Description
Classic Cheeseburger with Caramelized Onions
Ingredients:
For the Burger Patties:
1 lb (450g) ground beef (80% lean)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
For the Caramelized Onions:
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
For Assembly:
4 sesame seed burger buns
4 slices cheddar cheese
Optional: lettuce, tomato, and condiments of choice
Instructions:
Prepare the Caramelized Onions
Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until the onions are soft, golden, and caramelized. Reduce heat if they brown too quickly. Set aside.
Form the Burger Patties
In a bowl, mix the ground beef, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until just combined. Divide into 4 equal portions and shape into patties slightly larger than the buns. Make a small indent in the center of each patty to prevent puffing during cooking.
Cook the Burgers
Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium doneness, or to your preferred level. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and cover to let the cheese melt.
Toast the Buns
Lightly toast the burger buns on the grill or in a skillet until golden.
Assemble the Burgers
Place the cooked burger patty on the bottom half of the bun. Top with a generous portion of caramelized onions. Add lettuce, tomato, or your favorite condiments if desired. Finish with the top bun.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve these juicy, cheesy burgers immediately with your favorite sides like fries or a salad.
This Classic Cheeseburger with Caramelized Onions is the ultimate comfort food, with perfectly seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and sweet, golden onions. A crowd-pleaser every time!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a foolproof result. First, start the onions, as they take the longest. While they cook, prepare your patties. Mix the beef and seasonings gently with your hands to avoid overworking the meat. Shape the patties and create the center indent. Once the onions are done, remove them and increase the heat for the patties. Cook the burgers without pressing down on them, which squeezes out juices. Add the cheese and cover at the precise moment. Toast the buns in the residual fat for extra flavor just before assembly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these gourmet burgers immediately with classic sides like crispy french fries, sweet potato fries, or a tangy coleslaw. For a lighter option, pair with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette. Elevate the meal with a cold craft beer, a milkshake, or an iced tea. For a fun twist, set up a condiment bar with options like garlic aioli, spicy barbecue sauce, pickles, and different cheese varieties.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Caramelize sliced onions with butter, oil, sugar, and salt for 20-25 minutes. Gently form seasoned beef into four indented patties. Cook patties over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, adding cheese at the last minute. Toast the buns. Assemble by placing the patty on the bottom bun, topping with caramelized onions and your chosen extras.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of onion for caramelizing?
Yes. Yellow onions are standard, but sweet onions (like Vidalia) caramelize beautifully with less sugar. Red onions will work but will have a slightly different flavor profile.
How do I know when the burger is cooked to my liking?
Use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F; medium is 140-145°F; medium-well is 150-155°F. Always let the patty rest for a minute after cooking.
Can I prepare the caramelized onions ahead of time?
Absolutely. They can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before using.
What’s the purpose of the indent in the patty?
As beef contracts during cooking, the center of the patty can puff up. The indent helps the finished burger stay flat and even, making it easier to assemble and eat.
My onions are burning instead of caramelizing. What went wrong?
The heat is likely too high. Caramelization is a slow, gentle process. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add a tablespoon of water to the pan to deglaze and slow things down if needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-mixing the beef: This makes patties tough and dense. Mix until just combined.
- Constantly flipping the burger: Flip only once to achieve a proper sear and prevent drying out.
- Using lean ground beef: The 80/20 blend is ideal. Leaner meat results in a dry, less flavorful burger.
- Rushing the onions: High heat will burn the sugars. Low and slow is the key to perfect caramelization.
- Skipping the bun toast: Toasting adds texture and prevents the bun from becoming soggy from the juicy patty.
Conclusion
Mastering this Classic Cheeseburger with Caramelized Onions is about honoring simple techniques: patience with the onions, a gentle hand with the beef, and proper heat management. The result is a restaurant-quality burger that is deeply satisfying and reliably impressive. The sweet, savory, and cheesy components create a perfect harmony in every bite. Once you follow this guide, this burger will become a cherished staple in your home-cooking repertoire.