This Easy Irish Pub Burger is packed with cheesy goodness! Juicy beef patties are topped with melty cheese and served with your favorite toppings, making it a delightful meal.
It’s the perfect burger for a fun night in! I love slapping on some crispy bacon and a dollop of tangy sauce—yum! Serve it with fries or a side salad, and you’ve got a winner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using an 80/20 blend is key for juicy burgers. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you could substitute with ground turkey or chicken, but they may need additional fat for flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings that classic flavor, but feel free to use any melted cheese like Swiss, Gouda, or even a pepper jack for some spice!
Buns: Brioche buns are rich and buttery, but if you’re after a healthier choice, whole wheat or even lettuce wraps work nicely!
Onions: Caramelized onions add sweetness to the burger. You can use shallots or even leeks as a fine substitution. For a quicker version, just sauté any onion until softened.
How Do You Get Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions can take a bit of patience, but the result is worth it! Here are some tips to achieve those sweet, golden onions:
- Start with medium heat to get a good sear, then reduce to low for slow cooking.
- Stir the onions every few minutes to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- If the pan gets too dry, add a splash of water or a bit of vinegar for added flavor.
Keep cooking until the onions turn a deep brown (about 15-20 minutes), and don’t rush it for the best sweetness!
Easy Irish Pub Burger Recipe with Cheesy Flavor
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burger:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 brioche or potato buns
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons butter (for toasting buns and cooking onions)
Optional Toppings:
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Pickles
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious burger recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll need about 10 minutes to prep and cook the ingredients, and the rest of the time will be for assembling and enjoying your burgers! It’s a quick and satisfying meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This will be your flavorful sauce for the burgers. Set it aside for later.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they’re crispy. Once done, remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess grease. Yum!
3. Caramelize the Onions:
In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter along with the sliced onions. Cook on low to medium heat, stirring often, until the onions become soft and caramelized. This should take about 15-20 minutes. Once caramelized, remove the onions from the pan and set them aside.
4. Form the Patties:
Take the ground beef and divide it into 4 equal portions. Shape these portions into patties that are slightly larger than your buns. Season both sides with salt and pepper for added flavor.
5. Cook the Patties:
Heat up your skillet or grill to medium-high. Cook the patties for about 4 minutes per side for the perfect medium doneness. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty. Cover the pan to help the cheese melt beautifully.
6. Toast the Buns:
While the patties are cooking, spread butter on the cut sides of your buns. Toast them in the skillet or on the grill until they’re golden brown and slightly crispy.
7. Assemble the Burgers:
On the bottom half of each bun, spread a spoonful of your prepared sauce. Place the cheesy beef patty on top, then add the caramelized onions and crispy bacon. Feel free to add any optional toppings like lettuce, tomato, or pickles for extra flavor! Finish with the top bun.
8. Serve:
Your tasty Irish Pub Burgers are ready! Serve them immediately with your favorite sides, such as crispy fries or a fresh salad. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!
Dig in and enjoy this cheesy, savory Irish Pub-style burger that’s easy to make and sure to satisfy!
FAQ for Easy Irish Pub Burger Recipe
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef! Just be aware that turkey is leaner, so you may want to add a little olive oil or bacon fat to keep the patties juicy.
What Can I Use Instead of Brioche Buns?
If you don’t have brioche buns on hand, potato buns or whole wheat buns are great alternatives. You could also use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option!
Can I Make the Sauce in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce up to 2 days ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and give it a good stir before using.
How to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to keep them moist while reheating.