French Onion Burgers bring together juicy beef patties and rich, caramelized onion goodness. Topped with melted cheese, they’re like a warm hug in burger form!
Just imagine biting into that cheesy, oniony delight! I can’t help but smile every time I make these. Serve them with fries, and you’re all set for a cozy meal. 🍔❤️
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for its rich flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can work, but they may be drier. Adding a bit of oil can help keep them moist.
Onion: A large yellow onion is ideal for caramelization due to its sweetness. If you want a sharper taste, red onions can be used, but they’ll have a different flavor profile.
Gruyère Cheese: This cheese adds wonderful flavor, but if you can’t find Gruyère, Swiss cheese is also great. I love mixing in some cheddar for extra sharpness, too!
Burger Buns: Brioche buns are soft and slightly sweet, making them perfect for these burgers. You can swap them for whole wheat or even gluten-free buns if needed. Just make sure they can hold the toppings!
Beef Broth: If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth or vegetable broth can be good substitutes. They won’t match the flavor exactly, but they still work well in the caramelized onion mix.
How Do You Get Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions is one of the key steps to getting that delightful flavor in your French Onion Burgers. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a medium skillet and add butter and olive oil. This combination helps with flavor and prevents sticking.
- Add the sliced onions and season with a pinch of salt. This helps draw out moisture.
- Cook the onions on medium heat, stirring occasionally. You want them to be soft and golden brown, which takes about 20-25 minutes.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce and beef broth to the caramelized onions. Stir well and let it simmer for another 5 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Remember to be patient! The longer and slower you cook the onions, the sweeter they become. Enjoy the wonderful aroma while you cook!
How to Make French Onion Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 4 slices Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- 4 burger buns (brioche buns recommended)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
For Garnish:
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30-35 minutes in total: about 25-30 minutes for cooking and caramelizing the onions, and 5-10 minutes for cooking the burgers and assembling. It’s a delicious meal that’s worth every minute!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Caramelized Onions:
In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced onions. Sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper. Cook while stirring occasionally until the onions are a beautiful golden brown and caramelized, which should take about 20-25 minutes. Once they’re caramelized, stir in the Worcestershire sauce and beef broth, then let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes. After that, remove the skillet from the heat and set the onions aside.
2. Form the Patties:
While your onions are cooking, take the ground beef and shape it into four equal patties. Make sure to season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper so they have great flavor.
3. Cook the Patties:
In a separate skillet or your grill, cook the prepared burger patties over medium-high heat. Aim for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they’re cooked to your liking. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of Gruyère cheese on each patty and let it melt—yum!
4. Toast the Buns:
While the burgers are cooking, slice your burger buns in half and toast them lightly in the same skillet or on the grill until they turn a nice golden brown. This adds a perfect crunch to your burger!
5. Assemble the Burgers:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Take the bottom half of each toasted bun and place a cheesy burger patty on top. Then, load on those delicious caramelized onions. Finally, add the top half of the bun to complete each burger.
6. Serve:
If you’d like, you can garnish your burgers with some fresh thyme leaves for an extra touch of flavor. Serve them right away with your favorite side dishes, and enjoy your mouth-watering French Onion Burgers!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Yes, you can swap ground beef for ground turkey. Just be aware that turkey can be dryer than beef, so consider adding a bit of olive oil or moisten it with a splash of broth to keep your burgers juicy.
How Should I Store Leftover Burgers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the burger and caramelized onions in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but the skillet will help keep the burger’s texture better.
Can I Make the Caramelized Onions Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can caramelize the onions up to 2 days in advance. Just let them cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat them gently before assembling your burgers to enhance the flavor.
What Type of Cheese Can I Use Instead of Gruyère?
If you can’t find Gruyère, Swiss cheese works well as a substitute. Other options include provolone or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to slice it thin enough to melt easily!
