Beef, Bourbon, Bacon And Blue Burgers

2013 Winning Derby Burger Challenge Recipe

Created by Bill Keyer, Louisville, KY

Beef, Bourbon, Bacon and Blue Burgers

Makes 4 servings

1-1/2 pounds ground chuck
2 tablespoons steak sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon herbs de Provence
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons Kentucky bourbon whiskey
Crumbled blue cheese
4 large sesame hamburger buns, split, toasted
4 slices thick-cut bacon, cut in half, cooked crisp

1. Combine ground beef, steak sauce, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Lightly shape into four 3/4-inch thick patties. Sprinkle evenly with herbs de Provence.

2. Melt butter in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion, cook until lightly caramelized stirring occasionally. Stir in bourbon; continue cooking about 5 minutes or until almost evaporated.

3. Meanwhile, place patties on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 11 to 15 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 13 to 14 minutes) until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160°F, turning occasionally. During last two minutes of grilling, top each burger with blue cheese, as desired.

4. Place 1 burger on bottom of each bun. Evenly top with onions and bacon. Close sandwiches.

Cook’s Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness.