This tasty Irish pub burger is a fun twist on the classic slider! It’s juicy, packed with flavor, and topped with melted cheese and crispy bacon. You’ll love the simple ingredients!
Honestly, what makes this burger special is the blend of spices and that quick grill time. It’s perfect for sharing with friends—with maybe a pint of something tasty on the side! 🍻
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, 90/10 works, but the burger may be less juicy. Turkey or plant-based alternatives can also be great substitutes if you want to go lighter.
Irish Cheddar Cheese: Sharp Irish cheddar adds a fantastic richness. If you can’t find it, try using a sharp white cheddar, or a good aged gouda for a different yet delicious flavor.
Bacon: Bacon adds a smoky crunch. I love using thick-cut bacon for extra texture. If you want a healthier choice, turkey bacon or even crispy mushrooms can stand in well for a vegetarian option.
Buns: Brioche or pretzel buns are fantastic for their softness and flavor. If you prefer something whole grain or gluten-free, look for suitable alternatives that still hold the burger well.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions might seem tricky, but with patience, it’s easy! The goal is soft, sweet onions that enhance your burger. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat the skillet to medium, then add olive oil.
- Add thinly sliced onions and stir to coat them in oil.
- Cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This prevents burning and allows the sugars to develop.
- Turn up the heat to medium if they aren’t browning enough after 10 minutes. Aim for a golden-brown color!
- Remove from heat and set aside to use later.
How to Make a Delicious Irish Pub Burger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burger Patties:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juiciness)
- 1 cup sharp Irish cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/2 large onion, thinly sliced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
For Cooking:
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking onions)
For Serving:
- 4 burger buns (preferably brioche or pretzel buns)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: additional bacon for garnish
- Optional: lettuce and tomato for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20-30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes preparing and cooking the ingredients and then about 10 minutes assembling the burgers and enjoying them!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Burger Patties:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix everything together, but don’t overwork the meat. Form the mixture into four equal-sized burger patties, making a small indent in the center of each to help them cook evenly.
2. Cook the Onions:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced onions. Cook them slowly until they are caramelized, stirring occasionally so they don’t burn. This should take about 10-15 minutes. When they’re golden and soft, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Bacon:
In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook until it’s crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon and let it drain on a paper towel to soak up excess grease.
4. Grill the Burger Patties:
Preheat your grill or a clean skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the burger patties for about 4-5 minutes on one side. Flip them over, and in the last minute of cooking, sprinkle the shredded Irish cheddar cheese on top of each patty to let it melt.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
While the burgers are cooking, mix the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard in a small bowl to create a creamy sauce. It’s super easy and adds great flavor!
6. Assemble the Burgers:
To put it all together, take the bottom half of each bun and spread the creamy sauce on it. Place a cheesy burger patty on top, followed by the caramelized onions and crispy bacon. If you’re using them, add your favorites like lettuce or tomato.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Top with the other half of the bun and serve your delicious Irish Pub Burger immediately! Pair it with your choice of sides like fries or coleslaw for a perfect meal.
Enjoy your delicious Irish Pub Burger!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is a great substitution for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that these meats are often drier than beef, so you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil or some additional mayo to keep the patties juicy.
How Can I Make This Burger Spicier?
If you’d like a kick, add some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. You can also use spicy mustard instead of Dijon. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to match your heat preference!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, wrap each burger tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in a skillet or the microwave.
Can I Prep the Ingredients Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can slice the onions and cook the bacon a day in advance. Just keep them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. You can also form the burger patties and store them wrapped tightly, which saves time when you’re ready to grill!
