Guinness BBQ Burgers: Juicy, Charred, and Glazed With Guinness Stout BBQ Sauce

Guinness BBQ Burgers are the perfect blend of backyard classic and pub-style indulgence — thick, juicy patties glazed in a rich, malty Guinness barbecue sauce that hits all the sweet, smoky, and roasty notes.

This is a burger that doesn’t just pair with a stout — it cooks with it, so every bite carries the full flavor of the pour.

Ingredients (Makes 4 burgers)

For the Patties

• 1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Optional: ¼ cup spent grain or breadcrumbs for extra texture
• Optional: 2 tbsp Guinness for added moisture

For the Guinness BBQ Sauce

• ¾ cup Guinness stout (Draught or Extra Stout)
• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp molasses
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp chili powder or cayenne (optional for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly

• 4 toasted burger buns (try pretzel or spent grain buns)
• Sliced sharp cheddar or smoked gouda
• Crispy onions, pickles, arugula, or coleslaw
• Extra Guinness BBQ sauce for drizzling

Instructions

Make the BBQ Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine all sauce ingredients.
2. Bring to a simmer and cook 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and glossy.
3. Set aside and cool slightly (sauce will thicken more as it sits).

Make the Burgers

1. Mix beef with seasoning and optional spent grain or Guinness. Shape into 4 patties and press a slight dimple in the center of each.
2. Grill or pan-sear over medium-high heat, 4–5 minutes per side for medium.
3. During the last 2 minutes, brush with Guinness BBQ sauce and top with cheese to melt.
4. Toast buns lightly while burgers finish cooking.

Assemble

1. Spread sauce on buns.
2. Layer patty, toppings, and more sauce.
3. Serve hot, stacked, and dripping with flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with beer-battered onion rings, sweet potato fries, or slaw
• Make it a Guinness Burger Board with mini patties and slider buns
• Add crispy bacon, stout caramelized onions, or jalapeños for extra punch
• Serve with a flight of stouts or dark ales

Storage

• Leftover patties and sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Sauce freezes well — make a double batch and keep some for ribs or grilled chicken
• Reheat patties gently in a skillet with a splash of beef broth or stout

Beer Pairing

In the Sauce

• Guinness Draught or Extra Stout
• Any dry stout or smooth porter with roasted coffee/chocolate notes

In Your Glass

• The same Guinness used in the sauce
• Irish red ale for a sweeter malt contrast
• Smoked beer (rauchbier) with bacon and cheddar toppings
• Vanilla porter or coffee cream ale if you go big on caramelized onions

Final Thoughts

Guinness BBQ Burgers are dark, juicy, and full of beer-soaked boldness — a burger built for fire, foam, and flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight grill or a game-day centerpiece, this is how stout meets smoke in burger form.

Cheers to toasted buns, sticky sauce, and Guinness in every bite! 🍔🍺🔥

🍺 Alternatives to Guinness

No Guinness? No problem. These stouts and porters bring similar depth — and sometimes even more character — to your kitchen.

While Guinness is the go-to for beer-based cooking, you’ve got plenty of bold, flavorful alternatives that work just as well — and in some cases, even better — depending on the dish. If you’re looking to experiment or just need a stand-in, here are three of the best:

1. Samuel Smith’s Organic Chocolate Stout

Flavor profile: Roasty, sweet, velvety

Best used in:

• Brownies
• Chocolate layer cakes
• Dessert sauces
• Braised short ribs

This one’s a dessert powerhouse — the chocolate is prominent but balanced, and the mouthfeel adds richness to both sweet and savory dishes.

2. Murphy’s Irish Stout

Flavor profile: Smooth, creamy, with a softer roast than Guinness

Best used in:

• Irish stew
• Beer bread
• Onion gravy
• Cream-based sauces

It’s the closest stylistic match to Guinness — just lighter and slightly less bitter. A great pick for traditional Irish recipes or dishes where you don’t want the beer to dominate.

3. Founders Breakfast Stout

Flavor profile: Deep roast, coffee, dark chocolate

Best used in:

• Ice cream or affogato
• Tiramisu
• Chocolate cake batters
• Braised beef or short ribs

These are bolder than Guinness — darker, heavier, and more intense. Perfect when you want the beer to be felt in the flavor, not just as a background note.

Pro tip: If you’re using these in recipes that were designed for Guinness, reduce just a touch more to concentrate the flavor — these alternatives tend to bring slightly more body and richness to the pan or batter.

Explore Our Top Cooking-with-Beer Recipes 🍺 🍺

From crispy beer-battered classics to bold mains, cheesy dips, breads, and even desserts — these roundups bring together the best of beer-infused cooking. Whether you’re hosting a game day, planning a backyard BBQ, or just experimenting in the kitchen, there’s a beer recipe collection for every craving.

• 🍽️ Cooking with Beer (Main Hub) – Your ultimate guide to cooking with beer, from mains to apps and desserts.
• 🥨 Beer-Battered Appetizers and Sides – – Crispy onion rings, fried pickles, mushrooms, zucchini, & more pub-style favorites with a golden beer crunch.
• 🍞 Beer Bread Recipes – From 2-ingredient quick breads to jalapeño cheese loaves.
• 🧀 Beer Cheese & Dips – Beer cheese soup, queso, nachos, ranch dip & more.
• 🍖 Beer Can Chicken & Grilled Mains – Bold, juicy recipes straight from the grill.
• 🌶️ Beer Infused Chili’s – Hearty, bold, and slow-simmered beer-infused chili.
• 🍻 Beer Mac & Cheese – Creamy, quick& easy, made to impress.
• 🍰 Beer-Infused Desserts & Sweets – Sweet treats made better with beer.
• 🎉 Oktoberfest & Seasonal Ideas – Perfect pairings for parties, fall feasts, and festive gatherings.