LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Heat up those grills, the Kentucky Derby Festival (KDF) is looking for its next "Derby Burger" champion!

On Friday, KDF announced "grill master and burger enthusiasts are invited to submit their best and beefiest burger recipes" starting Nov. 24 through Jan. 31, 2026.

In its 14th year, the Derby Burger competition is sponsored by Dan-O's Seasoning, the Kentucky Beef Council and Kroger.

The competition is open to chefs of all experience levels, and those participating are asked to submit a creative name for their creation, a description and photo.

Officials said the only requirements are that the burgers use 100 percent Kentucky Cattlemen's Ground Beef and include Dan-O's Seasoning in the recipe.

Burger recipes are judged on taste, appearance, creativity, and ease of

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