As the summer months approach, backyard barbecues and cookouts become a staple of warm weather gatherings. And what’s a classic cookout without a juicy, flavorful burger? While beef may be the traditional choice, adventurous eaters are increasingly turning to elk as their go-to patty protein. With its rich, gamey flavor and tender texture, elk is a natural fit for bold, savory burgers. In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouthwatering elk burger recipes that will elevate your cookout game and satisfy any appetite.
Classic Elk Burger with Caramelized Onions
Elevate your burger game with this hearty, savory classic elk burger topped with sweet and tangy caramelized onions. A perfect blend of flavors for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 elk burgers (or any ground meat of your choice)
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 4 hamburger buns
– Optional toppings: cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over low heat. Add sliced onions and cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown.
3. Form elk burgers into patties and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill or cook elk burgers to desired doneness (medium-rare recommended).
5. Assemble burgers on buns with caramelized onions, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles (if using).
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes for onions, 4-6 minutes per side for elk burgers.
Spicy Elk Burger with Jalapeños and Pepper Jack Cheese
This bold burger combines the rich flavor of elk with the spicy kick of jalapeños and the creaminess of pepper jack cheese, all wrapped up in a toasted bun.
Ingredients:
– 4 elk burgers
– 1/2 cup jalapeño peppers, sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 slices pepper jack cheese
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, and any other desired toppings
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Grill the elk burgers for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
3. Meanwhile, toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster.
4. Assemble the burgers by spreading pepper jack cheese on each bun, followed by a grilled patty, a few slices of jalapeño, and any desired toppings.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Blue Cheese and Bacon Elk Burger
Elevate your burger game with this bold and savory recipe that combines the richness of blue cheese, the smokiness of bacon, and the tenderness of elk.
Ingredients:
– 4 elk burgers (1/2 pound each)
– 6 slices of crispy bacon
– 2 tablespoons of crumbled blue cheese
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Cook elk burgers for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
3. Meanwhile, cook bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
4. Assemble burgers by spreading blue cheese on the bottom bun, followed by a cooked elk patty, 2-3 pieces of bacon, and finally the top bun.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and add your favorite toppings (if using).
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Elk Burger with Mushroom and Swiss
This recipe combines the rich flavor of elk burgers with the earthy taste of sautéed mushrooms and melted Swiss cheese, creating a unique and satisfying burger experience.
Ingredients:
– 4 elk burgers (1/4 pound each)
– 8 oz mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup grated Swiss cheese
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Buns or lettuce wraps for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a skillet, sauté mushrooms and garlic in butter until tender. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Form elk burgers to desired thickness. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to your liking.
4. Assemble burgers by topping with sautéed mushrooms, Swiss cheese, and Worcestershire sauce.
5. Serve on buns or lettuce wraps.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
BBQ Elk Burger with Coleslaw
This recipe combines the rich flavors of elk with the classic taste of a backyard BBQ, served alongside a tangy and crunchy coleslaw. Perfect for a summer evening or a unique twist on a traditional burger night.
Ingredients:
For the burgers:
– 1 lb ground elk
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tbsp BBQ sauce
For the coleslaw:
– 2 cups shredded cabbage
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 2 tbsp mayonnaise
– 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Mix all burger ingredients together, forming 4-6 patties.
3. Grill burgers for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, combine coleslaw ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate.
5. Serve burgers on buns with coleslaw and additional BBQ sauce, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Elk Burger with Avocado and Chipotle Mayo
A bold twist on the classic burger, this recipe combines the rich flavor of elk with creamy avocado and a spicy kick from chipotle mayonnaise.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground elk
– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce
– Tomato
– Avocado slices
– Chipotle mayonnaise (see below)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Chipotle Mayonnaise:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine elk, onion, garlic, and olive oil. Form into 4 patties.
3. Grill patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
4. Assemble burgers with lettuce, tomato, avocado slices, and chipotle mayonnaise on toasted buns.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Mediterranean Elk Burger with Feta and Tzatziki
Experience the bold flavors of the Mediterranean with this unique elk burger recipe, topped with crumbly feta cheese and a refreshing tzatziki sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb elk burger
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup tzatziki sauce (see below for recipe)
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, onion, and any other desired toppings
Tzatziki Sauce:
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and grated
– 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
– 1 tsp lemon juice
– 1/4 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Form elk burger patties and brush with olive oil.
3. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
4. Meanwhile, toast hamburger buns on the grill.
5. Assemble burgers by spreading tzatziki sauce on the bottom bun, followed by a patty, some feta cheese, and your choice of toppings.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Elk Burger with Smoked Gouda and Caramelized Apples
Elevate your burger game with this unique combination of tender elk, smoky gouda, and sweet caramelized apples.
Ingredients:
– 4 elk burgers (or substitute with beef or bison)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2-3 apples, peeled and sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup smoked gouda cheese, shredded
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Buns and toppings of your choice
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Grill elk burgers for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired doneness.
3. Meanwhile, caramelize onions in olive oil over low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add sliced apples and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until tender.
5. Assemble burgers with caramelized apple mixture, smoked gouda cheese, and your choice of toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Southwest Elk Burger with Guacamole
Experience the bold flavors of the Southwest with this mouthwatering elk burger, topped with creamy guacamole and crunchy red onion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground elk
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1 tsp cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Guacamole (see below for recipe)
– Red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground elk, breadcrumbs, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Divide mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a ball. Flatten slightly into patties.
4. Grill burgers for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
5. Assemble burgers on buns with guacamole, red onion, and your favorite toppings.
Guacamole Recipe:
– 3 ripe avocados
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Mash all ingredients together in a bowl until smooth. Serve immediately.
Elk Burger with Brie and Fig Jam
This recipe elevates the traditional burger experience by pairing tender elk patties with creamy brie cheese, sweet fig jam, and crisp greens. Perfect for a special occasion or a unique dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 4 elk patties (6 oz each)
– 1 wheel of brie cheese, softened
– 2 tbsp fig jam
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce
– Tomato
– Red onion (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Cook elk patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 130°F – 135°F.
3. Meanwhile, toast hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster.
4. Assemble burgers by spreading fig jam on the bottom bun, followed by an elk patty, a slice of brie cheese, and finishing with lettuce, tomato, and red onion (if using).
5. Top with the remaining bun.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Elk Burger with Roasted Red Peppers and Goat Cheese
This flavorful burger combines the rich taste of elk with the sweetness of roasted red peppers and the creaminess of goat cheese. Perfect for a unique dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 elk burgers (1/2 pound each)
– 2 large red bell peppers
– 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, and any other desired toppings
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast red bell peppers for 30-40 minutes or until charred.
3. Grill or cook elk burgers according to package instructions.
4. Top each burger with roasted red pepper, crumbled goat cheese, and a sprinkle of garlic.
5. Serve on hamburger buns with desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
Elk Burger with Garlic Aioli and Arugula
Elevate your burger game with this bold and savory elk patty, topped with creamy garlic aioli and peppery arugula.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb elk burger patties
– 4 hamburger buns
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Arugula leaves for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Form elk patties according to package instructions.
3. Grill patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
4. Meanwhile, mix garlic, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard in a bowl.
5. Assemble burgers by spreading aioli on the bottom bun, followed by an elk patty, a handful of arugula, and finishing with the top bun.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Elk Burger with Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Elevate your burger game with this bold and flavorful recipe featuring tender elk, rich pesto, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect for a unique dinner party or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 elk patties (1/2 pound each)
– 1/4 cup pesto
– 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, cheese, and any other desired toppings
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 doneness.
4. Meanwhile, toast hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster.
5. Spread pesto on the bottom bun, followed by a grilled elk patty, some sun-dried tomatoes, and any desired toppings.
6. Top with remaining bun half.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Elk Burger with Sweet Potato Bun and Sriracha Mayo
Elevate your burger game with this unique combination of tender elk meat, crispy sweet potato bun, and spicy sriracha mayo. This recipe is perfect for adventurous eaters looking to try something new.
Ingredients:
– 4 elk burgers (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 large sweet potatoes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup sriracha sauce
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– Lettuce, tomato, onion, and any other toppings you like
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake the sweet potatoes for about 45 minutes, or until they’re soft and caramelized.
3. Meanwhile, cook the elk burgers according to package instructions or grill them to desired doneness.
4. Slice the cooked sweet potatoes into bun shapes.
5. Assemble the burgers by spreading sriracha mayo on each patty, then topping with lettuce, tomato, onion, and any other toppings you like.
6. Place the burger on a toasted sweet potato “bun” and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes (sweet potatoes) + cooking time for elk burgers
Elk Burger with Horseradish Cream and Crispy Onions
Savor the bold flavors of elk paired with spicy horseradish cream and crunchy onions on a toasted bun.
Ingredients:
– 4 elk burgers (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup horseradish cream (see below for recipe)
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, and cheese (optional)
Horseradish Cream:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Form elk burgers according to package instructions (or your own recipe).
3. Grill elk burgers for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
4. Meanwhile, toss onion slices with olive oil and season with salt. Grill onions for 3-4 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
5. Assemble burgers on toasted buns with horseradish cream, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, and cheese (if using).
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Elk Burger with Pineapple and Teriyaki Glaze
Elevate your burger game with this unique combination of flavors, featuring tender elk burgers topped with caramelized pineapple rings and a sweet teriyaki glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground elk
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup pineapple rings (fresh or canned)
– Teriyaki glaze (store-bought or homemade)
– Sesame seed buns
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Mix elk, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Form into 4 patties.
3. Grill elk burgers for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
4. Meanwhile, caramelize pineapple rings by grilling or cooking them in a pan with olive oil until golden brown.
5. Brush teriyaki glaze on the grilled pineapple and elk burgers.
6. Assemble burgers on sesame seed buns with caramelized pineapple and additional glaze if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Elk Burger with Fried Egg and Smoked Paprika
Elevate your burger game with this bold and flavorful recipe, featuring tender elk meat, crispy fried egg, and a hint of smoky spice.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground elk
– 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 eggs
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, and cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, combine elk meat, chopped onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Form into 4 patties and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired doneness.
4. While the burgers cook, fry eggs in olive oil over medium heat. Cook until yolks are set.
5. Assemble burgers on buns with fried eggs, smoked paprika, and any desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Elk Burger with Cranberry Sauce and Brie
Elevate your burger game with this bold and tangy combination featuring tender elk, sweet cranberries, and creamy brie.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground elk
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 4 slices brie cheese
– 1/4 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, and onion (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Form elk into 4 patties. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill elk for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired doneness.
4. Meanwhile, toast buns on grill or in oven.
5. Assemble burgers by spreading cranberry sauce on the bottom bun, followed by a patty, a slice of brie cheese, and finally the top bun.
6. Add lettuce, tomato, and onion if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Enjoy your bold and tangy elk burger with cranberry sauce and brie!
Summary
Elevate your grilling game with these 18 savory elk burger recipes that pack a punch. From classic combinations to bold and adventurous pairings, there’s something for every palate. Try the Classic Elk Burger with Caramelized Onions or spice things up with Spicy Elk Burger with Jalapeños and Pepper Jack Cheese. Other highlights include Blue Cheese and Bacon Elk Burger, BBQ Elk Burger with Coleslaw, and many more. These recipes showcase elk’s rich flavor profile and versatility in burgers that are sure to impress friends and family.
