Derby Burger® Challenge

SUBMIT YOUR RECIPE

The Kentucky Derby Festival and Dan-O’s Seasoning (the Official Seasoning of the Kentucky Derby Festival), the Kentucky Beef Council and Kroger are looking for the the 2026 ‘Derby Burger’ Champion!

Participation is open to all chefs – from the home kitchen to restaurants. Entrants are encouraged to use a creative burger name, description and photo as part of their submission. All burgers must be 100 percent beef and include Dan-O’s seasoning in the recipe. The burger recipes are judged based on Taste, Appearance, Creativity and Ease of Preparation.

2026 marks the 14th year for the ‘Derby Burger’ Showdown!

Here’s How it Works:

From Now through February 7, you’ll submit your best beef burger recipes at the link above. Make sure you include a photo or a video – you’ll want voters to have a good visual of your delicious burger!

We’ll choose 8 preliminary finalists for a public vote that we’ll host right here on our website.  (Be on the lookout for reminders on the Festival’s Facebook page and other social channels!)

The top four Derby Burger Recipes with the most votes will move on to a final Cook-Off  in March where they will make samples of their burgers for a live tasting by the four judges.

The winning burger will be selected by the judges based on Flavor, Creativity, Appearance, and Ease of Preparation.

Louisville area Kroger stores will feature the winning recipe. The winning burger will be showcased on Derby Festival and Kentucky Beef Council’s websites and social channels.

Download the Official Rules HERE for 2026!

 

Stay tuned for details about the 2026 Derby Burger Champion and winning Burger this Spring!

 

Meet the 2025 Derby Burger Champion!

Congratulations to Ira Mowman of Louisville, winner of the 2025 Derby Burger Challenge, sponsored Dan-O’s Seasoning, Kentucky Beef Council and Kroger.

The third time was the charm for Ira, who was also a finalist in the 2023 and 2024 competitions.

Ira’s Kentucky Fiesta Cheese Burger is stacked with Kentucky Cattlemen’s Ground Beef, pico, avocado spread, chihuahua cheese, romaine blend, Dan-O’s chipotle seasoning, rosemary and sea salt.

The Derby Kentucky Fiesta Cheese Burger (K.F.C.B)

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 pound Kentucky Cattlemen’s Ground Beef
  • 2 teaspoons Dan-O’s Chipotle Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Rosemary
  • 4 tablespoons Pico de Gallo
  • 4 tablespoons Avocado Spread
  • 2 ounces Chihuahua Cheese
  • 1/2 cup 80 Acres Farms – Romaine Calm Blend
  • 2 Sesame Seed Buns

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Combine ground beef with Dan-O’s, salt and rosemary, and form circular patties.
  2. Cook beef to desired temperature (USDA recommends at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit for safety).
  3. Just before removing from heat, top burger with Chihuahua Cheese and allow it to melt.
  4. Assemble burger.
  5. Spread Avocado Spread on the bottom bun, followed by the cooked patty, then top with the Pico and Romaine Calm blend. Spread more Avocado Spread if desired, and then place the bun on top.
  6. Enjoy!

*Makes 2 servings

Kentucky Cattlemen’s Ground Beef is a fresh, natural (no artificial ingredients, minimally processed) product sourced from Kentucky farm families who share a commitment to animal care and the environment.

From farm to table, we support Kentucky cattlemen and local businesses to provide the Bluegrass with a delicious ground beef product.
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When you buy Kentucky Cattlemen’s Ground Beef you can feel confident in purchasing a great tasting product while supporting local Kentucky communities.

 

Need Inspiration? CLICK HERE to see Past Winning Recipes.

Derby Burger Challenge