Beef Burger Caramelized Onions (Printable version)

Juicy beef patty topped with caramelized onions and Swiss cheese on a toasted bun.

# What you need:

→ For the Burgers

01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
02 - 1 tsp kosher salt
03 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
04 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

→ For the Caramelized Onions

05 - 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
06 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter
07 - 1 tbsp olive oil
08 - 1/2 tsp salt
09 - 1/2 tsp sugar
10 - 2 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional)

→ For Assembly

11 - 4 slices Swiss cheese
12 - 4 brioche or hamburger buns, split
13 - 2 tbsp mayonnaise (optional)
14 - Lettuce leaves
15 - Sliced tomato
16 - Sliced pickles

# How to make it:

01 - Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions, salt, and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are deeply golden and caramelized, about 15-18 minutes. Stir in balsamic vinegar if using, cook 1 minute more, then set aside.
02 - While onions cook, gently mix ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Form into 4 equal patties, about 3/4 inch thick. Press a slight indentation in the center of each patty.
03 - Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side for medium doneness. Top each with a slice of Swiss cheese during the last minute of cooking; cover to melt.
04 - Toast buns cut side down until golden.
05 - Spread mayonnaise on bottom buns (if using). Add lettuce, tomato, a beef patty with melted Swiss, caramelized onions, and pickles. Top with upper buns and serve immediately.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • The caramelized onions add a sweetness that perfectly balances the rich beef
  • Melting Swiss over the patties creates an incredibly creamy, savory bite
  • These burgers feel restaurant fancy but come together in under 45 minutes
02 -
  • Do not press down on the patties while cooking or you will lose all those precious juices
  • Let the meat come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before forming patties for even cooking
03 -
  • Make the onions a day ahead and refrigerate, then gently reheat before assembling
  • Toast the buns on the grill for extra smoky flavor that complements the beef

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