These French Onion Burgers are a tasty twist on a classic! They are juicy beef patties topped with rich, caramelized onions and gooey cheese—yum!
Trust me, when you take a bite, you’ll feel like you’ve hit the burger jackpot! I love serving mine with crispy fries for an ultimate meal combo. 🍟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 blend for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives.
Onions: Large yellow onions are ideal for that sweet, rich flavor when caramelized. If you like a little more bite, mix in some red onions for a colorful twist.
Gruyère Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and adds a nutty flavor. If Gruyère isn’t available, Swiss cheese is a good substitute or try provolone for a different taste.
Beef Broth: It’s used for enhancing the flavor of onions. If you’re vegetarian, vegetable broth works just as well and keeps the dish flavorful.
Burger Buns: Brioche buns are soft and buttery, but if you want a lighter option, whole wheat or even lettuce wraps can be a great choice.
How Can I Get My Onions Perfectly Caramelized?
Caramelizing onions is an art that requires a bit of patience. The key is cooking them low and slow to draw out their natural sweetness. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Cook for 30-40 minutes until they’re golden brown; if they stick, splash in some beef broth.
- At the end, mix in thyme for added flavor, and remove from heat.
Trust me, the sweetness of those onions will elevate your burgers to a whole new level!
How to Make Delicious French Onion Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp thyme (fresh or dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- 4 burger buns (preferably brioche or thick-cut)
- Optional: Worcestershire sauce for added flavor
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 40 minutes for cooking the onions and patties, totaling about 50 minutes. You’ll enjoy every moment spent making these flavorful burgers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
Start with a large skillet on medium heat. Melt the butter and add the olive oil. Toss in the sliced onions along with a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally and let them cook slowly for about 30-40 minutes until they’re golden brown and caramelized. If they begin to stick, add a splash of beef broth. Just before finishing, sprinkle in the thyme and cook for an extra minute. Then, remove the skillet from heat and set the onions aside.
2. Prepare the Burger Patties:
While the onions are caramelizing, take the ground beef and divide it into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty, making a small indentation in the center to help them cook evenly without puffing up. Season both sides of each patty with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if you like an extra flavor boost.
3. Cook the Burgers:
Heat a large skillet or grill to medium-high heat. Cook the burger patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side for a nice medium-rare. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of Gruyère cheese on each patty and cover them for a moment to allow the cheese to melt beautifully.
4. Toast the Buns:
While the burgers are cooking, you can toast your buns. In a separate pan or on the grill, lightly toast the burger buns until they are golden brown. This will add a nice crunch to your burger!
5. Assemble the Burgers:
Now it’s time to put everything together! On the bottom half of each toasted bun, lay down a delicious burger patty with melted cheese. Top it off with a generous scoop of the caramelized onions. Then, place the top half of the bun on each burger to finish.
6. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a lovely garnish. Serve your French onion burgers warm, alongside your favorite sides like fries or a fresh salad. Enjoy every bite of this scrumptious creation!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Just keep in mind that they tend to be drier than beef, so you might want to add a little extra fat, like olive oil or an egg, to help retain moisture and flavor.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make these burgers dairy-free, simply substitute the Gruyère cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or skip the cheese altogether. You can also top the burgers with avocado for creaminess!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover burgers and caramelized onions separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the burgers in a skillet over medium heat and reheat the onions in a separate pan until heated through. Toast fresh buns if desired!
Can I Prepare the Onions in Advance?
Yes! Caramelized onions can be made ahead of time. Simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat in a skillet with a bit of butter or oil before assembling your burgers for the best flavor.
