Cowboy Week Kickoff: Bison Burgers with Bourbon Caramelized Onions & Sharp Cheddar
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting The Happy Lush!It’s Cowboy Week here at The Happy Lush, and we’re kicking things off with a meal that’s as bold and adventurous as a ride through Big Sky Country—Bison Burgers with Bourbon Caramelized Onions & Sharp Cheddar.
I’m celebrating all things cowboy this week because the season premiere of 1923 is this Sunday, February 23rd, 2025. I love all shows by Taylor Sheridan, and the Yellowstone series is one of my favorites.
I just love the Old West and everything about it. While traveling the country full-time in our RV, we followed the Oregon and Lewis and Clark Trails from start to finish. It was amazing seeing the wagon ruts in the dirt still sitting there after all this time. And, following the Trail of Tears in Oklahoma was devasting and made my heart ache for the Native Americans and the devastation early Americans placed on their livelihood. This kind of experience tore at my heart because I especially felt for the Native Americans but I also understood the role the Pioneers played in the formation of the American West.
I felt so fortunate I was able to homeschool my kids during this time and to have hands-on learning for this important period in our country’s history. I highly encourage you to hop in your car or RV and explore the history of the American West. It will change your perspective and broaden your thinking.
When I was thinking about what to make for this week’s cowboy theme, bison burgers were at the top of my list. Our family loves seeing Bison in Yellowstone and other parts of the West and we love bison chili and burgers. So, naturally, I had to make a bison burger in celebration of the premiere of 1923.
This isn’t just any burger. We’re talking juicy, flavor-packed bison, rich bourbon-kissed onions, and melty sharp cheddar all piled onto a toasted bun. It’s smoky, a little sweet, and downright irresistible—just like the wide-open West.
So, grab your cast-iron skillet, pour yourself a bold red wine, and let’s bring a little cowboy magic to the dinner table!
Why Bison Burgers?
If you’ve never tried bison, this is your sign! It’s leaner than beef, packed with protein and iron, and has a slightly sweet, deep flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoky-sweet bourbon onions. Plus, it’s a nod to the rugged ranch life we’re channeling this week.
Bison cooks up quickly, so a cast iron skillet is your best friend for getting that perfect sear and locking in all the juices. If you don’t have one yet, this is a must-have in every kitchen! I use them in my home kitchen and also in the RV over the fire.
🛠 My Favorite Cast Iron Skillets on Amazon:
Wine Pairings: What to Sip with Your Bison Burger
A good cowboy meal deserves a great wine! For bison burgers, we want a wine that can stand up to the richness of the meat and the smokiness of the heat. Here are four perfect pairings to sip alongside your burger:
🍷 Tannat – This deep, tannic red has bold blackberry and smoky spice notes, making it a perfect match for bison’s richness. Look for a Uruguayan Tannat for a smoother sip! I love Garzon!
🍾 Sparkling Red (Lambrusco or Sparkling Shiraz) – A little bubbly with dark fruit and spice? Yes, please! This adds a refreshing contrast to the bold flavors of the burger. I always think- does a beer sound good with this meal? If so, reach for a sparkling wine (unless you want the beer, of course!)
🥂 White Wine (Viognier or Chardonnay) – If you’re not feeling red, go for a Viognier with its floral and stone fruit notes, or a Chardonnay for balance. The roundness of the wine enhances the pairing with the burger.
🌿 Carménère – This smoky, herbaceous red from Chile has notes of green pepper, black fruit, and spice, making it an amazing complement to bourbon onions.
Set the Table: Western Style
Make it a Cowboy Night with a rustic, cozy setup. Think wooden boards, enamel plates, and flickering candlelight to set the mood. I LOVE my Crow Canyon dinnerware. And if you need a great all-purpose wine glass, check out the Riedel ones below. I use them for red, white, and even sparkling.
🌟 Fun Table Setting Ideas:
The Recipe: Bison Burgers with Bourbon Caramelized Onions
Ingredients:
🛒 (Subscribers to my Lush Letter get a printable grocery list)
For the Burgers:
1 lb ground bison
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
For the Bourbon Caramelized Onions:
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 tbsp butter or olive oil
1 tbsp bourbon
1 tsp brown sugar
½ tsp salt
Extras:
4 burger buns, toasted
4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
Optional: arugula, tomato slices, dijon mustard
Instructions:
1️⃣ Caramelize the Onions
Heat butter or oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat.
Add sliced onions and slow cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once soft and golden, add bourbon, brown sugar, and salt, cooking for another 5 minutes.
2️⃣ Make the Bison Burgers
In a bowl, mix bison, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
Form into 4 patties and let them rest for 5 minutes.
3️⃣ Sear to Perfection
Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. You can do this on your stovetop, your grill, or campfire coals.
Cook the burgers 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer.
Add cheddar cheese on top for the last minute and cover the pan to melt.
4️⃣ Assemble & Serve
Place burgers on toasted buns.
Top with bourbon onions, arugula, and dijon mustard.
Serve with a glass of Tannat or Carménère and enjoy!
Bring the Cowboy Spirit to Your Table!
Whether you're out on the open road in your RV, dreaming of wide-open spaces, or just looking for a delicious, elevated burger night at home, this Bison Burger with Bourbon Caramelized Onions is the perfect way to kick off Cowboy Week. Pair it with a bold Tannat, a smoky Carménère, or a refreshing sparkling red, and you've got yourself a rustic, yet gourmet meal worthy of a ranch cookout!
Don't forget to grab your grocery list (Lush Letter subscribers get a printable version!), set the mood with a Western-inspired tablescape, and enjoy a laid-back, delicious night with great food and great wine.
If you make these burgers, let me know in the comments! And post your pics on Instagram at tag me @thehappylush
Cheers,
Courtney
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