This Irish Pub Burger is a tasty twist on the classic! Juicy beef patties are topped with creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and a spread of tangy Irish stout mustard. Yum!
I love serving these burgers with fried potatoes on the side—it feels like a little taste of Ireland at home! Trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 mix for a juicy burger. If you’re looking for a leaner option, 90/10 can work, but the burger might be a bit drier. For a unique flavor, try ground lamb.
Irish Cheddar Cheese: This cheese adds a nice sharpness. If you can’t find Irish cheddar, any sharp cheese like aged sharp cheddar or even a good quality smoked gouda would be tasty substitutes.
Bacon: Bacon adds a crunchy, smoky flavor. Turkey bacon can be a lighter alternative, or you could skip it altogether for a meat-free version with sautéed mushrooms instead.
Irish Stout: Stout brings depth to the sauce. Don’t have it on hand? Any dark beer will do, or you can use beef broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic option.
Mayonnaise/Dijon Mustard: This combo creates a flavorful sauce. If mayo isn’t your thing, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for a healthier twist. Honey mustard can also add a nice sweetness!
How Can I Make Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions adds a rich sweetness to your burger. It’s simple but takes time and patience. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with sliced onions and heat your skillet over medium-low.
- Add butter (or oil) and let it sizzle slightly.
- Toss in the onions, stirring occasionally; cook for about 15-20 minutes.
- Keep the heat low to allow natural sugars to caramelize without burning. Add a sprinkle of salt to enhance their flavor.
Just remember, slow and steady wins the race for perfectly caramelized onions! Enjoy the process!
How to Make a Delicious Irish Pub Burger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burger:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
- 4 ounces Irish cheddar cheese, grated
- 4 large slices of bacon
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 brioche or soft burger buns
- ½ cup Irish stout (like Guinness)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: lettuce and tomatoes for toppings
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious burger recipe should take about 30 minutes in total: 10 minutes to prep all the ingredients and 20 minutes to cook and assemble. You’ll enjoy every minute of making and devouring this tasty dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon slices and cook them until they are crispy. Once they are done, remove them from the skillet and let them drain on paper towels. When cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
2. Sauté the Onions:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and the butter. Cook them on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, until they are caramelized and golden. Once done, set them aside.
3. Prepare the Burger Patties:
In a mixing bowl, add the ground beef along with salt and pepper. Mix it gently. Divide the beef mixture into four equal portions and shape each portion into a patty. Remember to make a small indentation in the center of each patty for even cooking.
4. Cook the Burgers:
Using a clean skillet or grill, cook the burger patties over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You can cook them longer if you prefer your burgers well-done. In the last minute of cooking, add the grated Irish cheddar cheese on top of each patty so it melts beautifully.
5. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped chives, and a little splash of the Irish stout. Stir everything until it’s nice and smooth, creating a tasty sauce for your burgers.
6. Toast the Buns:
Lightly toast your brioche or burger buns, either on the grill or in a toaster, until they are golden brown. This adds a nice texture and flavor!
7. Assemble the Burgers:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Spread a generous amount of your sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Place a burger patty on top of the sauce, followed by the sautéed onions, and sprinkle on the crumbled bacon. If you like, add lettuce and tomato for a fresh touch before topping it with the other half of the bun.
8. Serve:
Dig in and enjoy your delicious Irish Pub Burger, ideally with some extra sauce on the side for dipping! Perfect for sharing with friends or family.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a leaner alternative, though it may be less juicy. To keep it moist, consider adding a bit of olive oil or keeping an eye on cooking times, as turkey cooks faster than beef.
How Can I Adjust the Recipe for a Spicy Kick?
If you enjoy some heat, try mixing in a teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce into the sauce or seasoning the beef with paprika or cayenne pepper. You can also add sliced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese as toppings!
How to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture.
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the sauce in advance! It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before using, as some separation might occur while stored.
