Introduction:
These Savory Caramelized Onion and Cheese Burgers are a flavor-packed twist on the classic burger. Juicy beef patties are topped with sweet, rich caramelized onions and melty cheese, creating a mouthwatering combination. Whether grilled or pan-seared, these burgers are perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to weekend cookouts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Rich and savory: Caramelized onions add a sweet, deep flavor that pairs beautifully with the beef and cheese.
- Customizable: Choose your favorite cheese and toppings to make the burger your own.
- Perfect for cookouts: A great recipe for grilling season, but also easy to make indoors.
Ingredients:
For the Burgers:
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices of cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or your favorite)
- 4 hamburger buns
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
- Salt to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayonnaise, mustard, or any favorite burger toppings.
Instructions:
- Caramelize the Onions:
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 25-30 minutes, until the onions are soft and golden brown. If they start to stick, reduce the heat and add a splash of water.
- Once caramelized, stir in balsamic vinegar (optional) and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Beef Patties:
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form the beef mixture into 4 equal patties, pressing a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up while cooking.
- Cook the Burgers:
- Preheat a grill or large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
- During the last minute of cooking, add a slice of cheese to each patty, allowing it to melt.
- Assemble the Burgers:
- Toast the hamburger buns lightly on the grill or in a toaster if desired.
- Place the cooked burger patties on the bottom buns, top with a generous spoonful of caramelized onions, and add any other desired toppings.
- Finish with the top bun and serve immediately.
Tips for Success:
- Onions: Be patient when caramelizing onions. Low and slow cooking will bring out their natural sweetness.
- Cheese Choice: Use a cheese that melts well, like cheddar, Swiss, or Gouda, to complement the savory flavors.
- Patties: Make sure not to overwork the beef when forming patties to keep them tender.
Recipe Variations:
- Mushroom Lovers: Add sautéed mushrooms along with the caramelized onions for extra umami.
- Blue Cheese: Swap the cheese for blue cheese to create a more intense, tangy flavor.
- Bacon-Onion Burgers: Top the burgers with crispy bacon in addition to the caramelized onions for an indulgent treat.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with crispy fries, a side salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
- Serve with cold beverages like beer, lemonade, or iced tea to balance the rich flavors.
Freezing and Storage:
- Storage: Store any leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze uncooked burger patties by placing parchment paper between them and storing them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat cooked patties in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for about 1 minute, adding cheese toward the end.
Special Equipment:
- Grill or Skillet: Either option works well for cooking these burgers.
- Spatula: For flipping the burgers and pressing down lightly on the patties.
FAQ:
- Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef? Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used, but they may cook faster. Be sure to cook thoroughly to 165°F (75°C).
- Can I make the caramelized onions ahead of time? Absolutely! Caramelized onions can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat before serving.
Preparation Time:
- 10 minutes for prepping the ingredients and patties.
Cook Time:
- 30 minutes for caramelizing onions and cooking the burgers.
Total Time:
- 40 minutes (including prep and cook time).
Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 4 servings):
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 7g
Savory Caramelized Onion and Cheese Burgers
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
Scale
For the Burgers:
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices of cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or your favorite)
- 4 hamburger buns
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
- Salt to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayonnaise, mustard, or any favorite burger toppings.
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions:
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 25-30 minutes, until the onions are soft and golden brown. If they start to stick, reduce the heat and add a splash of water.
- Once caramelized, stir in balsamic vinegar (optional) and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Beef Patties:
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form the beef mixture into 4 equal patties, pressing a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up while cooking.
- Cook the Burgers:
- Preheat a grill or large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
- During the last minute of cooking, add a slice of cheese to each patty, allowing it to melt.
- Assemble the Burgers:
- Toast the hamburger buns lightly on the grill or in a toaster if desired.
- Place the cooked burger patties on the bottom buns, top with a generous spoonful of caramelized onions, and add any other desired toppings.
- Finish with the top bun and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Fat: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 35g
Closing Notes:
Tried these Savory Caramelized Onion and Cheese Burgers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! Don’t forget to tag us on social media with your burger creations, and check back for more delicious recipes.
