Outback Brewed Beef Burgers

Drunken Aussie Beef Burgers: Your Passport to Australian Flavor

Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable culinary journey down under with our spectacular Drunken Aussie Beef Burgers! This isn’t just any burger; it’s an iconic Australian classic reimagined with a boozy, flavorful twist that will leave you craving more. Imagine a thick, juicy beef patty, infused with your favorite beer, perfectly grilled and then loaded with all the quintessential Aussie toppings: crispy bacon, sweet caramelized pineapple, rich melted cheese, crunchy fried onion rings, earthy beetroot, ripe tomatoes, and, of course, a glorious fried egg. Every bite is an explosion of textures and flavors, making this a true masterpiece for burger lovers.

Side view of Drunken Aussie Beef Burgers on plate
A mouth-watering side view of our Drunken Aussie Beef Burgers, perfectly stacked and ready to be devoured.

The secret to these extraordinary burgers lies in the patty itself. We’re taking an Australian staple – beer – and incorporating it directly into the beef mince. Yes, you heard that right! This isn’t just a drink pairing; it’s an essential ingredient that elevates the flavor profile and adds incredible moisture to the beef. For years, the traditional Aussie burger has been a beloved institution, known for its generous toppings and bold flavors. But why stop there when you can enhance the core of the burger with a subtle, malty richness? This simple yet ingenious addition transforms an already delicious burger into something truly special, setting it apart from any ordinary patty you’ve ever tasted.

The “Drunken” Secret: Beer-Infused Patties

Steaming hot burger patties, fresh off the pan, boasting a unique depth of flavor thanks to a splash of your favorite brew. You might be wondering, “Beer in a burger? Have I lost my mind?” Stay with me, because this is where the magic happens! The beer, whether it’s a crisp lager or a malty ale, does more than just add a hint of its distinct taste. It acts as a tenderizer, breaking down the proteins in the meat and ensuring a wonderfully succulent and moist patty. As the burger cooks, the alcohol evaporates, leaving behind a concentrated, nuanced flavor that complements the beef beautifully without being overpowering. It’s a culinary hack that guarantees a juicy, flavorful patty every single time, making each bite incredibly satisfying and truly unique.

Making of beef cutlets for Drunken Aussie Beef Burgers
Crafting the perfect beer-infused beef patties, the heart of our Drunken Aussie Beef Burgers.

The Quintessential Aussie Experience: A Burger on Steroids

There’s a reason the Australian burger is often described as a “burger on steroids.” It’s a symphony of textures and tastes, piled high with an array of vibrant ingredients that define Australian comfort food. This is the one burger I always seek out, no matter where I am, and it forever holds a special place in my heart. The combination of sweet, savory, tangy, and rich elements creates an unparalleled gastronomic adventure. From the tangy sweetness of beetroot to the tropical zest of pineapple, and the savory crunch of bacon, every component plays a vital role in creating a harmonious blend that is distinctly Australian. While such an indulgent creation typically comes with a calorie and fat content enough to scare anyone, I’ve managed to lighten it up just enough to enjoy without guilt, without compromising on the robust flavors that make it so irresistible.

Lightening Up, Not Losing Flavor

My aim was to create a burger that captures all the glorious flavors and satisfying heft of a traditional Aussie burger, but with a slightly healthier twist. I opted for extra lean beef mince for the patties, reducing the overall fat content significantly. Instead of heavy, full-fat cheese, I often reach for a fat-free cheddar, which still delivers that essential melty goodness. For the bacon, using shortcut bacon with the fat removed provides that delicious smoky crispness without the added grease. These mindful substitutions allow you to indulge in this magnificent creation more frequently, savoring every layer of flavor while keeping your health goals in mind. The result is a burger that feels incredibly decadent, yet is surprisingly balanced, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice taste for a healthier meal.

Collage on how to make Drunken Aussie Beef Burgers
A step-by-step visual guide to crafting your very own Drunken Aussie Beef Burgers at home.

Assembling Your Masterpiece: Layers of Love

And ladies and gentlemen, prepare yourselves for the best burger to warm the very shackles of your heart! The magic of the Drunken Aussie Beef Burger truly comes alive in its assembly. Each layer is carefully chosen to contribute to the ultimate flavor and texture experience. Starting with a soft, toasted bun, we build a foundation of fresh rocket or lettuce, followed by sweet, earthy beetroot slices. Then comes the star of the show: your perfectly cooked, beer-infused beef patty, crowned with a slice of melting cheese that cascades over the warm meat. Next, the sweet, caramelized pineapple adds a tropical tang, balanced by the savory crunch of crispy bacon and tender fried onion. Finally, a perfectly fried egg, with its rich, runny yolk (or firm, if that’s your preference), completes the stack, ready to ooze over the other ingredients. A generous drizzle of tomato sauce and an optional dollop of creamy mayonnaise tie all these incredible flavors together, creating a symphony in every bite.

Drunken Aussie Beef Burgers on baking pepper with some fresh herbs in the background
The finished Drunken Aussie Beef Burgers, glistening with flavor and garnished with fresh herbs.

This burger is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s hearty, satisfying, and bursting with flavors that evoke the laid-back, vibrant spirit of Australia. To truly complete the feast, pair it with a generous serving of my creamy homemade Potato Salad – the cool, tangy side provides the perfect contrast to the warm, rich burger. Alternatively, crispy golden fries or a fresh green salad would also make excellent companions. And as for drinks? Serve with — um — extra cold beer, of course, to complement the beer-infused patties and enhance the overall “drunken” theme! Gather your whole entire family, fire up the grill, and enjoy this incredible burger together. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that celebrates good food, good company, and the best of Aussie culinary traditions. Cheers, MATE!

Watch the Magic Unfold: Drunken Aussie Beef Burgers Video

For a complete visual guide to crafting these mouth-watering burgers, be sure to watch our detailed recipe video! You’ll see exactly how to prepare the beer-infused patties, cook each topping to perfection, and assemble your Drunken Aussie Beef Burgers like a pro. From crispy bacon to perfectly fried eggs, the video demonstrates every step, ensuring your homemade burgers are nothing short of spectacular. It’s the perfect companion to the written recipe, helping you bring this iconic dish to life in your own kitchen.

Drunken Aussie Beef Burgers on plate
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5 from 2 votes

Drunken Aussie Beef Burgers

By Karina
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Our iconic Aussie burger gets a drunken make over with a beer spiked juicy beef burger patty, layered with crispy bacon, caramelised pineapple, melted cheese, fried onion rings, sweet beetroot, ripe tomato slices and a fried egg!

Ingredients 

 

  • 1 lb extra lean beef mince
  • 2 cloves garlic crushed
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/3 cup your favourite beer/lager
  • 2 pinches salt and pepper to season
  • 4 medium eggs
  • 4 pieces shortcut bacon fat removed
  • 1/2 medium brown onion thinly sliced
  • 4 slices pineapple canned in natural juice
  • 1 handful rocket/arugula or lettuce
  • 8 slices beetroot
  • 4 slices cheese of choice – I use fat-free Cheddar
  • 1 large tomato sliced and divided
  • 4 medium bread rolls of choice halved
  • 2 teaspoons Tomato sauce
  • 2 teaspoons Mayonnaise optional

Instructions 

  • Combine meat together with the garlic, sauce and lager. Mix well with your hands for about a minute, until the meat has combined with the other ingredients. Divide meat mixture into 4 parts and firmly mould them into round patties about 1-inch thick.
  • Heat a grill pan/skillet on medium-high heat. Sear hamburgers on both sides until golden and cooked to your liking.
  • While the burgers are frying, fry the onion and bacon in a separate pan, until the onion is transparent and fragrant and the bacon is crispy on both sides.
  • Transfer bacon and onion onto a paper towel; wipe pan over; add a drizzle of oil and fry the eggs until cooked to your liking.
  • When the burger patties are done, transfer them onto a warmed plate; wipe pan over with a paper towel; and fry the pineapple rings (about 1 minute each side until caramelised).
  • Build your burgers! Layer the base of each bun with the lettuce/arugula, beetroot slices, burger patties, cheese, pineapple rings, bacon, onion rings, tomato slices and the fried egg. Drizzle with tomato sauce and (optional) mayonnaise; top with remaining bun piece and serve!

Notes

  • Lighten this burger up even more with Lean Ground Turkey Mince!
  • For an extra smoky flavor, consider grilling the pineapple slices instead of frying.
  • Customize your cheese! While cheddar is classic, Swiss or provolone can also be delicious.
  • Don’t forget to toast your burger buns for added texture and to prevent them from getting soggy.
  • The key to a good fried egg for a burger is a slightly runny yolk, but cook to your preference.

Nutrition

Calories: 541kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 263mg | Sodium: 900mg | Potassium: 882mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 1.069IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 335mg | Iron: 6mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this? Leave a comment below!