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Irish Pub Burgers Recipe

4.4 from 120 reviews

The Irish Pub Burger is a hearty and flavorful homage to traditional Irish pub fare, combining juicy beef patties seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, topped with rich aged cheddar, crispy bacon, and a unique caramelized onion and Irish stout reduction. Paired with a tangy Dijon mustard and sour cream sauce and served on buttery toasted brioche buns, this burger delivers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. Ideal for a comforting dinner, it captures the warmth and charm of an authentic Irish pub experience at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 4 slices of bacon
  • 4 brioche burger buns
  • Butter (for toasting buns)

Veggies and Cheese

  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated

Liquids and Condiments

  • 1/2 cup Irish stout (like Guinness)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are crispy. Once cooked, transfer them onto paper towels to drain the excess grease.
  2. Caramelize the Onions with Stout: Remove most of the bacon grease from the skillet, leaving just enough to coat the pan. Add the sliced onions and cook them slowly for about 10-15 minutes until caramelized. Pour in the Irish stout and allow it to simmer until it reduces by half, intensifying the flavors. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.
  3. Prepare the Patties: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Gently mix and form the mixture into four patties, making each slightly larger than the buns to accommodate shrinkage during cooking.
  4. Cook the Patties: Grill or pan-fry the patties over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes per side or until they reach your preferred level of doneness. In the last minute of cooking, top each patty with grated cheddar cheese and cover the pan or grill to melt the cheese thoroughly.
  5. Make the Mustard-Sour Cream Sauce: In a small bowl, stir together the sour cream, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt to create a creamy, tangy sauce that perfectly complements the burger.
  6. Toast the Buns: Heat a skillet with butter over medium heat and toast the brioche buns until they turn golden brown and slightly crispy, enhancing their buttery flavor and texture.
  7. Assemble the Burgers: On the bottom half of each toasted bun, place a cheese-topped burger patty. Next, add a generous spoonful of the caramelized stout onions, followed by two slices of crispy bacon. Top with a dollop of the mustard-sour cream sauce, then cover with the top bun.
  8. Serve: Serve these Irish Pub Burgers hot with your favorite sides such as fries, chips, or a traditional Irish stout for a truly authentic experience.

Notes

  • For a lighter option, substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken and use turkey bacon and light sour cream.
  • Vegetarians can replace the beef patties with grilled Portobello mushrooms or plant-based burger patties while keeping the caramelized onions and sauce.
  • To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free brioche buns or lettuce wraps.
  • For a spicy twist, add sliced jalapeños or swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese.
  • Ensure not to overcook the beef patties to keep them juicy and flavorful.

Keywords: Irish Pub Burger, Irish Burger, Guinness Burger, Caramelized Onion Burger, Bacon Cheeseburger, Irish Stout Burger, Comfort Food, Pub Food