Description
Savory Caramelized Onion and Cheese Burgers bring classic American comfort directly to your plate with rich, melted flavors. Juicy beef patties topped with sweet caramelized onions and melting cheese create a mouthwatering experience that satisfies deep hunger and culinary cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 4 to 8 ounces Swiss or Provolone cheese
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
- 4 to 6 tablespoons Lipton Onion Soup Mix
- 1 pinch thyme
- 1 tablespoon brandy or Sherry (optional)
Cooking Components:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 0.75 cup water (adjust as needed)
- 2.5 tablespoons butter
- Butter or oil for brushing buns
Instructions
- Gently blend ground beef with onion soup mix in a mixing bowl, allowing the flavors to meld for approximately 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Heat of butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add thinly sliced onions and fresh thyme leaves, stirring occasionally and adding of water to prevent burning.
- Cover the skillet and cook onions for 10-12 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Remove the lid and continue cooking, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Gradually caramelize onions, adding small amounts of water as needed to prevent scorching. Once golden brown and deeply flavorful, deglaze the pan with a splash of brandy or sherry, scraping up any browned bits.
- Divide the seasoned ground beef into 4 equal portions, gently forming loose patties. Create a slight indentation in the center of each patty to ensure even cooking and prevent bulging.
- Preheat a grill or heavy skillet to medium-high heat. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side, aiming for a internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- During the final 2 minutes of cooking, top each burger with a generous handful of caramelized onions and of cheese.
- Lightly butter or brush burger buns with olive oil, then toast until golden brown.
- Assemble burgers by layering the cheese-topped patty on the toasted bun, adding extra caramelized onions and preferred condiments or toppings.
Notes
- Make this burger a weekend project, prepping components in advance for stress-free cooking.
- Caramelizing onions requires patience, transforming them from sharp to deeply sweet and rich.
- Customize cheese choices like sharp cheddar, creamy Swiss, or tangy blue cheese for unique flavor profiles.
- Letting ground beef rest with onion soup mix allows seasonings to penetrate meat deeply, enhancing overall taste.
- Freezing patties briefly before cooking helps them maintain shape and prevents excessive shrinkage during grilling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg