French Onion Burgers are a tasty twist on your regular burger! These juicy patties are topped with rich, caramelized onions and gooey melted cheese for a burst of flavor in every bite.
Who doesn’t love a burger that feels fancy? It’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds! I enjoy serving them with crispy fries—they’re perfect for a fun dinner night with friends.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using 80% lean beef gives a good balance of flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken work well too, as long as you add a little extra seasoning.
Onions: Large yellow onions are the best choice for caramelizing, providing great sweetness. If you’re looking for a unique twist, you could use sweet onions like Vidalia or even shallots for a milder flavor.
Butter and Olive Oil: Using both gives a rich flavor, but if you’re dairy-free, try using all olive oil or even avocado oil. Coconut oil can also add a unique taste.
Beef Broth: If you don’t have beef broth, vegetable broth is a good substitute, or make it richer by adding a splash of soy sauce for depth. Homemade broth is always great if you have some on hand!
Swiss Cheese: While Swiss is classic, Gruyère adds a nutty flavor. If you’re looking for non-dairy options, there are good vegan cheeses available that melt well.
Brioche Buns: These are soft and slightly sweet, but you can use any burger bun. Whole wheat or gluten-free buns can work as healthy alternatives.
How Do I Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions is a key step and requires patience. The low and slow cooking method is what brings out their natural sweetness. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your skillet to medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil.
- Add the onions and stir to coat evenly. It’s all about getting them covered in that good fat!
- Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Lower the heat if they start browning too quickly.
- Once they are soft and golden brown, add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, cooking for another 5-10 minutes.
This process is what makes your French onion burgers truly special, so take your time for best results. Plus, you can make extra onions to use in other dishes or just for snacking!
How to Make French Onion Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese (or Gruyère)
- 4 brioche burger buns
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh thyme for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20-25 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend 15-20 minutes caramelizing the onions and about 10 minutes cooking the burgers. Perfect for a quick, tasty meal any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Onions:
First, grab a large skillet and heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the sliced onions. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and caramelized. This should take about 15-20 minutes. If the onions start to brown too quickly, don’t worry—just lower the heat a bit.
2. Add Liquid:
Now it’s time to add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 5-10 minutes. This will allow the liquid to reduce slightly and the onions to soak up all that delicious flavor. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to your liking. Once done, take the skillet off the heat and set it aside.
3. Shape the Patties:
While your onions are cooking, you can prepare the burger patties. Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and mold each portion into a burger patty. To help them cook evenly, make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb. This will prevent them from puffing up during cooking.
4. Cook the Burgers:
In a separate skillet or grill, cook your patties over medium-high heat. Let them cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your preferred level of doneness (for medium, aim for an internal temperature of 160°F).
5. Add Cheese:
In the last minute of cooking, add a slice of cheese on top of each patty to melt. This is where the magic happens—cheesy goodness!
6. Toast the Buns:
While the cheese is melting, lightly toast the brioche buns. You can do this on the grill or in a toaster until they are a lovely golden brown. This adds a nice crunch to your burger!
7. Assemble the Burgers:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Place a cheese-covered burger patty on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top it generously with the caramelized onions, then place the top half of the bun on it. Look at that deliciousness!
8. Serve:
Lastly, feel free to garnish your burger with fresh thyme if you like. Serve them up with your favorite sides, and enjoy your delicious French Onion Burgers!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that turkey might need a little more seasoning, as it tends to be milder in flavor. You can add a pinch of garlic powder or even some extra Worcestershire sauce to enhance the taste.
What if I Don’t Have Brioche Buns?
No problem! You can use any sturdy burger buns, like whole wheat, pretzel, or even a gluten-free option if needed. Just make sure they can hold up to the juicy burger and toppings without falling apart!
How to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover burgers and caramelized onions in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the burgers in a skillet or microwave, and warm the onions gently on the stovetop to bring back their flavor before serving.
Can I Make the Caramelized Onions Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Caramelized onions can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat them in a skillet with a splash of beef broth or water to refresh the flavors when you’re ready to assemble your burgers.
