French Onion Burgers bring all the yum of your favorite onion soup right into a juicy burger! Topped with melty cheese and sweet, caramelized onions, they are deliciously filling.
Who knew burgers could be so fancy? I love making these when I want a tasty twist on my usual meal. Serve them with fries, and you’ve got a dinner to impress anyone!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is great for juicy burgers. If you’re looking for healthier options, lean beef (90/10) or ground turkey can work. Just know they may be less juicy.
Onions: Large yellow onions are best for caramelization, bringing out that sweet flavor. If you’re out of yellows, sweet onions like Vidalia can work too.
Cheese: Provolone adds a nice creaminess, but Swiss cheese is also excellent for that classic touch. If you need a dairy-free option, try a plant-based cheese that melts well.
Brioche Buns: These are soft and buttery, perfect for burgers! For a lighter option, whole wheat buns or ciabatta rolls can substitute nicely.
Fresh Thyme: This herb enhances the flavor of the onions and meat. If you don’t have it on hand, feel free to skip it or use dried thyme, but use less as it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions is all about patience and heat. It transforms onions into a sweet, rich topping for your burgers. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with medium-low heat. This allows the onions to soften without burning.
- Add a sprinkle of salt to help draw out moisture, making the onions tender.
- If using sugar, it helps speed up caramelization, giving a deeper flavor.
- Stir frequently; this ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
- Cook for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce at the end to create a rich mixture.
It’s worth taking your time with this step for amazing flavors!
Delicious French Onion Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 4 slices of provolone cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- 4 brioche hamburger buns
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, for caramelization)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
For Garnish:
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 40-45 minutes in total to prepare and cook these burgers. This includes about 25 minutes to caramelize the onions and another 15-20 minutes to cook the patties and assemble everything. Perfect for a tasty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
Start by melting the butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sprinkle them with a pinch of salt and sugar if you like for extra sweetness. Stir often and let them cook for about 20-25 minutes until the onions are soft and a beautiful caramel color. When they’re done, stir in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, letting it simmer for about 5 more minutes. Take it off the heat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Patties:
While your onions are cooking, take the ground beef and divide it into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a burger patty. Don’t forget to season both sides of the patties with a good pinch of salt and pepper to boost the flavor!
3. Cook the Burgers:
Heat up a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, place your burger patties on it. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side for that perfect medium-rare, or longer if you like them more done. In the last minute of cooking, add a slice of cheese on top of each patty and cover it to let the cheese melt beautifully.
4. Toast the Buns:
If you want a little extra flavor, lightly butter your brioche buns and toast them on the grill or in a skillet until they’re golden brown. Yum!
5. Assemble the Burgers:
To put it all together, take the bottom half of each toasted bun and place a cheesy burger patty on top. Spoon on a generous amount of the delicious caramelized onions and broth sauce. Add the top bun to finish it off.
6. Serve:
For a lovely presentation, you can garnish your burgers with fresh thyme if you like. Serve your French Onion Burgers right away and enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef, although it may be a bit drier. To ensure juiciness, consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil or using a slightly higher-fat blend. Just remember to adjust the cooking time, as turkey patties can cook faster than beef.
How Can I Caramelize Onions Faster?
If you’re short on time, increase the heat slightly and add a pinch of baking soda to the onions. This will speed up the caramelization process, but keep an eye on them to prevent burning and stir frequently. Using a larger pan can also help as it allows more surface area for evaporation.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover burgers and toppings separately in airtight containers. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the patties in a skillet over low heat until heated through, and you can reheat the onions in a small saucepan or the microwave.
Can I Make These Burgers On the Grill?
Definitely! Grilling adds amazing flavor. Just preheat your grill and follow the same cooking times for the patties. Make sure to place the cheese on just before removing them from the grill to allow it to melt perfectly.
