Corned Beef Burgers with Guinness Caramelized Onions

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This burger brings big flavor and is just what you're craving when St. Paddy's Day rolls around.

Simple ingredients - Everything is easy to find, and most of it might already be in your kitchen.

Easy to make - The onions cook low and slow while you prep the burgers, and everything comes together quickly in one skillet.

Perfect for St. Patrick's Day leftovers - This Irish burger is a fun and flavorful twist on a traditional corned beef sandwich.

Ingredients and Their Part in the Burger

Each ingredient adds something special to make these burgers stand out. Here's what you'll need:

For the caramelized onions:

• Avocado or vegetable oil - Helps start the caramelization process.
• Butter - Adds richness and enhances the flavor of the onions.
• Brown sugar - Encourages caramelization and adds subtle sweetness.
• Onion - The star of the topping, turning soft and deeply golden.
• Sea salt - Brings out the natural sweetness of the onions.
• Guinness Stout - Adds depth and rich malty flavor as it reduces.

For the corned beef burgers:

• Corned beef - Brings that classic briny, savory flavor.
• Ground beef - Adds juiciness and balances the texture.
• Egg - Helps bind everything together.
• Worcestershire sauce - Adds extra savory depth.
• Oil - Helps achieve a good sear in the skillet.
• Swiss or Irish Cheddar cheese - Melts beautifully over the burger.
• Bacon - Adds smoky crunch and extra indulgence.
• Hamburger buns - The perfect base to hold all that goodness.

And for even more flavor, you can make homemade corned beef with Guinness in the Instant Pot and use it in this recipe.

How to Make Corned Beef Burgers and Guinness Caramelized Onions

This recipe comes together in a few simple steps. Here's what to do:

For the caramelized onions:

1. Heat oil and butter over medium heat. When it starts to sizzle, stir in brown sugar. Add onions.
2. Sauté onions for 5-7 minutes until they start to soften.
3. Turn heat to medium low and add Guinness. Stir onions every few minutes for approximately 40 minutes.
4. The liquid should have all evaporated and the onions should be golden brown, soft, and caramelized.

While onions are cooking, fry the bacon until crisp. Set aside on paper towel to drain.

For the Corned Beef Burgers

1. Grind the corned beef with a meat grinder or in a food processor with short pulses. Be careful not to overprocess as you don't want to make it into mush. Combine with ground beef and mix gently with hands.
2. Add egg and Worcestershire sauce and mix just until combined.
3. Form into patties. You can make 4 very large patties or 5-6 medium patties.
4. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a stainless steel skillet over medium high heat. Place the burgers in the pan and cook each side for 3-4 minutes, turning just once.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat and top each burger with cheese.
6. Cover pan and let the cheese melt.

To assemble, place cheeseburger on a hamburger roll, top with caramelized onions, a slice of bacon and, if desired, a swipe of deli mustard on the top of the bun. Now, wrap your mouth around this juicy Irish Pub Burger for the tastiest burger you've ever had.

Burger Toppings to Pile On

These burgers are delicious as written, but you can dress them up even more.

• Fried egg - Adds richness and makes it extra indulgent.
• Sauerkraut - For a tangy, traditional twist.
• Deli mustard - Adds sharp flavor that pairs perfectly with corned beef.
• Thousand Island or Russian dressing - For a Reuben-style vibe.

What to Serve with the Burgers

These hearty burgers pair perfectly with classic sides.

• French fries are always a winner.
• Onion rings for onion lovers.
• Potato salad makes it feel like a festive gathering.
• Irish Coffee Mousse is the perfect sweet ending to your St. Patrick's Day meal.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Leftovers

For the patties:

• Store leftover cooked burger patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To freeze, wrap cooked patties tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat burgers in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or in the oven at 350°F. Add cheese during reheating if desired.

For the caramelized onions:

• Store leftover onions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze the onions in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheat the onions in a skillet over low to medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Or microwave in 20-second increments, stirring between each, until warmed.

More Burger Recipes

Burgers don't have to be just ground beef. There are so many delicious options to try.

• Bison Burgers are lean and packed with bold flavor.
• Chicken Burgers are light but still juicy and satisfying.
• Chorizo Burgers bring a spicy twist to your cookout.
• Pork Burgers are flavorful and perfect for grilling.
• Turkey Burgers are a lighter option that still delivers great taste.

Find lots of easy burger recipes right here on 2CM!