Denver-Inspired Grilled Bison Burger with Smoked Gouda

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled bison burgers topped with smoked gouda cheese and a tangy chipotle aioli inspired by the Denver region’s rich flavors. This american-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes pairs ground bison, smoked gouda cheese slices, chipotle peppers in adobo, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb ground bison with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently and form into 4 equal patties about 3/4-inch thick.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F) and oil the grates with 1 tbsp olive oil.
  3. Step 3: Grill the bison patties for 4 minutes on one side until grill marks form, then flip and top each with 1 slice smoked gouda cheese. Grill for another 3 minutes until cheese melts and internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup mayonnaise with 1 tbsp minced chipotle peppers in adobo to make the aioli.
  5. Step 5: Toast 4 burger buns on the grill for 1 minute until lightly golden.
  6. Step 6: Assemble burgers by spreading chipotle aioli on buns, layering with lettuce, tomato slices (2 per burger), and the grilled bison patty with melted gouda.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Denver-Inspired Grilled Bison Burger with Smoked Gouda take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Denver-Inspired Grilled Bison Burger with Smoked Gouda?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground bison from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Denver-Inspired Grilled Bison Burger with Smoked Gouda?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Denver-Inspired Grilled Bison Burger with Smoked Gouda for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Denver-Inspired Grilled Bison Burger with Smoked Gouda?

American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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