanest, flavorful grill fire.
• A digital meat thermometer ensures perfect doneness every time.

Variations

1. Spicy Vermont Elk Burgers: Add diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for a fiery kick.
2. Maple Bacon Elk Burgers: Grill thick Vermont maple bacon on the flat top and add to the burger for a sweet-smoky twist.
3. Mushroom Swiss Elk Burgers: Sauté mushrooms with butter on the griddle and top with Swiss cheese for an earthy flavor boost.
4. Barbecue Elk Burgers: Add tangy BBQ sauce and crispy fried onions in place of caramelized ones.
5. Breakfast Elk Burgers: Top with a fried egg and grilled hash browns cooked right on the flat cooktop.

Best pairings

• Sweet potato fries grilled on the flat top
• Grilled corn with compound butter
• IPA or smoked porter beer
• Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel
• Grilled peach halves with honey drizzle for dessert

Conclusion

These Hearty Vermont Elk Burgers showcase the unique benefits of the Arteflame Grill, giving you steakhouse-quality sear, bold flavor, and juicy perfection every time. From the firewood lighting method to the sear-and-finish cooking strategy, everything about this recipe sets it apart. Trust the flat top to deliver incredible caramelization without burning and enjoy your new go-to elk burger recipe.