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French Onion Burger Recipe with Caramelized Onions

French Onion Burger with Caramelized Onions

Juicy beef burgers are topped with melted Gruyère, rich caramelized onions, and a simple Dijon-Worcestershire mayonnaise on toasted buns.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Caramelized Onions
  • 2 large, about 1 1/2 pounds total Large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Granulated sugar, optional
  • 1/2 cup Beef stock, dry sherry, or dry white wine
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme leaves
Burgers
  • 1 1/2 pounds Ground beef, preferably 80/20
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder, optional
  • 4 slices, about 3-4 ounces total Gruyère or Swiss cheese
  • 4 buns, preferably brioche or sturdy sesame Hamburger buns
  • 1 tablespoon Butter or oil for toasting
Optional Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 pinch Black pepper

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Thinly slice the onions evenly. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the onions, kosher salt, and black pepper.
  2. Cook the onions for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Reduce the heat to medium-low or low and continue cooking for 25-40 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until deep golden brown and jammy.
  3. Add the sugar only if the onions are not browning readily, then stir in the thyme. Pour in the stock, sherry, or wine, scrape up the browned bits, and cook for 2-4 minutes until nearly all the liquid evaporates.
  4. Gently mix the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, black pepper, and optional garlic powder. Form four patties slightly wider than the buns and press a shallow indentation into the center of each.
  5. Toast the cut sides of the buns in a lightly buttered skillet or griddle until golden. Stir together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and pinch of pepper if making the optional sauce.
  6. Cook the patties in a hot skillet, grill pan, or grill for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium, or until they reach your desired doneness. Add Gruyère during the final 1-2 minutes and cover briefly to melt it.
  7. Spread the sauce over the toasted buns, then add a cheese-topped patty and a generous portion of warm caramelized onions to each burger. Serve immediately.

Notes

Cook the onions slowly and lower the heat if they stick or brown too quickly; add a tablespoon of water or stock if needed. Keep the meat cold and handle it gently for tender patties. Store leftover onions separately in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.