Savory Elk Burger

Ingredients

• Ground elk meat (1 pound)
• Cheddar cheese (4 slices)
• Hamburger buns (4, toasted)
• Lettuce (4 leaves)
• Tomato (1, sliced)
• Onion (1, sliced)
• Ketchup (4 tablespoons)
• Mayonnaise (4 tablespoons)
• Salt (1 teaspoon)
• Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
• Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)

Instructions

1. Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground elk meat with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently to avoid overworking the meat.
3. Form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties, making a slight indentation in the center of each to prevent puffing while cooking.
4. Cook the patties on the preheated grill or skillet for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy: 160°F (71°C) for medium.
5. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and cover to help it melt.
6. While the patties are cooking, toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster until golden brown.
7. Spread mayonnaise and ketchup on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Layer with a lettuce leaf, followed by the cooked patty topped with melted cheese, sliced tomato, and onion.
8. Cover with the top half of the bun and serve immediately while hot.