I can’t begin to count the amount of people asking me for bear recipes. Here is my go to!

Welcome to a bold new take on the classic smash burger! If you’re a fan of wild game or just looking to elevate your burger game, these Bear Smash Burgers are a must-try. Made with rich, flavorful ground bear meat and smashed to perfection on a sizzling griddle, these burgers are juicy, savory, and packed with unique flavor. Topped with caramelized onions, melty cheese, and your favorite fixings, this recipe transforms wild game into a crowd-pleasing dish. Whether you’re a hunter with bear meat in the freezer or simply curious about cooking with wild game, this recipe is simple, approachable, and oh-so-delicious. Let’s fire up the griddle and get cooking!

Why Bear Smash Burgers?

Bear meat might sound intimidating, but when prepared correctly, it’s incredibly flavorful and versatile. The key to a great bear burger is incorporating added fat to keep the meat moist, as bear can be leaner than traditional beef. The smash burger technique—where you press the meat thin on a hot griddle—creates a crispy, caramelized crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Paired with the sweet, savory depth of browned onions and a touch of Worcestershire sauce, these burgers are a wild game lover’s dream. Plus, they’re quick to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a backyard cookout.

Tips for Success

Sourcing Bear Meat: If you’re not a hunter, check with local butchers or specialty meat suppliers for ground bear meat. Ensure it’s mixed with fat for the best texture.
Don’t Over-Smash: Press the meat just once when you smash it to avoid squeezing out the juices.
Customize Your Toppings: Try adding bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or a spicy aioli for an extra kick.
Griddle Alternatives: If you don’t have a griddle, a large cast-iron skillet works just as well. Make sure it’s preheated to get that perfect sear.

Let’s Stay Connected!

Keep in touch with me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube! I post tons a wild game recipe videos on all my social media pages. If you do make this recipe (or any of the recipes on my blog) be sure to tag me so I can see your re-creations!

Bear Smash Burgers: A Wild Game Twist on a Classic

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Ready to take your burger game to the next level? These Bear Smash Burgers bring a wild twist to a beloved classic, blending the rich taste of bear meat with the satisfying crunch of a smash burger. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress.

Author: Jenn Homa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2–4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground bear meat (with added fat, such as pork fat, at a 80/20 ratio)
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 tsp Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon per burger)
Steak seasoning (to taste)
4 slices cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
2–4 burger buns
Your favorite burger toppings (lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayo, ketchup, etc.)

Equipment

Flat-top griddle or large cast-iron skillet
Spatula or burger press
Tongs

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Divide the ground bear meat into four equal portions, about ¼ pound each. Gently form each portion into a loose meatball. Avoid overworking the meat to keep the texture tender. Set aside on a plate.
Preheat your griddle or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to create a good sear—around 375–400°F if you’re using a temperature gauge.
Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the griddle and let it melt and sizzle. Divide the thinly sliced onions into four equal piles on the griddle, spacing them apart to create “stations” for each burger. Cook the onions for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and golden brown with crispy edges. Spread each pile into a thin layer to prepare for the meat.
Place one bear meatball on top of each pile of onions. Using a spatula or burger press, firmly smash each meatball into a thin patty, pressing it into the onions. The patty should be about ¼-inch thick. The onions will fuse with the meat, adding incredible flavor.
Drizzle each patty with a small amount of Worcestershire sauce (about 1 teaspoon per burger) and sprinkle generously with steak seasoning. Let the burgers cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes, until the edges are crispy and browned.
Carefully flip each patty, ensuring the onions stay attached. Immediately place a slice of cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese) on each patty. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the burger is cooked through.
Toast your burger buns on the griddle for 1–2 minutes, if desired. Place each cheesy bear smash burger on a bun and top with your favorite fixings—crisp lettuce, ripe tomato slices, tangy pickles, or a smear of mayo and ketchup. Serve immediately while hot and juicy.