This Irish Pub Burger is juicy and packed with flavor! It’s topped with creamy Irish cheddar and crispy bacon, making each bite a treat. Perfect for your next barbecue!
Honestly, who can resist that cheesy goodness? Whenever I serve these, they disappear faster than I can flip them! 🍔🥓
I love how simple this recipe is! Just cook the patties, melt the cheese, and pile on the toppings. It’s a sure way to impress your friends or family any night of the week!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using an 80/20 blend for its balanced flavor and juiciness. If you prefer a healthier option, try lean ground turkey or chicken; just be aware that the burger might be less juicy.
Irish Cheddar Cheese: This cheese adds a unique, crumbly taste. If you can’t find Irish cheddar, sharp cheddar or Gruyère would work well, too. Both will give your burger a rich flavor.
Bacon: Crispy bacon gives an extra crunch! If you’re not a bacon fan, you could swap it for crispy turkey bacon or simply leave it out for a lighter version.
Worcestershire Sauce: This sauce adds a deep umami flavor. If you don’t have it, soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar can be a good substitute.
Brioche Buns: I love brioche for its slight sweetness and soft texture. You can use whole wheat buns for a healthier option or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb choice.
How Do I Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions is key for adding sweetness and depth to your burger. It’s easy, but it takes patience. Use a low and steady heat to achieve that beautiful golden-brown color.
- Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the thinly sliced onions, spreading them out evenly.
- Stir occasionally for about 15-20 minutes. If they start to cook too fast or burn, lower the heat.
- You’ll know they’re done when they are soft and beautifully caramelized!
Delicious Irish Pub Burger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burger:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
- 4 slices of Irish cheddar cheese
- 4 large bacon slices
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 brioche buns
- 1 cup arugula or mixed greens
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or garlic aioli
- Optional: Pickles or jalapeños for extra toppings
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 35-40 minutes in total, including 15-20 minutes for caramelizing the onions, and about 10-15 minutes to cook the burgers and assemble everything. Perfect for a delightful meal without too much fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Onions:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally. You want them to caramelize, so let them cook for about 15-20 minutes until they are golden and sweet. Once they’re ready, remove them from the heat and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a separate pan, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until they are crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to drain any excess fat.
3. Prepare the Patties:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine, being careful not to overwork the meat. Form the mixture into four equal patties and make a slight indentation in the center of each one. This helps them cook evenly.
4. Grill the Burgers:
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the patties on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side. Flip them over, place a slice of Irish cheddar cheese on each patty, and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until they’re cooked to your preferred doneness.
5. Toast the Buns:
While the burgers are finishing up, take the brioche buns and toast them on the grill until they are golden brown. This adds a nice crunch!
6. Assemble the Burgers:
To put everything together, take the bottom half of each toasted bun and place a handful of arugula or mixed greens. Add the burger patty topped with melted cheese, a couple of crispy bacon slices, and a generous spoonful of the caramelized onions. Drizzle ranch dressing or garlic aioli on top before placing the bun lid on.
7. Serve:
Lastly, enjoy your delicious Irish pub burger with any extra toppings like pickles or jalapeños if you like, along with your favorite sides. Dive in and savor every bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great alternatives for a leaner option. Just be mindful that these meats can dry out more easily, so you might want to add a bit more Worcestershire sauce or a splash of broth to keep the patties moist while cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Brioche Buns?
No worries! You can use any sturdy burger bun or even a whole grain bun for a healthier option. If you’d like a unique twist, consider using English muffins or even grilled Portobello mushrooms as the bun for a gluten-free alternative!
How to Store Leftover Burgers
Store any leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat. If you have leftover toppings, store them separately to keep everything fresh!
Can I Prepare the Caramelized Onions in Advance?
Yes, you can! Caramelized onions can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat them in a pan over low heat before serving to restore their warmth and flavor.
