Smoky Bison Burger

Bison (aka buffalo) meat is one of the healthiest proteins around. It has more Omega-3 fatty acids than even salmon and it's lower in fat and cholesterol than boneless, skinless chicken breast. The best part? It's absolutely delicious. Topped with a smoky sauce and dill pickles, this burger is a taste of the American West. Serve pinto beans, cheesy corn casserole or steak-cut fries alongside.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Calories: 553 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 2 pounds ground bison
• 8 Ball Park® Hamburger Buns
• 1 teaspoon garlic granules
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil , divided
• 2 teaspoons ground chipotle pepper, or more to taste
• Thick-cut dill pickle slices
• Hamburger trimmings, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, mustard, if desired

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

To make the sauce, combine ketchup with ground chile, molasses, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, onion powder, salt, cumin and mustard.

Step 2

Whisk well and set aside.

Step 3

To prepare burgers, mix the ground bison with seasonings in a large bowl.

Step 4

Shape 8 patties of equal size and brush each with half of the olive oil.

Step 5

In a large skillet, add reserved olive oil and heat until smoking over medium-high heat.

Step 6

Cook 4 patties, covered, for 5 minutes. Turn and cook another 5 minutes, covered. (Add cheese, if desired, for the last 1 minute of cooking.)

Step 7

Remove to a warm platter and cover while you cook the remaining patties.

Step 8

Keeping the skillet warm, brush the buns with olive oil and toast on either side for about 10 to 15 seconds.

Step 9

Assemble burgers by placing cooked patties on bun bottoms, topping with smoky sauce and pickles, along with desired burger toppings.