This Irish Pub Burger is juicy and full of flavor, topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and a zesty sauce. It’s like a party on a bun—yum!
Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be dreaming of this burger! I like to serve it with golden fries. Perfect for any casual gathering or just a treat for yourself!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using an 80/20 blend gives the burger nice juiciness. If you prefer a leaner option, go for 90/10, but keep in mind it might be a bit drier. You could also substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter burger.
Bacon: Cooked bacon adds a smoky flavor. If you want to make it healthier, try turkey bacon or leave it out for a vegetarian option. Adding crispy shallots can give a similar crunch.
Irish Cheddar Cheese: Shredded Irish cheddar is creamy and flavorful. If it’s hard to find, feel free to use regular sharp cheddar, or even a mix of cheeses like gouda for different flavors.
Beer: Stout beer adds depth to the sauce. If you’d rather not use alcohol, replace it with beef broth for a similar rich flavor, or even a non-alcoholic stout if you can find one.
How Do I Make Perfect Burger Patties Without Overworking the Meat?
Shaping the burger patties is crucial for a good texture. To avoid tough burgers, handle the meat gently. Here’s how:
- Combine all ingredients in a big bowl. Use your hands for less than a minute.
- Divide your mixture into four portions without over pressing it.
- Shape each portion gently into a patty, keeping the center slightly thinner for even cooking.
This method keeps your burgers juicy and tender. Remember, don’t worry about perfect shapes; they’ll taste great anyway!
How to Make a Delicious Irish Pub Burger?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burger Patties:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded Irish cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp beer (preferably stout)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup sautéed onions (or onion strings, optional)
For Serving:
- 4 brioche or soft burger buns
- Lettuce and tomato
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Irish pub burger recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prep and around 10-15 minutes to cook. So, in about 30 minutes total, you’ll have juicy burgers ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Burger Patties:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped bacon, shredded Irish cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the burgers may become tough. Once mixed, divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties.
2. Cook the Patties:
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You can adjust the cooking time based on how well-done you like your burger. Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure—160°F is the safe temperature for ground beef.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
While the patties are cooking, grab a small bowl and mix together the mayonnaise, beer, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt. This creamy sauce adds a delicious kick to your burger!
4. Toast the Buns:
Once the patties are done, toast the burger buns on the grill or in a toaster until they are lightly golden. Toasted buns add a nice crunch and hold up better against the juicy burgers!
5. Assemble Your Burger:
Now it’s time to assemble! Take the bottom half of each bun and place a lettuce leaf and a slice of tomato on top. Add your cooked burger patty, followed by sautéed onions or onion strings if you’re using them. Drizzle your creamy beer sauce over the top.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Place the top half of the bun over the burger and your Irish pub burger is ready to serve. Enjoy it hot with your favorite sides, like crispy fries or potato chips!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Irish cheddar adds a nice touch, you can substitute it with other cheeses like sharp cheddar, Gouda, or even blue cheese for a different flavor profile. Just ensure it’s a melting cheese for the best texture.
How Do I Adjust the Patty Size for Different Cooking Methods?
If you’re using a grill or skillet, sticking to the 4 oz patties works great. However, if you’re using a broiler, consider making them slightly thinner for more even cooking. Just adjust your cooking time accordingly, aiming for 2-3 minutes per side depending on thickness.
Can I Prepare the Patties Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can form the patties up to 24 hours in advance. Just wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. If you’re making them further ahead, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag to prevent sticking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes on each side or in the microwave for a quick option. If they’re frozen, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
