This Easy Irish Pub Burger is a treat! Juicy beef patties are topped with melty cheese and served on soft buns for the perfect bite. It brings a taste of the pub right to your kitchen!
Who doesn’t love a good burger? I like to add some crispy bacon to mine for that extra flavor. It’s a simple recipe, and I’m sure you’ll want to make these again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 blend. It strikes a great balance between flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, 90/10 can work too, but your burger may be less juicy.
Irish Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice bite to the burger. If you can’t find it, any sharp white cheddar or even gouda can be used for a different flavor profile.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a wonderful crunch. Turkey bacon is a healthier alternative that still provides some flavor, or you could skip it entirely for a vegetarian version.
Buns: Brioche buns are fantastic for their softness and slight sweetness! If you want a healthier option, whole wheat or gluten-free buns can also be tasty!
Why is Sautéing Onions Important for a Delicious Burger?
Caramelizing onions is key for sweetening and elevating your burger’s flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use low heat for even cooking. Medium to low heat helps to slowly caramelize without burning.
- Keep stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking and burning.
- Cook for about 15-20 minutes until they are golden brown and sweet.
This technique adds depth and sweetness, making your burger all the more delicious!
Easy Irish Pub Burger with Cheesy Flavor
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices of sharp Irish cheddar cheese
- 4 brioche or soft burger buns
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp butter or oil (for sautéing onions)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 30 minutes from prep to serving. You’ll spend about 10 minutes making the sauce, cooking the bacon and onions, and then around 15 minutes grilling the patties and assembling the burgers. Quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until it’s nice and smooth. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge so the flavors can blend while you prepare the rest of the burger.
2. Cook the Bacon:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the bacon slices. Cook them until crispy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once they’re done, place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off the excess grease. Keep the bacon fat in the pan for the next step!
3. Sauté the Onions:
In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add a tablespoon of butter or oil. Toss in your thinly sliced onions and cook them on medium-low heat. Stir them every few minutes to keep them from burning. After about 15-20 minutes, they should become soft and caramelized. Set them aside once they’re done!
4. Form the Patties:
Take the ground beef and divide it into 4 even portions. Gently shape each portion into a burger patty, making them slightly larger than your buns. Don’t forget to season both sides with salt and pepper!
5. Cook the Patties:
Increase the heat to medium-high and place your patties in the hot skillet or on the grill. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on the first side until they form a nice sear. Flip them over and continue cooking for another 2 minutes.
6. Add Cheese:
Now it’s time for the cheese! Top each patty with a slice of sharp Irish cheddar. Cover the skillet or close the grill lid for 1-2 minutes to let the cheese melt beautifully over the patties.
7. Toast the Buns:
While the cheese is melting, grab your burger buns and toast them lightly either on the grill or in a toaster. This will give them a nice crunch!
8. Assemble the Burgers:
Start with the bottom bun and slather on a good amount of the prepared sauce. Place the cheesy burger patty on top, followed by the crispy bacon strips and the sweet caramelized onions. Finish with the top bun.
9. Serve:
And there you have it! Serve your burgers immediately, with extra sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your homemade Irish Pub Burger experience!
This burger captures juicy beefy flavor, with rich cheddar cheese, smoky bacon, and sweet caramelized onions, all finished off with a creamy tangy sauce — perfect for a pub-style treat right at home!
FAQ for Easy Irish Pub Burger Recipe
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp Irish cheddar adds a great flavor, feel free to substitute it with other types of cheese like gouda, pepper jack for some heat, or a classic American cheese for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
What Can I Use Instead of Ground Beef?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead. For a vegetarian version, consider using black bean patties or store-bought veggie burgers that can be grilled.
Can I Prepare This Burger in Advance?
Yes! You can form the patties and even cook the bacon and onions a day ahead. Just keep them stored in the fridge and assemble the burgers when you’re ready to serve! The sauce can also be made in advance for added convenience.
How to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat the patties in a skillet on medium heat until warmed through, and you may want to add the onions and cheese again for that fresh taste.
