Are you looking for a new twist on traditional burgers? Look no further! Elk burgers are a delicious and unique alternative to traditional beef patties. With their rich, gamey flavor and tender texture, elk burgers are perfect for grilling enthusiasts who want to try something new. In this article, we’ll explore 20 mouth-watering elk burger recipes that will take your BBQ game to the next level.
From classic combinations like caramelized onions and blue cheese to more adventurous pairings like chipotle mayo and crispy onion straws, these recipes showcase the versatility of elk burgers. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or just looking for some inspiration, we’ve got you covered with these 20 juicy elk burger recipes.
Classic Elk Burger with Caramelized Onions
Classic Elk Burger with Caramelized Onions: A flavorful twist on the classic burger, featuring tender elk meat and sweet caramelized onions.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground elk
– 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, cheese, and any other desired toppings
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground elk, chopped onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into 4 patties. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
4. Meanwhile, caramelize the onions by heating 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes or until dark golden brown.
5. Assemble burgers with caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and any other desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Elk Burger with Jalapeños and Pepper Jack
Elevate your burger game with this bold and flavorful recipe that combines the richness of elk meat with the spicy kick of jalapeños and the creaminess of pepper jack cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground elk
– 2 jalapeños, diced
– 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 slices pepper jack cheese
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, and any other toppings you desire
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine elk meat, diced jalapeños, chopped onion, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into 4 patties.
4. Brush the grill or grill pan with olive oil. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
5. Assemble burgers on buns with pepper jack cheese and your preferred toppings.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Elk Burger with Blue Cheese and Bacon
Experience the bold flavor of elk paired with the pungency of blue cheese and the smokiness of bacon.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground elk
– 2 slices of thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine elk, crumbled bacon, blue cheese, olive oil, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into 4 patties, about 3/4 inch thick.
4. Grill patties for 4-5 minutes per side or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
5. Assemble burgers on buns with additional blue cheese and bacon if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Smoky Elk Burger with Chipotle Mayo
Elevate your burger game with this bold and savory combination of smoky elk patty, topped with chipotle mayo, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and fresh arugula.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb elk burger patties
– 1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
– 2 tbsp mayonnaise
– 6 slices of bacon
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh arugula
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Cook elk patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
3. Meanwhile, cook bacon slices in a skillet until crispy.
4. In a small bowl, mix chipotle peppers and mayonnaise.
5. Assemble burgers by spreading chipotle mayo on the top bun, followed by a cooked elk patty, a slice of cheese, a few pieces of bacon, and a sprinkle of arugula.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Elk Burger with Mushrooms and Swiss Cheese
A classic American-style burger gets a wild twist with the rich flavor of elk, paired with earthy mushrooms and melted Swiss cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground elk
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 4 hamburger buns
– 8 slices Swiss cheese
– Lettuce, tomato, and any other desired toppings
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground elk, olive oil, chopped onion, mushrooms, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Form into 4 patties.
4. Grill burgers for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
5. Assemble burgers on buns with Swiss cheese and desired toppings.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
BBQ Elk Burger with Crispy Onion Straws
Elevate your burger game with this unique combination of tender elk and sweet, crispy onions. Perfect for adventurous eaters and outdoor enthusiasts alike!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb elk burgers
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Buns and toppings (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Form elk burgers into patties and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill elk burgers for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired doneness.
4. Meanwhile, prepare onion straws by coating sliced onions in flour, then panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese.
5. Fry onion straws in olive oil until crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Assemble burgers with BBQ sauce and top with crispy onion straws.
7. Serve on buns with your favorite toppings (if desired).
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Elk Burger with Avocado and Sriracha Aioli
Elevate your burger game with this bold and creamy Elk Burger with Avocado and Sriracha Aioli. The rich flavor of elk meat is perfectly complemented by the coolness of avocado and the spicy kick from sriracha aioli.
Ingredients:
– 4 elk burgers (1/4 lb each)
– 2 ripe avocados, mashed
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
– 1 tsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Buns, lettuce, tomato, and cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Cook elk burgers for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach desired doneness.
3. Meanwhile, mix together mashed avocado, mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, and lemon juice in a bowl.
4. Assemble burgers by spreading aioli on the bottom bun, followed by an elk patty, lettuce, tomato, cheese (if using), and top bun.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Elk Burger with Goat Cheese and Fig Jam
Experience the rich flavors of the wild with this unique elk burger recipe, paired with creamy goat cheese and sweet fig jam.
Ingredients:
– 4 elk burgers (or ground beef/bison)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
– 1/4 cup fig jam
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and any other desired toppings
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Form elk burgers into patties and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill elk burgers for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
4. Meanwhile, toast hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster.
5. Assemble burgers by spreading fig jam on the bottom bun, followed by an elk patty, crumbled goat cheese, and any desired toppings.
6. Top with remaining bun half.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Elk Burger with Fried Egg and Arugula
Elevate your burger game with this mouthwatering combination of tender elk patty, crispy fried egg, and peppery arugula. This recipe is perfect for adventurous foodies looking to try something new.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb elk burger patties
– 2 eggs
– 4 slices of bacon
– 1/4 cup arugula
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Buns, toasted
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the elk patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
3. While the burgers are cooking, fry the eggs in a separate pan with olive oil and cook until the whites are set.
4. Meanwhile, cook the bacon slices until crispy.
5. Assemble the burgers by placing the cooked patties on toasted buns, topping with fried egg, crispy bacon, and arugula.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Elk Burger with Brie and Cranberry Sauce
Elevate your burger game with this unique combination of elk meat, creamy brie cheese, and sweet cranberry sauce. This recipe is perfect for adventurous foodies looking to try something new.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground elk
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup crumbled brie cheese
– 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, and red onion (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground elk, olive oil, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into 4 patties.
4. Grill patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
5. Meanwhile, toast hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster.
6. Assemble burgers by spreading cranberry sauce on the bottom bun, followed by a patty, crumbled brie cheese, and lettuce, tomato, and red onion (if using).
7. Top with top bun.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Southwest Elk Burger with Guacamole
Experience the bold flavors of the American Southwest with this mouthwatering elk burger recipe, topped with a creamy guacamole and served on a toasted brioche bun.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground elk
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Guacamole (recipe below)
– Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground elk, breadcrumbs, cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well with hands until just combined.
3. Form into 4 patties.
4. Grill patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired doneness.
5. Assemble burgers on toasted brioche buns.
6. Top with guacamole and shredded cheddar cheese (if using).
Guacamole Recipe:
– 3 ripe avocados, diced
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt to taste
Mash all ingredients together in a bowl until smooth. Serve immediately.
Elk Burger with Caramelized Pineapple and Teriyaki Glaze
Experience the bold flavors of the American wilderness with this unique elk burger recipe, featuring sweet caramelized pineapple and a tangy teriyaki glaze.
Ingredients:
– 4 elk burgers (or substitute with beef or bison)
– 1 ripe pineapple, sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add pineapple slices and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally (about 5 minutes).
3. Meanwhile, season elk burgers with salt and pepper. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired doneness.
4. In a separate pan, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and brown sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat until glaze thickens (about 2 minutes).
5. Assemble burgers by spreading teriyaki glaze on the top bun, followed by a cooked elk patty, caramelized pineapple, and finishing with a sesame seed or scallion garnish (if using).
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Elk Burger with Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Elevate your burger game with this unique elk patty combination, featuring the bold flavors of pesto and sun-dried tomatoes. This recipe is perfect for adventurous foodies looking to try something new.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb elk burgers
– 1/4 cup freshly made pesto
– 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, and cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season elk patties with salt and pepper.
3. Grill elk patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
4. Meanwhile, toast hamburger buns on the grill.
5. Spread pesto on the bottom bun, followed by a grilled elk patty, some chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and any additional toppings (if using).
6. Top with the remaining bun half.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Elk Burger with Gouda and Bourbon Onions
A rich and savory twist on the classic burger, featuring tender elk patty, melted Gouda cheese, and sweet bourbon-infused onions.
Ingredients:
– 4 elk patties (or substitute with beef or bison)
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp bourbon whiskey
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 4 slices of Gouda cheese
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, and any other desired toppings
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together bourbon, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Add sliced onions and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Form elk patties and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill patties for 4-5 minutes per side or until cooked to desired doneness.
5. Meanwhile, toast hamburger buns on the grill.
6. Assemble burgers by placing a patty on each bun, followed by a slice of Gouda cheese, some bourbon onions, and your choice of toppings.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Elk Burger with Horseradish Cream and Watercress
Elevate your burger game with this unique combination of tender elk, creamy horseradish sauce, and peppery watercress.
Ingredients:
– 4 elk burgers (about 3 oz each)
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tbsp prepared horseradish
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Watercress leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season the elk burgers with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the elk burgers for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
4. Meanwhile, mix the mayonnaise, horseradish, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.
5. Assemble the burgers by spreading the horseradish cream on the bottom bun, followed by an elk patty, some watercress leaves, and finishing with the top bun.
Cooking Time: About 12-15 minutes total (including grilling time)
Elk Burger with Peppered Bacon and Cheddar
Elevate your burger game with this bold and flavorful elk burger recipe, featuring peppered bacon and cheddar cheese. Perfect for a special occasion or a weekend cookout.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground elk
– 4 slices of peppered bacon
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Divide elk into 4 equal portions and shape each into a ball. Flatten slightly to form patties.
3. Grill elk burgers for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, cook peppered bacon slices in olive oil until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
5. Assemble burgers with grilled patty, peppered bacon slice, and grated cheddar cheese. Serve on toasted hamburger buns.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Elk Burger with Roasted Red Peppers and Feta
Elk Burgers with Roasted Red Peppers and Feta: A flavorful twist on traditional burgers that combines the richness of elk with the sweetness of roasted red peppers and the tanginess of feta cheese.
Elk Burger with Truffle Aioli and Arugula
Elevate your burger game with the rich flavors of elk, truffle aioli, and peppery arugula. This indulgent creation is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 4 elk patties (or substitute with beef or bison)
– Truffle aioli (see below for recipe)
– Arugula
– Brioche buns
– Red onion, thinly sliced
– Gruyère cheese, shredded
Truffle Aioli Recipe:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons truffle oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Form elk patties to desired thickness. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to your liking.
3. Meanwhile, toast brioche buns on the grill or in a toaster.
4. Assemble burgers by spreading truffle aioli on the bottom bun, followed by an elk patty, a few leaves of arugula, some red onion, and a sprinkle of Gruyère cheese. Top with the top bun.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Elk Burger with Smoked Gouda and Caramelized Shallots
Experience the bold flavors of the wild with this savory elk burger, elevated by the richness of smoked gouda and sweet caramelized shallots.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground elk
– 1/4 cup smoked gouda, crumbled
– 2 large shallots, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, avocado, etc.
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Form elk burgers into 4 patties and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill elk burgers for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
4. Meanwhile, caramelize shallots by heating olive oil in a skillet over low heat. Add sliced shallots and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
5. Assemble burgers with caramelized shallots and crumbled smoked gouda on toasted buns.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Elk Burger with Hatch Green Chile and Pepper Jack
Elevate your burger game with this flavorful combination of tender elk, spicy Hatch green chile, and creamy pepper jack cheese. This bold twist on a classic burger is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 4 elk burgers (or 1 lb ground elk)
– 1/2 cup Hatch green chile peppers, roasted and chopped
– 2 slices of Pepper Jack cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, onion, and any other desired toppings
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Form elk burgers into patties and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill elk burgers for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
4. Meanwhile, toast hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster.
5. Assemble burgers by spreading roasted Hatch green chile peppers on the bottom bun, followed by an elk patty, a slice of Pepper Jack cheese, and any desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Get ready to grill like a pro with these mouth-watering elk burger recipes! From classic combinations to bold twists, we’ve got you covered. Try the Classic Elk Burger with Caramelized Onions or spice things up with the Spicy Elk Burger featuring Jalapeños and Pepper Jack. Other standout options include the Smoky Elk Burger with Chipotle Mayo and the Elk Burger with Avocado and Sriracha Aioli. Whether you’re a burger newbie or a seasoned griller, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.
Sophia Brennan is the cook and writer behind Go Jack Rabbit Go. She spent years working in Portland’s restaurant world before bringing that same warm, unfussy approach into her home kitchen. These days, she focuses on simple, comforting recipes inspired by real life, family routines, and the rhythm of cooking without overthinking it.
