Derby Burger Challenge

The Kentucky Derby Festival and the Kentucky Beef Council and Kroger, along with Official Seasoning: Dan-O’s Seasoning, and Official Greens: 80 Acres Farms, are looking for the the 2025 ‘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 and greens and/or herbs from 80 Acres Farms in the recipe. The burger recipes are judged based on Taste, Appearance, Creativity and Ease of Preparation.

2025 marks the 13th year for the ‘Derby Burger’ Showdown!

Congrats to the 2025 Derby Burger Champion!

Congratulations to Ira Mowman of Louisville, winner of the 2025 Derby Burger Challenge, sponsored 80 Acres Farms, 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 Winner Will Receive:

  • One 2025 Official Kentucky Derby Festival Poster
  • $100 gift certificate to Kroger
  • Featured inside Louisville Kroger stores, including the recipe ingredients and recipe card
  • A grilling prize pack from the Kentucky Beef Council including a Grill!
  • A prize package from Dan-O’s seasoning
  • 80 Acres Farm Swag Pack
  • A Kentucky Derby Festival Prize Package, including 2 VIP tickets to the Thunder Over Louisville VIP Party AND Republic Bank BourbonVille
  • Your recipe will be promoted on Kentucky Derby Festival and Kentucky Beef Council websites and social media channels

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