Description
Experience the rich, savory flavors of a classic French onion soup transformed into a gourmet burger. This recipe features caramelized onions cooked slowly to bring out their natural sweetness, juicy beef patties seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, melted Gruyère cheese, and toasted buttery buns with a hint of garlic and thyme. Perfect for a comforting meal that elevates the traditional burger to new heights.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramelized Onions
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced (sweet or yellow onions)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, optional)
Burgers
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Buns and Topping
- 4 sturdy hamburger buns
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- Additional butter for toasting the buns
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sugar. Cook the onions slowly for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, until they become soft, deeply browned, and caramelized. If the pan gets too dry or the onions start sticking, deglaze by adding beef broth while scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Burger Patties: In a mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper without overworking the meat to keep it tender. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty. Press a slight indentation into the center of each patty to ensure even cooking and prevent puffing up during grilling or pan-frying.
- Cook the Patties: Heat a grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of Gruyère or Swiss cheese on each patty and cover loosely with a lid to melt the cheese evenly.
- Toast the Buns: Mix the minced garlic with softened butter if using, and spread this mixture onto the cut sides of the hamburger buns. Toast the buns in a separate pan or on the grill until they turn golden brown and develop a crisp texture.
- Assemble the Burgers: Place each cheesy beef patty onto the toasted bottom halves of the buns. Top generously with the caramelized onions and sprinkle with fresh or dried thyme if desired. Finish by placing the top halves of the buns over the toppings and serve immediately for a perfect gourmet French onion soup burger experience.
Notes
- You can substitute yellow onions with sweet onions for a milder caramelized flavor.
- Using an 80/20 ground beef blend ensures juiciness and flavor in the patties.
- Beef broth used for deglazing adds extra depth and moisture to the caramelized onions.
- Consider using a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution while caramelizing onions and cooking patties.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute beef patties with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth.
- Adding thyme enhances the classic French onion flavor, but it can be omitted if unavailable.
