Description
A juicy, flavor-packed burger with Guinness-caramelized onions and a tangy sour cream sauce that brings the authentic Irish pub experience to your table. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or anytime you crave a gourmet burger with character.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 4 slices of bacon
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup Irish stout (such as Guinness)
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 burger buns (preferably brioche)
- Butter (for toasting buns)
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once done, transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease while retaining its crunchiness.
- Sauté the onions: Remove most of the bacon grease from the skillet, leaving just enough to coat the pan. Add the sliced onions and cook over medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes until they become soft, translucent, and caramelized. Pour in the Irish stout and simmer until the liquid reduces by half, creating a rich, flavorful topping. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.
- Prepare the burger patties: In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Gently combine without overworking the meat. Divide into 4 equal portions and form patties about 1/2 inch thick, making them slightly larger than your buns to account for shrinkage during cooking.
- Cook the burgers: Heat a grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust for your preferred doneness. During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with grated cheddar cheese and allow it to melt completely over the meat.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated. This creates a tangy, creamy sauce that perfectly complements the richness of the burger.
- Toast the buns: Melt a small amount of butter in a separate pan over medium heat. Place the burger buns cut-side down and toast until they turn golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. This adds texture and prevents the buns from becoming soggy.
- Assemble the burgers: On the bottom half of each toasted bun, place a cheese-topped burger patty. Layer with a generous portion of the Guinness-caramelized onions, two slices of crispy bacon, and a dollop of the sour cream-Dijon sauce. Cap with the top bun.
- Serve: Present your Irish Pub Burgers immediately while still hot. These hearty burgers are substantial enough to be a meal on their own, but pair wonderfully with fries, chips, or a simple side salad.
Notes
- For an authentic Irish experience, serve with a side of thick-cut potato wedges or chips.
- The caramelized onions can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Try using Irish cheddar cheese for a more authentic flavor profile.
- For a lower-carb option, serve these burgers on a bed of lettuce instead of buns.
- The quality of the beef makes a big difference – try to use freshly ground beef from your butcher if possible.
- These burgers pair excellently with a pint of cold Guinness or other Irish stout.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Irish-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg