Name: Corned Beef Burgers with Irish Cheddar Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Irish-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground corned beef; 1/2 pound ground beef (80/20); 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 4 slices Irish cheddar cheese; 4 hamburger buns; 2 tablespoons butter, softened; 1/2 cup sauerkraut, drained; 4 tablespoons Thousand Island dressing; Lettuce leaves (optional)

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Prepare to fall in love with the perfect marriage of meaty richness and tangy cheese in these incredible Corned Beef Burgers with Irish Cheddar Cheese. This is more than just another burger recipe; it’s a comfort-packed embrace of savory corned beef, juicy ground beef, and meltingly sharp Irish cheddar, all nestled on a toasty bun with classic toppings. Whether you’re making a casual weeknight meal or treating friends on St. Patrick’s Day, this burger’s bold flavors and creamy, crunchy fixings will steal the show. If you’ve never thought of corned beef as burger material, get ready for a life-changing bite!

Corned Beef Burgers with Irish Cheddar Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Corned Beef Burgers with Irish Cheddar Cheese is how a handful of straightforward ingredients work together to create serious flavor fireworks. Each one plays a distinct part – from the rich meats to the buttery toasted buns, you’ll taste why the right ingredients matter.

Ground corned beef (1 pound): Delivers that unmistakable savory, spiced kick that makes this burger stand out from any traditional patty.
Ground beef, 80/20 (1/2 pound): Adds juicy, tender texture so every bite is rich without being dense.
Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Lends a pop of tang and a subtle, zippy warmth woven right into the meat.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Freshly ground is best for a gentle, earthy heat that balances the richness of the beef.
Irish cheddar cheese (4 slices): This creamy, sharp cheese melts beautifully and brings a hint of grassiness that pairs perfectly with the meats.
Hamburger buns (4): Choose a soft and sturdy bun to soak up all those delicious juices without falling apart.
Butter, softened (2 tablespoons): For toasting your buns to buttery, golden perfection, unlocking a deep, nutty flavor.
Sauerkraut, drained (1/2 cup): A tangy, crunchy contrast to the rich beef and creamy cheese.
Thousand Island dressing (4 tablespoons): Its creamy sweetness ties all the classic Reuben-style flavors together.
Lettuce leaves (optional): For a pop of green and an extra layer of crunch.

How to Make Corned Beef Burgers with Irish Cheddar Cheese

Step 1: Mix and Form your Patties

Start by gently combining the ground corned beef, ground beef, Dijon mustard, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Don’t overwork the mixture – just go until everything is evenly combined, which keeps your burgers juicy and tender. Once mixed, divide into four equal portions and shape each one into a generous patty, about three-quarters of an inch thick. This thickness is key for a perfectly juicy burger center.

Step 2: Fire Up the Grill or Skillet

Preheat your grill or a sturdy skillet over medium-high heat. You’re looking for a surface that’s hot enough to sear and develop a caramelized crust. When ready, add the patties and let them cook undisturbed for about four to five minutes per side, or until they reach your desired doneness. Avoid pressing down – you want all those savory juices to stay locked inside!

Step 3: Melt the Irish Cheddar

Once the burgers are nearly done (with about a minute left), top each with a slice of Irish cheddar cheese. Cover the grill or pan for that final minute, letting the cheese melt into irresistibly gooey pools draping over the meat. The creamy, sharp Irish cheddar is what transforms these into truly special Corned Beef Burgers with Irish Cheddar Cheese.

Step 4: Toast the Buns

While the burgers cook, slather the cut sides of the buns with the softened butter. Toast them cut-side-down on your grill or in a hot skillet until golden and crisp. This step builds extra flavor and ensures your bun stays sturdy for all those juicy toppings!

Step 5: Build (and Enjoy!)

Now comes the most rewarding part: assembly. Start with a bed of fresh lettuce (if you’re using it) on the bottom bun, then add your hot, cheesy patty. Spoon over a heap of sauerkraut for crunch and tang, then drizzle a generous tablespoon of Thousand Island dressing for that creamy, sweet finish. Cap with the top bun and dive in immediately for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve Corned Beef Burgers with Irish Cheddar Cheese

Garnishes

Bring even more personality to your burgers with easy garnishes! A few slices of crisp dill pickle, a scatter of chives, or a little extra cracked black pepper on top of the cheese really elevate the finished burger. For an extra Irish-American touch, tuck in a leaf of butter lettuce or a ring of sweet red onion right under the patty.

Side Dishes

Classic potato wedges or thick-cut oven fries are always crowd-pleasers alongside Corned Beef Burgers with Irish Cheddar Cheese. If you want to keep things fresh, a vinegary slaw or a mustardy potato salad makes a bright, tangy contrast to the savory burger. For a pub-style experience, serve these with crispy onion rings and a crisp pint of your favorite Irish lager.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful presentation, serve mini sliders for party platters or assemble an over-the-top “Reuben Burger” board with different mustards, cheeses, and pickled veggies. You could even top each burger with a tiny Irish flag for festive flair at your next St. Patrick’s Day gathering. Building a burger bar? Provide different breads, cheeses, and extras so everyone can customize their own ultimate Corned Beef Burgers with Irish Cheddar Cheese.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover patties (yay, next-day lunch!), let them cool to room temperature, then wrap tightly or place in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results, store buns, toppings, and sauces separately and assemble just before serving so everything stays fresh.

Freezing

Corned Beef Burgers with Irish Cheddar Cheese are perfect for make-ahead prep. You can freeze uncooked patties by layering them between sheets of parchment and sealing them in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling. If freezing cooked patties, wrap them well and use within two months for best flavor. Avoid freezing with toppings already added, since the fresh elements like lettuce and sauerkraut are best enjoyed crisp.

Reheating

To reheat, place the burgers in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water to help retain moisture. You can also use the microwave in short bursts, but for the best taste and texture, a gentle reheat on the stovetop will give you a burger that’s close to freshly made. Always add cheese and fresh toppings after reheating for melty, delicious results!

FAQs

Can I use only ground corned beef for the patties?

While you technically can, blending ground corned beef with regular ground beef delivers the juiciest texture and the right amount of fat. Using all corned beef can make the patties a bit dense and salty, so the mix is highly recommended for Corned Beef Burgers with Irish Cheddar Cheese.

What if I can’t find Irish cheddar cheese?

If Irish cheddar isn’t available, choose another extra-sharp cheddar or a creamy Swiss. The distinct tang and smooth melt of Irish cheddar are ideal for this burger, but any flavorful, good-melting cheese will still taste amazing with the savory corned beef.

Can I make these burgers in advance?

Absolutely! Prepare the patties a day ahead and keep them wrapped in the fridge until it’s time to grill. You can even shape and freeze them for up to two months, just thaw before cooking. This makes Corned Beef Burgers with Irish Cheddar Cheese a fantastic option for parties or busy weeknights.

What sauces go well with these burgers?

Thousand Island dressing is classic, but you could swap in Russian dressing, spicy mustard, or even a horseradish cream for a zesty twist. Set out a few options and let everyone customize their own Corned Beef Burgers with Irish Cheddar Cheese!

Are there gluten-free options?

Of course! Simply use gluten-free hamburger buns (or sturdy lettuce wraps as a bun alternative), and be sure your dressing and mustard are gluten-free. The patties themselves contain no gluten, so you can confidently serve these Corned Beef Burgers with Irish Cheddar Cheese to gluten-free friends.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something new for your burger nights, Corned Beef Burgers with Irish Cheddar Cheese are destined to become a top-requested favorite. Their savory, melty, tangy magic is pure comfort with plenty of personality. Give them a try and prepare for happy smiles all around your table!

Corned Beef Burgers with Irish Cheddar Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Corned Beef Burgers with Irish Cheddar Cheese are a delicious twist on the classic burger, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any time you’re craving a hearty meal. Juicy ground corned beef and beef patties are seasoned with Dijon mustard and black pepper, grilled to perfection, topped with melty Irish cheddar cheese, and served on toasted buns with sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Burger Patties:

1 pound ground corned beef
1/2 pound ground beef (80/20)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Serving:

4 slices Irish cheddar cheese
4 hamburger buns
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup sauerkraut, drained
4 tablespoons Thousand Island dressing
Lettuce leaves (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Burger Patties: In a large bowl, combine the ground corned beef, ground beef, Dijon mustard, and black pepper. Gently mix until just combined. Form into 4 patties, about 3/4-inch thick.
Cook the Patties: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 4–5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. In the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of Irish cheddar cheese and cover to melt.
Toast the Buns: Spread butter on the cut sides of the hamburger buns and toast lightly on the grill or in a skillet.
Assemble the Burgers: Place lettuce leaves on the bottom bun (if using), top with a cooked patty, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing. Add the top bun and serve immediately.