Irish pub burgers

Ingredients

For the Burgers:

• 1 ½ lbs (680 g) ground beef (80/20 for juicy burgers)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

For the Guinness Caramelized Onions:

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced

• ½ cup Guinness stout (or any dark beer)

• 1 teaspoon brown sugar

• Pinch of salt

For the Guinness Sauce (Optional but amazing):

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons Dijon or whole-grain mustard

• 1 tablespoon Guinness stout

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Toppings:

• 4 slices sharp Irish cheddar (like Dubliner or Kerrygold)

• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy

• Lettuce, tomato, and pickles (optional)

• 4 brioche or pretzel buns, toasted

🧑‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Caramelized Onions:

• Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.

• Add onions and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and soft.

• Stir in Guinness, brown sugar, and salt.

• Simmer another 8–10 minutes until the liquid reduces and onions are sticky and rich. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Patties:

• In a large bowl, mix ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, Dijon, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

• Form into 4 equal patties, slightly larger than your buns (they’ll shrink when cooking).

• Press a small indentation in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly.

3. Cook the Burgers:

• Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.

• Cook patties 3–4 minutes per side (for medium doneness).

• Add cheddar slices during the last minute and cover to melt.

4. Make the Guinness Sauce:

• In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Guinness, and Worcestershire sauce.

• Chill until ready to serve.

5. Assemble the Burgers:

• Spread Guinness sauce on toasted buns.

• Layer with lettuce and tomato (if using), burger patty with melted cheese, Guinness onions, and crispy bacon.

• Top with the other half of the bun.

🍽️ Serving Ideas:

• Serve with thick-cut fries, onion rings, or a side of coleslaw.

• For the true pub feel, pair with a cold pint of Guinness or Irish ale. 🍺

✅ Tips:

• Don’t overmix the ground beef — it keeps the patties juicy.

• You can swap Guinness for a splash of beef broth or balsamic vinegar if you prefer a non-alcoholic option.

• Toasting the buns adds flavor and prevents sogginess from the sauce and onions.