These Easy French Onion Burgers are a real treat! Juicy beef patties topped with sweet caramelized onions and gooey melted cheese, all on a soft bun—yum!
When I make these, I can hardly wait to take a big bite! They’re perfect for dinner or a casual get-together. Plus, who can resist that melty cheese? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is best for juicy burgers, but you can swap it for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer something leaner. Just remember that these options may be slightly drier, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Onions: Yellow onions are ideal for caramelizing due to their sweetness. If you prefer a bit of bite, try red onions. Shallots also work well for a milder flavor.
Cheese: Swiss and Gruyère bring great flavor, but feel free to use cheddar or provolone as tasty alternatives. Mixing different cheeses can also add depth to your burgers.
Brioche Buns: These buns are soft and slightly sweet, enhancing the burger experience. If you can’t find brioche, any soft hamburger bun or even pretzel buns can be a delightful option!
How Can I Get Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions takes some patience, but it’s worth the wait! Here are steps to ensure they come out wonderfully sweet and golden:
- Heat your skillet on medium-low heat to avoid burning. Add butter and let it melt.
- Stir in sliced onions and sprinkle with sugar. Sugar helps speed up the caramelization process.
- Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 25-30 minutes, until they become soft and brown.
- If they stick, adding a splash of beef broth is a great way to loosen them up and add flavor.
Remember, low and slow is the key here—don’t rush this step for the best taste!
Easy French Onion Burgers with Melty Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices Swiss or Gruyère cheese
- 4 brioche burger buns
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 35-40 minutes total. You’ll spend around 30 minutes caramelizing the onions and cooking the patties, plus a few minutes for assembling your delicious burgers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the thinly sliced onions and sprinkle the sugar on top. Cook them slowly, stirring occasionally for about 25-30 minutes. You want them to become golden brown and sweet. If they start sticking to the pan, add a splash of beef broth to help deglaze and keep them from burning!
2. Add Beef Broth:
Once your onions are beautifully caramelized, pour in the beef broth and let it simmer for a few minutes. This will help bring out even more flavor and make the onions glossy. After most of the liquid has evaporated, remove them from the heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Patties:
While your onions are caramelizing, divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty that’s slightly larger than your buns. Don’t forget to season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides!
4. Cook the Patties:
In another large skillet or grill pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side for a medium burger. You can cook them longer if you like them well done.
5. Melt the Cheese:
During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty. Cover the pan briefly to help the cheese melt perfectly.
6. Toast the Buns:
While the cheese is melting, lightly toast the brioche buns in another pan or under the broiler until they are golden brown.
7. Assemble the Burgers:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Start by spreading some of the caramelized onions on the bottom bun. Then, add the cheesy beef patty on top, followed by another generous layer of those delicious caramelized onions. Finally, place the top bun on your burger.
8. Extra Flavor:
If you have any remaining pan sauce or extra beef broth reduction, feel free to drizzle a bit over your burger for even more flavor!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if you like, and serve your French Onion Burgers warm. Enjoy every juicy, melty bite of this delicious twist on a classic burger!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Swiss and Gruyère are classic choices, you can also use cheddar, provolone, or even a blend for added flavor. Just choose a cheese that melts well!
What If I Can’t Find Brioche Buns?
No problem! You can use any type of soft hamburger bun, like potato rolls or whole wheat buns. Pretzel buns are a delicious alternative if you’re looking for something different!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on a skillet until heated through. You may want to add a little fresh cheese on top when reheating for that melty goodness!
Can I Make the Onions Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can caramelize the onions in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat them in a skillet before assembling your burgers for the best flavor!
