Best Ever Wild Game Burger Recipe

Ready for the easiest, mouth-watering wild game burger recipe? THIS is it. I’ve been making these for years with elk, moose, and venison and they are so good, y’all.

So go grab some ground meat out of the freezer… and let’s do this.

Why You’ll Love These Wild Game Burgers

Wild game can sometimes get a bad rap for being dry, but not these burgers. Because of the simple ingredients and just the right technique, they turn out juicy, flavorful, and perfect every time.

Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. Whether you’re using elk, venison, or moose, this recipe works beautifully. If you’re looking for even more recipes for your ground wild game, check out my Sweet & Savory Wild Game Meatballs! They are soooooo good.

Ingredients

For this Recipe you’ll need:

• 1 pound ground elk (or any wild game you like – moose works great too!)
• ½ cup panko bread crumbs
• 3 tablespoons hickory-flavored barbeque sauce, plus more for basting
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Canola oil, for the grill
• Sliced cheese (whatever variety you like; optional)
• Buns or lettuce leaves, for serving

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, place the meat, bread crumbs, barbeque sauce, parsley, horseradish, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper and gently combine with your hands. Do not overmix.
2. Shape the meat into 1-inch-thick patties. Press your thumb into the middle of each patty so that the outside edges are thicker than the center. This will ensure even cooking.
3. Preheat a barbecue or grill pan to high heat. Brush the grates with oil.
4. Grill the burgers for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until cooked through. Baste each burger with barbecue sauce during the final 2 minutes of grilling. Top each burger with a slice of cheese (if using).
5. Serve on buns with your favorite toppings. I enjoy mine on lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.

Pro tip: If you want to make these smash burgers, grab a burger press, and PRESS the patty down. You want it thin for that crispy, crunchy perfection! Then, top them with smash burger sauce by combining the following ingredients in a small bowl.

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles
• 1 to 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped or grated
• Salt and pepper

Perfect Pairings:

What’s a burger without some fries? I’ve been pairing my burgers with these DELICIOUS sweet potato fries and a yummy side salad with my famous homemade salad dressing! Here’s the breakdown:

Crispy sweet potato fries:

You’ll need:

• 1 pound sweet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

• First, preheat your oven to 425°F and lightly grease a baking sheet.
• Then peel and slice your sweet potatoes into even ¼-inch sticks. For best results, soak them in cold water for 30–60 minutes. This helps remove excess starch and makes them crispier.
• After soaking, pat them completely dry.
• Next, toss the fries in olive oil. Then, in a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch and seasonings before coating the fries evenly.
• Spread them in a single layer (don’t overcrowd!), then bake for 15 minutes. Flip, and bake another 15 minutes until golden and crispy.
• Finally, sprinkle with salt and if you want, add fresh rosemary or thyme.

My homemade salad dressing:

I’ve been making this dressing for YEARS and usually I just measure with my heart, shake it uppppppp, and pour it over a bed of greens and my favorite veggies!

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 clover crushed garlic
• Salt and pepper

These wild game burgers are one of those recipes I come back to again and again. They’re easy, packed with flavor, and perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to backyard cookouts.

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Need some more recipe ideas!?

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