If you’re looking to elevate your burger game, this bison burger recipe delivers bold flavor with a gourmet twist. These juicy burgers are stuffed with creamy goat cheese and paired with a rich sun-dried tomato spread that takes every bite over the top. If you love grilling unique proteins, you’ll also want to try these Thai BBQ Pork Ribs for your next BBQ spread.
I'm not lying. You really need this bison burger and all it's awesomeness. What is better than biting into a perfectly cooked, juicy, flavorful burger (like these sous vide hamburgers)?
Having delicious cheese ooze out of the center as you bite into it. Am I right guys? And if you're wondering how long it takes to grill a stuffed burger, it's under 10 minutes guys. It's super quick and easy!
What is a bison burger recipe?
A bison burger recipe uses ground bison meat instead of beef, offering a leaner, slightly sweeter flavor. It’s often cooked quickly to maintain tenderness and is ideal for gourmet toppings like goat cheese or specialty sauces.
Jump to:
- What is a bison burger recipe?
- Why This Recipe Works
- Why This Bison Burger Recipe is Better Than Store-Bought
- What is My Take on Stuffed Bison Burgers?
- Ingredients
- Key Ingredients
- Step By Step Instructions
- How to Get the Best Texture
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Variations
- What to Serve With This Bison Burger Recipe
- Expert Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Storage + Reheating + Meal Prep
- Buffalo Burger Recipe Closing
- More Favorite Grilling Recipes!!
- Recipe
- 💬 Comments
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Why This Recipe Works
- Lean bison stays juicy thanks to added ingredients
- Goat cheese adds creamy richness
- Sun-dried tomato pesto delivers bold, umami flavor
- Perfect for grilling season
Why This Bison Burger Recipe is Better Than Store-Bought
Store-bought burgers lack freshness and customization. This recipe:
- Uses real, clean ingredients
- Has better texture and flavor balance
- Avoids preservatives
- Lets you control doneness perfectly
What is My Take on Stuffed Bison Burgers?
Stuffed burgers can easily dry out—but not these. The goat cheese melts inside, keeping the meat moist while adding a tangy contrast to the rich bison.
Bison is a leaner meat, so the cheese gives it some extra moisture and helps to keep it nice and juicy. And the sun dried tomato pesto complements the richness of the cheese and meat perfectly.
Ingredients
I have found that most grocery stores carry ground bison now. If you can't find bison, this recipe also works well with beef or lamb.
Any kind of plain goat cheese will work perfect. I do not recommend buying the goat cheese with herbs in it - it will throw the flavor off.
Sun dried tomatoes can be bought packed in oil ordried in bags. Either work for this recipe
👉 Scroll down to the recipe card for a printable version of ingredients and instructions.
- pound ground bison (buffalo)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ½ teaspoon basil paste (substitute 1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil)
- ½ teaspoon coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons sun dried tomato pesto (see below for ingredients)
- 4 tablespoons goat cheese
Sun Dried Tomato Pesto:
- ½ cup sun dried tomatoes
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt (add more to taste)
Sun Dried Tomato Mayonnaise:
- 2 tablespoons sun dried tomato pesto
- ½ cup mayonnaise
Garnishes:
- Sliced red onion
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Sun dried tomato mayonnaise
- Hamburger buns
Key Ingredients
- Bison: leaner than beef, high in protein
- Goat cheese: creamy, tangy center
- Sun-dried tomatoes: concentrated flavor boost
Step By Step Instructions
Get the grill heated to about 400F while you make the burger patties.
Step1: Mix all the ingredients in a bowl, except the goat cheese.
Step2: Divide the mixture into 4 balls. Then divide each ball into 2 pieces and form into patties. *There will be a total of 8 patties. (see below for step by step photos)
Step3: Place 1 tbsp. goat cheese on top of a patty and cover with the other patty and seal the edges to form a stuffed burger (see photos in post below).
Step4: Heat the grill to 400 degrees and cook the hamburgers for 4 minutes each side for medium rare doneness. Let them rest for 5 minutes, This is important as it allows the juices to redistribute.
Step5: While the burgers are resting, layer the lettuce on the bottom bun and place sliced tomatoes on top. Slather some sun dried tomato mayonnaise on the top bun.
Step6: Place the burger on top of the tomato and top with sliced red onions.Â
How to Make Sun Dried Tomato Pesto
Step1: Place the pine nuts in a skillet over medium heat and toast until LIGHTLY browned.
Step2: Then combine all the ingredients in a food processor and process until a paste forms. If the pesto is too thick, add additional olive oil. You can make the pesto the up to a week in advance to save some time.
*NOTE: I use this super awesome mini food processor for making things like pesto, salsa, etc. It's so mush better than taking out my big bulky food processor.
How to Make Sun Dried Tomato Mayonnaise
Step1: Mix 2 tablespoons of the pesto with ½ cup mayonnaise. Nothing complicated here guys. Combine the mayonnaise and pesto in a bowl and mix together.
How to Get the Best Texture
- Don’t overmix the meat
- Cook to medium-rare for juiciness
- Let burgers rest before serving
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking (bison dries quickly)
- Not sealing stuffed patties properly
- Skipping resting time
Variations
- Top the burger with a fried egg;
- Use caramelized onions instead of sliced red onions; Learn how to caramelize onions
- Wrap it in lettuce instead of a bun for a lower carb option;
- Substitute beef, veal or lamb for the bison;
- Add bacon.
What to Serve With This Bison Burger Recipe
Looking to build a full meal? Try these:
- Smoky and bold 👉 https://www.wenthere8this.com/thai-bbq-pork-ribs/
- Sweet and savory contrast 👉 https://www.wenthere8this.com/easy-caramelized-banana-bread/
- Fresh summer dessert 👉 https://www.wenthere8this.com/lemon-posset-recipe/
Expert Tips
- The burgers can also be cooked in a skillet. Heat it to medium high heat and cook for 5 minutes per side right in the skillet.
- If grilling, rub the grill with oil to help prevent the burgers from sticking.
- Because bison is a lean meat, be sure not to overcook it, otherwise it can be dry.
- Always let the burger rest for 5-10 minutes to let the juices redistribute before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Buffalo meat is lower in fat than beef, making it a great substitute for beef. It still has a great rich flavor and is high in protein. Learn more about cooking with bison HERE.
Yes, use a cast iron skillet for best results.
Medium-rare to medium is best for tenderness.
Storage + Reheating + Meal Prep
- Store in fridge up to 3 days
- Reheat gently to avoid drying out
- Patties can be prepped ahead and refrigerated
Buffalo Burger Recipe Closing
This bison burger recipe is the ultimate way to upgrade your grilling routine. Juicy, flavorful, and packed with gourmet ingredients—it’s guaranteed to impress.
More Favorite Grilling Recipes!!
Grilling season is here guys, and I have got some awesome grilling recipe right here on the blog. So don't forget to head outside and get your grill on!
- Grilled Flank Steak (with Chimichurri);
- Grilled Corn (with Miso Butter);
- Tortellini Pasta Salad with Grilled Peaches;
- Grilled Cornish Game Hens;
- Grilled Fruit Kebabs;
- Browse all the Grilling Recipes.
Did you make these bison burgers? Leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out!
Recipe
Goat Cheese Stuffed Bison Burger
Ingredients
Bison Burgers:
- 1 pound ground bison (buffalo)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ½ teaspoon basil paste (substitute 1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil)
- ½ teaspoon coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons sun dried tomato pesto (see below for ingredients)
- 4 tablespoons goat cheese
Sun Dried Tomato Pesto:
- ½ cup sun dried tomatoes
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt (add more to taste)
Sun Dried Tomato Mayonnaise:
- 2 tablespoons sun dried tomato pesto
- ½ cup mayonnaise
Garnishes:
- Sliced red onion
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Sun dried tomato mayonnaise
- Hamburger buns
Instructions
Burgers:
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl, except the goat cheese.
- Divide the mixture into 4 balls. Then divide each ball into 2 pieces and form into patties. *There will be a total of 8 patties.
- Place 1 tbsp. goat cheese on top of a patty and cover with the other patty and seal the edges to form a stuffed burger (see photos in post above).
- Heat the grill to 400 degrees and cook the hamburgers for 4 minutes each side for medium rare doneness. Let them rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve on a bun with sun dried tomato mayonnaise, lettuce, onion and tomato.
Sun Dried Tomato Pesto:
- Place the pine nuts in a skillet over medium heat and toast until LIGHTLY browned.
- Combine all ingredients in a small food processor or blender and puree (the mixture will still be slightly chunky). If pesto is too thick, add additional olive oil until desired consistency is reached.
Sun Dried Tomato Mayonnaise:
- Combine the mayonnaise and pesto in a bowl and mix together.
Expert Tips:
- The burgers can also be cooked in a skillet. Heat it to medium high heat and cook for 5 minutes per side right in the skillet.Â
- If grilling, rub the grill with oil to help prevent the burgers from sticking.
- Because bison is a lean meat, be sure not to overcook it, otherwise it can be dry.
- Always let the burger rest for 5-10 minutes to let the juices redistribute before serving.
Nutrition
Nicole Triebe says
You had me at goat cheese stuffed burger! This was literally all my favorite things between two buns! Such a perfect burger Thanks for the recipe!
Danielle says
You're welcome! I always figure, who can say no to a cheese stuffed burger?? LOL!
Scarlet says
That bison burger sound so good stuffed with creamy goats cheese! Yum!
Danielle says
Thanks!
Marie-Charlotte Chatelain says
I gotta admit that I have never had buffalo - it's not common where I live but I love the idea of stuffing a burger patty with goat cheese. Would this work with beef or turkey too?
Danielle says
It definitely would!
Priya Shiva says
OMG! The picture of the burger itself says all and makes me drool all over!
Danielle says
Thanks!
Charla says
You're always cooking something exciting and adventurous Danielle and these burgers look stellar. I have never tried bison meat but heard it's very lean and juicy so I'm in!!
Danielle says
LOL thanks Charla! The flavor of bison is really incredible!
Katie Crenshaw | A Fork's Tale says
Can you say drool? A bison burger stuffed with goat cheese and topped with a sun dried tomato mayo!!! OMG! This looks INCREDIBLE. Can't wait to make it.
Danielle says
Thanks so much Katie!
Rhonda Albom says
This burger sounds like the ultimate taste trip. I love the way the cheese is folded inside the minced meat.
Danielle says
Thanks!
Mikayla says
Your add ins to the buffalo meat are genius! We really loved this recipe! Thank you so much!
Danielle says
You're welcome Mikayla! Glad you loved it 🙂
Anindya Sundar Basu says
I love the way you have noted down the recipe and it tempts anyone to go for it
Danielle says
Thanks so much 🙂
Demeter says
This is one fully loaded burger! Wow!! Such a great combination of flavors that really compliment each other!
Danielle says
Thanks Demeter!
Rachel says
Oh man! This looks so cheesy and flavorful! My husband would go nots over this combination of flavors and his birthday is coming up. I may now just have an idea for his birthday dinner!
Danielle says
Thanks Rachel! I hope you get the chance to make this for him!
Claudia Lamascolo says
Wow what an awesome burger. I love the rich taste of goat cheese and then buffalo style must be over the top delicious!
Danielle says
Thanks Claudia!
Liz says
I'll have to send these to my dad! These would be perfect for a 4th of July cookout!
Danielle says
They totally would be!
Shashi at SavorySpin says
You bet - I definitely need these burgers in ma life - nope, scratch that - I need them in ma belly! These look so incredibly juicy - and that goat these in the middle is just the icing on the cake!
Danielle says
LOL! The goat cheese in the middle really made the burger!