Smoked Bison Burgers with Chamomile-Cocoa Salt

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

Juicy bison burgers seasoned with a unique chamomile-cocoa salt blend, smoked to perfection for a rich, smoky flavor. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 70 minutes pairs ground bison, chamomile tea leaves, unsweetened cocoa powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 6, 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: 20 min Cook: 50 min Serves 6 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp chamomile tea leaves, 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1.5 tsp kosher salt to create the chamomile-cocoa salt seasoning.
  2. Step 2: Place 1.5 lbs ground bison in a large bowl and season with 1 tsp black pepper and 1 tsp of the chamomile-cocoa salt mixture. Mix gently to combine without overworking the meat.
  3. Step 3: Form the meat into 6 even patties, about 1/2-inch thick. Brush each patty with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Step 4: Preheat smoker or grill to 225°F and smoke the bison patties for 45 minutes until an internal temperature of 140°F is reached for medium-rare.
  5. Step 5: During the last 5 minutes, top each patty with a slice of cheddar cheese and close the lid to melt.
  6. Step 6: Toast 6 burger buns lightly on the grill. Assemble burgers with lettuce leaves, sliced tomato, smoked bison patty, and a sprinkle of remaining chamomile-cocoa salt.
  7. Step 7: Serve immediately for a smoky, aromatic burger experience.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Bison Burgers with Chamomile-Cocoa Salt take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (20 min prep + 50 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 Smoked Bison Burgers with Chamomile-Cocoa Salt?

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 Smoked Bison Burgers with Chamomile-Cocoa Salt?

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 Smoked Bison Burgers with Chamomile-Cocoa Salt for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Smoked Bison Burgers with Chamomile-Cocoa Salt?

American bbq & smoked 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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