Why You’ll Love Buffalo Burger with an Easy Burger Sauce Recipe
These burgers are packed with rich, savory flavor while staying leaner than traditional beef burgers.
The homemade burger sauce is creamy, tangy, and incredibly easy to make.
Everything comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ground bison cooks quickly and stays tender when properly seasoned.
The recipe is easy to customize with your favorite burger toppings and sides.
It’s perfect for cookouts, family dinners, or casual weekend meals.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the burgers:
1 tablespoon butter, for cooking
1 pound ground bison
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings of choice
For the burger sauce:
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons pickle relish
2 tablespoons ketchup
½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon sugar or sugar substitute, optional
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
Add the ground bison, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to a large bowl. Mix gently until combined.
Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape into burger patties.
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, pickle relish, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, sugar if using, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the butter is melted, add the burger patties to the skillet. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
Cook the burgers for about 4 minutes on the first side.
Flip and cook for another 4 minutes or until the burgers reach your preferred level of doneness.
Remove the burgers from the skillet and let them rest briefly.
Serve with the homemade burger sauce and your favorite toppings.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 burgers
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
Top the burgers with cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack cheese.
Add crispy bacon for extra smoky flavor.
Serve on brioche buns, lettuce wraps, or low-carb buns depending on your preference.
Mix chopped jalapeños into the burger sauce for a spicy kick.
Add caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for extra richness.
Use ground elk or lean beef if bison is unavailable.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keep the burger sauce refrigerated separately in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
Reheat burgers in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the bison tender and juicy.
FAQs
What does bison taste like?
Bison has a rich, slightly sweet flavor similar to beef but with a lighter and cleaner taste.
Is bison healthier than beef?
Bison is generally leaner and lower in fat while still being high in protein.
Can I grill these burgers instead of using a skillet?
Yes, these burgers cook very well on a grill over medium-high heat.
How do I keep bison burgers from drying out?
Avoid overcooking them since bison is leaner than beef and cooks quickly.
Can I make the burger sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made up to several days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
What toppings go well with buffalo burgers?
Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, avocado, cheese, and bacon all pair well.
Can I freeze the burger patties?
Yes, uncooked patties can be frozen for up to 3 months when wrapped tightly.
What internal temperature should bison burgers reach?
For food safety, cook ground bison to an internal temperature of 160°F.
Can I make these burgers low-carb?
Yes, serve them in lettuce wraps or with low-carb buns.
Is the burger sauce sweet?
The sauce has a balanced flavor with a slight sweetness that complements the savory burger.
Conclusion
Buffalo Burgers with Easy Burger Sauce are a delicious alternative to traditional beef burgers, offering rich flavor, juicy texture, and a lighter feel. Paired with the creamy homemade sauce and your favorite toppings, these burgers are simple to prepare and perfect for any casual meal or summer gathering.
