Smoky Bison Burgers with Chipotle Mayo and Pickled Red Onion

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

Rich and lean bison patties grilled to perfection, topped with smoky chipotle mayo and tangy pickled red onions for a flavorful cookout burger. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 30 minutes turns ground bison, smoked paprika, kosher salt into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. 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: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb ground bison with 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined and form into 4 equal patties.
  2. Step 2: For the pickled onions, place 1 medium thinly sliced red onion in a jar. Heat 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar and 1 tbsp sugar in a small saucepan until sugar dissolves, then pour over the onions. Let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill bison patties for 4-5 minutes per side until medium-rare to medium.
  4. Step 4: While burgers cook, mix 1/4 cup mayonnaise with 1 tbsp minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to make chipotle mayo.
  5. Step 5: Assemble burgers by spreading chipotle mayo on toasted buns, placing a lettuce leaf, a grilled bison patty, a few pickled red onion slices, and a tomato slice. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Bison Burgers with Chipotle Mayo and Pickled Red Onion take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Smoky Bison Burgers with Chipotle Mayo and Pickled Red Onion?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Bison Burgers with Chipotle Mayo and Pickled Red Onion?

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 Smoky Bison Burgers with Chipotle Mayo and Pickled Red Onion 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 Smoky Bison Burgers with Chipotle Mayo and Pickled Red Onion?

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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