South Dakota Smoked Cheddar Elk Cheeseburgers

Introduction

Smoky, juicy, and bursting with flavor—these South Dakota Smoked Cheddar Elk Cheeseburgers are everything you love about backyard grilling turned up a notch. Made entirely on the Arteflame grill, we sear elk burgers over 1,000°F on the center grill grate, lock in moisture and flavor, then finish them to perfection on the flat top cooktop. Topped with rich smoked cheddar, these burgers are a showstopper made for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who crave steakhouse-level results.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground elk meat
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 4 slices smoked cheddar cheese
• 4 brioche burger buns, toasted
• 2 tbsp butter, for grilling
• 1 red onion, sliced into rings
• 1 tomato, sliced
• 4 leaves of butter lettuce
• Optional condiments: mayonnaise, mustard, or aioli

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up your Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil onto three paper napkins and place them in the center of your Arteflame grill.
2. Stack quality firewood on top of the napkins.
3. Light the paper napkins and allow the wood to burn down for about 20 minutes until you've got a strong, hot fire.

Step 2: Prepare the Elk Patties

1. While the grill is heating, form the ground elk meat into 4 equal-sized patties (about 1/2 lb each).
2. Season each patty with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.

Step 3: Grill the Onions and Toast the Buns

1. Place the sliced red onions and buns on the outer edge of the flat cooktop, using a bit of butter under each for extra flavor.
2. Grill the onions until caramelized and the buns are crisp and golden. Set aside.

Step 4: Sear the Elk Patties

1. Place the seasoned elk patties on the center grill grate (over 1,000°F) and sear each side for 1-2 minutes to lock in juices.
2. Once seared, move the patties to the flat cooktop to continue cooking.

Step 5: Cook to Desired Doneness

1. Continue cooking the patties on the flat top griddle until the internal temperature reaches about 15°F below your target doneness (for medium-rare, remove at 120°F; final temp will be ~135°F after resting).
2. Top each patty with a slice of smoked cheddar and let it melt over the flat cooktop’s heat zone.

Step 6: Build the Burgers

1. Spread mayo, mustard or aioli on the toasted buns (optional).
2. Layer lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, and your melty elk patty on the bun.
3. Top with the other bun half and serve immediately.

Tips

• Don't overcook elk—lean meat benefits from being medium-rare to maintain tenderness.
• Use butter instead of oil when grilling burgers or toasting buns for added flavor richness.
• Always rest the burgers for 5 minutes after pulling from the grill before serving.
• Use the outer ring of the flat top to keep finished burgers warm while you grill the rest.
• The Arteflame’s solid steel cooktop makes cleanup nearly effortless after grilling.

Variations

1. BBQ Bacon Elk Burger: Add thick-sliced grilled bacon and slather with smoky BBQ sauce for a bold, savory twist.
2. Southwest Elk Burger: Add grilled jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and a smear of chipotle mayo for smoky heat.
3. Mushroom Swiss Elk Burger: Grill mushrooms with butter and top with melty Swiss cheese and caramelized onions.
4. Blue Cheese Elk Burger: Crumble blue cheese over the burger in the final minutes of grilling and serve with arugula and sliced red onion.
5. Italian Elk Burger: Use provolone cheese, fresh basil, grilled tomato slices, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Best Pairings

• Grilled corn on the cob with butter and herbs
• Sweet potato wedges grilled on the Arteflame
• Cold crisp pilsner or craft amber ale
• Classic coleslaw with grilled cabbage
• Grilled peach halves with a honey glaze for dessert

Conclusion

These South Dakota Smoked Cheddar Elk Cheeseburgers showcase the power of grilling with the Arteflame. The perfect steakhouse-worthy crust, juicy interior, and bold cheese make this a must-have recipe for your next cookout. With minimal cleanup and tons of flavor, this dish will become your go-to burger masterpiece.