Bison Burgers with Beer-Infused Smoky Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (1 kg) lean ground bison
• 1 tsp (5 ml) salt
• ¼ tsp (1 ml) black pepper
• grapeseed oil, for cooking
• brioche or sourdough buns
• toppings of choice, such as cheese, lettuce, pickles, garlic mayo, mustard, and/or sliced onions
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) grapeseed oil
• 1 yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup (125 ml) dark beer
• 1 canned chipotle pepper in sauce, minced
• 28 oz (796 ml) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes, including liquid
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) tomato paste
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) maple syrup
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground cumin
• ¼ tsp (1 ml) salt