Introduction
Elevate your burger game with a delectable combination of flavors and textures. This recipe features succulent beef mince topped with savory smoked bacon, earthy chestnut mushrooms, and a creamy cheese sauce. It’s perfect for a hearty lunch or a cozy dinner, guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
3 chestnut mushrooms
125g higher-welfare beef mince
2 rashers of higher-welfare smoked streaky bacon
1 soft bun
2 heaped teaspoons soured cream
1 gherkin
25g Cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
8 minutes
Total Time
18 minutes
Yield
Serves 1
Method
1. Trim the stalk and base off each mushroom, creating a cross-section.
2. Place the mushrooms cut side down in a large dry non-stick frying pan over high heat. Cook for 5 minutes.
3. While the mushrooms cook, work the mince with your hands, divide into two equal balls, flatten each to just under ½ cm thick, and press a rasher of bacon onto each one.
4. Turn the mushrooms, add the burgers to the pan bacon side down, season with salt and pepper, and fry for 2 minutes, pressing down to crisp the bacon. Flip and fry for 1 minute on the other side.
5. Place the mushrooms on top of the burgers, halve the bun, and toast it in the pan.
6. Spread soured cream on the bun base, stack the burgers and mushrooms, and add sliced gherkin.
7. Off the heat, grate the cheese into the pan, pour Worcestershire sauce over it, tilt the pan, and stir vigorously for 30 seconds until combined.
8. Pour the rarebit mixture over the burger stack, place the bun lid on top, and serve.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms
Trim the stalk and base off each of the 3 chestnut mushrooms, creating a cross-section.
Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms
Place the mushrooms cut side down in a large dry non-stick frying pan over high heat. Cook for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Beef Mince
While the mushrooms cook, work the 125g higher-welfare beef mince with your hands. Divide it into two equal balls and flatten each to just under ½ cm thick. Press a rasher of 2 higher-welfare smoked streaky bacon onto each beef patty.
Step 4: Fry the Burgers
Turn the mushrooms, then add the bacon-topped burgers to the pan bacon side down. Season with salt and pepper, and fry for 2 minutes, pressing down to crisp the bacon. Flip the burgers and fry for 1 minute on the other side.
Step 5: Assemble the Burgers
Place the cooked mushrooms on top of the burgers. Halve the soft bun and toast it in the pan.
Step 6: Add Toppings
Spread 2 heaped teaspoons of soured cream on the bun base. Stack the burgers and mushrooms, then add sliced gherkin.
Step 7: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
Off the heat, grate 25g of Cheddar cheese into the pan. Pour 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce over it, tilt the pan, and stir vigorously for 30 seconds until combined.
Step 8: Final Assembly
Pour the rarebit mixture over the burger stack, then place the bun lid on top. Serve immediately.
Notes
Note 1: Choosing Ingredients
Using higher-welfare meats can enhance the taste and quality of your dish.
Note 2: Cooking Times
Monitor cooking times closely to achieve the desired doneness and prevent burning.
Note 3: Optional Additions
Feel free to add additional toppings such as lettuce, tomato, or other sauces for extra flavor.
Note 4: Serving Suggestions
Serve with chips or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Preparing Mushrooms
Trim the stalk and base off each mushroom, creating a cross-section for better cooking. Cooking them cut side down high heat ensures a nice sear and enhances the flavor.
Handling Beef Mince
Work the higher-welfare beef mince with your hands to achieve the right consistency. Dividing it into equal balls and flattening them ensures even cooking and helps them hold their shape during frying.
Crisping Bacon
Press a rasher of higher-welfare smoked streaky bacon onto each burger. This technique allows the bacon to crisp nicely when cooked, adding flavor and texture to the dish.
Layering Ingredients
After cooking the burgers, stack the mushrooms on top, followed by spreading soured cream on the bun base. This layering technique builds flavor and creates a satisfying texture in each bite.
Making Rarebit Sauce
Grate Cheddar cheese into the pan off the heat, pour Worcestershire sauce over it, and stir vigorously. This creates a rich, cheesy sauce that complements the flavors of the burgers and mushrooms.
Assembling the Burger
Pour the rarebit mixture over the burger stack, then place the bun lid on top. Proper assembly ensures that each ingredient is balanced and flavors are well distributed.
FAQ
Can I use any type of mushroom?
Yes, you can substitute chestnut mushrooms with other varieties like button or portobello, but each will offer a different flavor and texture.
Is it necessary to use higher-welfare meat?
Using higher-welfare meat is encouraged for ethical and quality reasons, but you can substitute with regular beef mince if necessary.
Can I replace soured cream with another condiment?
Yes, you can use alternatives like Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, or even a dairy-free option to suit your preference.
What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
You can use soy sauce or a homemade mixture of vinegar and spices as a substitute for Worcestershire sauce, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
How do I know when the burgers are cooked through?
Ensure the burgers reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F), or you can cut into one to check if there’s no pink meat remaining.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
You can prepare the burger patties and cook the mushrooms ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the burger just before serving to keep the bun and cheese fresh.
Conclusion
This delicious mushroom and beef burger combines rich flavors from higher-welfare ingredients, creating a satisfying and hearty dish. The combination of crispy bacon, melted Cheddar, and a touch of sour cream elevates the burger, making it perfect for a quick meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or quality.
Cheesy Beef and Mushroom Quesadillas
Use similar ingredients to make quesadillas by filling tortillas with cooked beef, sautéed mushrooms, and Cheddar cheese. Grill until crispy and serve with soured cream and gherkin slices on the side.
Bacon and Mushroom Pasta
Sauté chopped mushrooms and bacon, then add cooked pasta and Worcestershire sauce. Toss in grated Cheddar and a dollop of soured cream for a creamy, savory dish.
Stuffed Mushrooms with Beef
Use the mushrooms as cups filled with a mixture of cooked beef, bacon, and Cheddar. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden for a delightful appetizer.
Breakfast Burger
Transform this recipe into a breakfast delight by adding a fried egg on top of the burger stack. Serve with the toasted bun and a side of sautéed mushrooms.
Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders
Make mini versions of the burger using smaller buns and serve with small slices of gherkins for a fun party treat. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
