Welcome to your obligatory, I can’t BELIEVE July starts next week, post!
No seriously, I cannot even freaking believe that July starts next week (see?) While it’s bittersweet saying goodbye to June and the first 1/3 of the summer, it’s not bitter at all bidding adieu to the rain and unpredictable weather it brought our way.
Instead, I’ve got my sights set on fireworks, long walks, grill outs (the propane tank on the grill at our old house ran out in early June and I was too lazy to get a new one. I know.) fireflies, farmers’ markets and, OH YEAH, TURNING 30!! Between moving and preparing for our son’s arrival, I legitimately keep forgetting that I’m turning 30 in just over a week, on July 5th.
Gulp.Â
I’m actually not as freaked out as I thought I’d be, believe it or not, as I’ve come to realize that age is just a number with no control over how you feel on the inside. Did I love my 20s? Hells yes. Am I looking forward to the next decade? Sure. Especially if it means I get to bring a baby into this world and become a Mama. More power to ya’, thirties!
Anyway, seeing as how July 4th IS just next week, I wanted to share a unique and special burger recipe for you to consider adding to your holiday menu –Â Maple Bacon Beer Burgers.
I got this burger recipe from the Iowa Beef Industry Council after visiting a cattle farm last week (and bottle-feeding a calf – seriously, AW!) for Join My Journey. This burger is unique, but more importantly, insanely easy. I feel like there’s less ingredients in here than in a traditional kitchen-sink burger!
Beer, maple syrup, and Worcestershire sauce-spiked patties are grilled then topped with cheese and crisp maple bacon for a not too sweet, but seriously inspired bite. Serve with all the fixins’ ya’ like, or KISS, like I did!
Start by cooking 8 slices Maple Bacon until crisp, any which way you like.
My preferred method is placing a cooling rack atop a foil-lined baking sheet, spraying it well with nonstick spray, then placing the bacon slices on top. Pop into a cold oven, turn the heat to 400 degrees then bake for 15-20 minutes or until supah-crisp, flipping half way through.
Meanwhile, get the burger patties ready.
In a large bowl combine 1lb 90/10 ground beef with 1/4 cup beer, 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, and 1-1/2 Tablespoons maple syrup (not pancake syrup.) The maple flavor in here is really subtle. Definitely not overly sweet.
Crack LOTS of black pepper on top then mix until just combined and shape the meat into 4 patties.
Spray the tops with nonstick spray then pop those babies onto a preheated grill over medium-high heat. Grill for 4-5 minutes on the first side then carefully spray the tops with nonstick spray before flipping and grilling for 3-4 minutes on the other side. When the burgers have 1 minute left, pop a slice of cheddar cheese on top to melt, and lightly grill 4 buns.
Top with the crisp maple bacon, and dig in!
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Maple Bacon Beer Burgers
Description
Maple Bacon Beer Burgers boast a hint of beer and maple. Unique and absolutely mouthwatering!
Ingredients
- 1lb 90/10 ground beef
- 1/4 cup beer
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1-1/2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup)
- lots of pepper
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 8 slices maple bacon, cooked
- 4 buns
Directions
- Mix ground beef, beer, Worcestershire sauce, maple syrup, and pepper together in large bowl until just combined then shape into 4 patties.
- Spray tops of patties with nonstick spray then place sprayed side down on a pre-heated grill over medium-high heat. Grill for 4-5 minutes a side, carefully spraying tops with nonstick spray before flipping. When second side has 1 minute left, add cheese on top then lightly grill buns. Place burgers onto grilled buns then top with cooked bacon.
Notes
Slightly adapted from IA Beef Industry Council.
This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.
These burgers have got some serious panache (always wanted to use that word!) Complex flavor with just a few ingredients. The smell of maple bacon will drive everyone crazy, too – in a good way, of course!
I served my Maple Bacon Beer Burgers with grilled asparagus. Just toss asparagus spears onto a hot grill and roll around for a few minutes until tender. Sometimes I toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper beforehand, but other times not. This time I left ’em plain and simple. Enjoy this meal, friends!
erin @hooleywithaz 06.27.2013
this is such a great summer recipe! maple bacon anything (doughnuts, burgers, pasta) is my fave…
Jan @ Sprouts n Squats 06.27.2013
I’ve already had dinner and those photos make me want to have that for a 2nd dinner now!
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope 06.27.2013
I’m not huge into bacon, but I’m still drooling over this recipe. Summer foods at their finest! LOVE it!
Brandi 06.27.2013
I don’t like beer, but these look amazing and I’m totally trying them soon. I was also pregnant when I turned 30 (my first) and I think all that focus on the baby definitely eases you into the next decade :) Love your blog. Especially as a former IA girl
Marysue 06.27.2013
Ok, first of all, fist-bump-congrats on being a ROCKIN’ KEWL CANCER…Happy (early so I don’t forget) Birthday! Mine is coming up on the 17th! Second, don’t be freaked out about the age thing. I saw a sign once that said, “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were?” That has stuck with me for YEARS, and I’m a forever 26! Third, this burger looks sooooo yummm! And last, (I saved the best for last!) congratulation and blessings on your little man! Names? Due date? :0)
jodea @chillichocolatelove.com 06.27.2013
I’m 33 and can honestly say my thirties have been the best years yet!
Lauren Williams 06.26.2013
I’m sure it is a lot easier going into your 30’s knowing you have a happy lil baby boy awaiting you! I’m definitely looking forward to July because it includes a long much needed family vacation. And I’m hoping July will be much less soggy than June! Burger looks great..Pinned it :)
Beth 06.26.2013
Happy Birthday! Mine is on Monday and reading this reminded me that my drivers license needs to be renewed. Thank you! The burgers sound wonderful. I have a daughter-in-law that is a big stickler about alcohol even though it would cook out. I suppose that I could just not tell her that there’s beer in the burgers, but I’m wondering if you have any suggestions (beyond water) for a substitute?
Heather @ farmgirlgonechicagoan 06.26.2013
We have the same birthday! We are so cool :) I love having a birthday around the 4th. Glad you aren’t freaking out about 30-power to you!
Dream Mom 06.26.2013
Congrats on getting moved. LOVE the new pretty kitchen! And the outdoor kitchen, over the moon. Seriously. So glad you got this house…the outdoor kitchen is perfect for you.
Just made your Maple Pecan Crusted Chicken Salad today-it was very good! Only suggestion is on the recipe, instead of saying to “dunk” it into the pecan panko mixture, perhaps “press” is a better words since it stays on better. Not being nickpicky, cooking just doesn’t come naturally to me, lol, so I need all the help I can.
Turning 30 is exciting…I’ll be 55 on the 8th of July, so to me, 30 sounds great. By the way, 33 was my favorite age.
Danielle 06.26.2013
maybe an odd question, but where did you get the buns?
Iowa Girl Eats 06.26.2013
Dahl’s bakery. I thought the size was just perfect – HyVee’s bakery rolls are a little too big for my tastes!
Sophia @ NY Foodgasm 06.26.2013
Woah!!!! This looks incredible! Beer, bacon and maple in a burger??! AMAZING!
nancy cowan 06.26.2013
Sweet-pea: Congrats on your new home and blessings on all those loving people who helped you with the big move. It is kind of nice to imagine you sitting back and ordering everyone about. Of course, I know that didn’t happen and you worked HARD to unpack stuff. That you made dinner on your outdoor grill/kitchen proves that you are indeed a wonder-woman. Now rest and take care of yourself as you are in for an amazing ride. It is so incredible and wonderful – you just won’t believe it until it happens. Little boy – on the way – happy days ahead! Babies rock the world.
Kristen 06.26.2013
Hy Vee shout-out! Best grocery store ever! Great recipe & love the bacon technique!
Nessa 06.26.2013
I’m pretty sure that this is how they serve burgers in heaven :)
Cristina 06.26.2013
These sound amazing. I wonder how they taste. I generally never add anything into my burgers.. Just salt and pepper the outsides and then go for it with the toppings. I’ll have to give this idea a shot.
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health 06.26.2013
That’s a great attitude to have for your 30’s!
I agree that how you feel is what matters most.
Glad to see your new grill is getting plenty of use!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl 06.26.2013
I am glad to see that you used the BEST beer..Coors Light! ;) Nice choice!
Karina 06.26.2013
These look amazing, thanks for posting!
I am turning 30 the day after you so happy early birthday to us!! :)
Iowa Girl Eats 06.26.2013
Ahh, happy early birthday, Karina! :)
Tieghan 06.26.2013
These are incredible!! Beer + Bacon + Maple! YUMMY!