Colorado

Rocky Mountain Elk Burger

Bring the majestic flavors of the Rocky Mountains to your table with this elk burger. Lean, flavorful elk meat is enhanced with mountain herbs and crowned with sauteed wild mushrooms and sharp aged cheddar, embodying Colorado's wild spirit.

50 min Serves 4 Wild Game Grilled

Equipment Needed

  • 🔥 Grill or Cast Iron Skillet
  • 🍳 Saute Pan
  • 🥣 Mixing Bowl
  • 🌡 Meat Thermometer
  • 🔪 Sharp Knife

Instructions

  1. 1

    Make the Garlic Aioli

    Combine mayonnaise, mashed roasted garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and refrigerate until ready to use. (To roast garlic: wrap a head in foil and bake at 400°F for 40 minutes.)

  2. 2

    Caramelize the Onions

    Melt butter in a pan over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and sweet. Season with salt and set aside.

  3. 3

    Saute the Mushrooms

    In a separate pan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add sliced mushrooms in a single layer and cook without stirring for 3 minutes to develop color. Stir, add garlic and thyme, and cook 3 more minutes. Season and set aside.

  4. 4

    Prepare the Patties

    In a large bowl, combine ground elk with pork fat, rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Form into 4 patties about 3/4 inch thick with a slight indent in the center.

  5. 5

    Rest the Patties

    Let the patties rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes while you preheat your grill or skillet. This ensures even cooking.

  6. 6

    Cook the Patties

    Grill or pan-sear over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare to medium (135-145°F internal). Elk is very lean and best not overcooked. Add cheddar in the last minute and cover to melt.

  7. 7

    Toast the Buns

    Butter the cut sides of the rustic buns and toast until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. The slightly crispy texture pairs perfectly with the tender elk.

  8. 8

    Assemble the Burgers

    Spread garlic aioli on both bun halves. Layer arugula on the bottom, then the cheesy elk patty, a generous pile of sauteed mushrooms, and caramelized onions. Top with more aioli if desired and crown with the top bun.

  9. 9

    Serve with Mountain Style

    Serve immediately with sweet potato fries or a fresh green salad. A Colorado craft beer or robust red wine makes the perfect pairing for this hearty mountain burger.

Tips & Variations

  • Sourcing Elk: Ground elk is available at specialty butchers, farmers' markets, or online. Bison or venison are good substitutes if elk is unavailable.
  • Fat Content: Elk is extremely lean (about 2% fat). Adding pork fat or bacon is essential for juicy burgers. Aim for about 80/20 meat to fat ratio.
  • Don't Overcook: Elk becomes tough and dry when overcooked. Medium-rare to medium (135-145°F) is ideal for the best texture and flavor.
  • Wild Mushroom Foraging: If you're in Colorado, look for porcini, chanterelles, or morels in season. Always forage responsibly or buy from trusted sources.
  • Blue Cheese Option: Swap the cheddar for crumbled blue cheese for a more pungent, earthy flavor that complements the game meat beautifully.
  • Herb Garden: Fresh mountain herbs make a difference. If you have access to wild sage or mountain rosemary, use them for an authentic Colorado flavor.