Description
Double Cheeseburger with Caramelized Onions
Ingredients:
For the Burger:
1 lb ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat for juiciness)
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 slices cheddar cheese
2 soft hamburger buns
For the Caramelized Onions:
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
Salt, to taste
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for faster caramelization)
For Assembly:
Mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard (optional)
Pickles (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Caramelized Onions:
Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 20-30 minutes until they become soft and golden brown. Optionally, add a teaspoon of sugar to speed up the caramelization process.
Set aside.
2. Make the Burger Patties:
Form the ground beef into 4 equal patties. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat.
Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness, adding a slice of cheese on top of each patty in the last minute of cooking to melt.
3. Toast the Buns:
While the patties are cooking, toast the burger buns until golden brown on a separate skillet or in the oven.
4. Assemble the Burger:
Spread mayonnaise (or your preferred sauce) on the bottom bun.
Place one cheeseburger patty on top of the bun.
Add a few spoonfuls of caramelized onions on top of the cheese.
Add the second cheeseburger patty on top of the onions.
Top with more caramelized onions and place the top bun to finish the sandwich.
5. Serve:
Serve immediately with your favorite sides like fries or pickles for the perfect indulgent meal!
This double cheeseburger is full of savory flavors and makes a satisfying treat for any burger lover!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for a foolproof double cheeseburger. First, slice your onions thinly and uniformly to ensure even caramelization. In your skillet, melt the butter or heat the oil over medium-low heat. Add onions and salt, stirring to coat. Cook slowly, stirring every 5-7 minutes, for a full 25-30 minutes until deeply golden and jammy. If using, add sugar after 15 minutes. While onions cook, divide the beef into four equal portions and gently form into patties slightly wider than your buns, as they will shrink. Create a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent puffing. Season patties liberally just before cooking. Preheat your skillet or grill to medium-high. Cook patties undisturbed for 4 minutes, flip, and cook for 3 more minutes. Add cheese slices, then cover the skillet or close the grill lid for the final minute to melt. Toast buns in a dry pan until golden.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty burger stands up to classic and creative sides. Serve with a mound of crispy French fries or sweet potato fries. For a lighter option, pair with a simple green salad or tangy coleslaw. To elevate the meal, offer gourmet dipping sauces like garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, or a smoky barbecue sauce on the side. A cold craft beer, milkshake, or classic cola are perfect beverage pairings.
How-to Summary
To summarize: thinly slice and slowly caramelize onions with salt (and optional sugar) for 25-30 minutes. Form 1 lb of 80/20 beef into four dimpled patties and season. Cook patties over medium-high heat for 4 minutes per side, adding cheese to melt in the last minute. Toast buns. Assemble with sauce, patty, onions, second patty, more onions, and top bun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the caramelized onions ahead of time? Absolutely. They can be refrigerated for up to 5 days and reheated gently, making them a great meal-prep component.
What’s the best way to prevent my burger from being dry? Use 80/20 ground beef for fat content, avoid overworking the meat when forming patties, and do not press down on them while cooking.
Can I cook these on an outdoor grill? Yes. Ensure your grill grates are hot and clean. For the onions, use a cast-iron skillet on the grill grates to control the low, slow heat needed.
How do I know when the burgers are done? For medium doneness (recommended), the internal temperature should read 160°F (71°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
What are good cheese substitutes for cheddar? American cheese melts beautifully, while Swiss, pepper jack, or Gruyère offer distinct flavor profiles that pair well with the sweet onions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Rushing the Onions: Cooking onions over too high a heat will burn them before they caramelize. Patience is key.
- Over-handling the Meat: Compacting the beef when forming patties leads to a tough, dense texture. Handle gently.
- Seasoning Too Early: Salting the ground beef mixture long before cooking draws out moisture, resulting in a drier patty. Season just before they hit the pan.
- Constantly Flipping Patties: Flip your burgers only once to develop a proper crust and ensure even cooking.
Conclusion
Mastering this double cheeseburger with caramelized onions is about honoring simple techniques: slow-cooking onions to sweetness, handling beef with care, and assembling with balance. The result is a deeply satisfying, restaurant-quality burger that celebrates the harmony of savory, cheesy, and sweet flavors. Perfect for a special weekend meal or impressing guests, this recipe proves that attention to detail transforms classic comfort food into an extraordinary experience.