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Irish Pub Burgers with Caramelized Onions

Indulgent beef burgers stacked with sweet caramelized onions and a creamy pub sauce, served on toasted brioche buns.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Irish-Style Comfort, Pub Food
Calories: 850
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Patties
  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • high-heat oil for cooking
For the Caramelized Onions
  • 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.25 tsp salt
For the Homemade Pub Sauce
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp whole grain mustard
  • 1 tsp prepared horseradish optional
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
For Assembly
  • 4-6 brioche buns high-quality
  • 1 small white onion sliced into rings
  • butter for toasting buns

Equipment

  • Skillet (Cast-Iron Preferred)
  • Dutch Oven or Large Pot (for onions)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Griddle or Frying Pan (for buns)

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Caramelized Onions: In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium-low heat. Add yellow onions and salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 30-45 minutes until deep golden-brown and sweet. Set aside.
  2. Mix the Homemade Pub Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients. Cover and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld.
  3. Form the Patties: Gently combine ground beef, Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Divide into portions, form into patties with a slight center depression, and season generously with salt *right before cooking*.
  4. Toast the Buns: Lightly butter the cut sides of the brioche buns and toast on a hot griddle until golden brown.
  5. Cook the Patties: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat with oil. Once hot, sear the patties for 3-5 minutes per side until desired doneness (160°F/71°C internal temp), not pressing down.
  6. Assemble: Spread pub sauce on the bottom bun. Top with the patty, a generous amount of caramelized onions, a few raw onion rings, and the top bun. Serve hot.

Notes

Using an 80/20 ground beef blend is crucial for a juicy patty. Letting the caramelized onions take their time is key to their deep flavor. Toasting the buns provides structure against messy toppings.