Juicy French Onion Burgers with Gruyère (Print version)
Beef burgers topped with jammy caramelized onions, melted Gruyère, thyme, and toasted buns for a cozy French onion soup inspired dinner.
# Ingredients:
For the caramelized onions
01 -
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
02 -
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
03 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
04 -
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
05 -
1/2 teaspoon sugar, optional
06 -
1/2 cup (120 ml) beef broth, divided
07 -
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
08 -
1 teaspoon sherry vinegar or balsamic vinegar, optional
For the burgers
09 -
1 1/2 lb (680 g) 80/20 ground beef
10 -
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
11 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
12 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt
13 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
14 -
4 slices Gruyère cheese, about 4 oz (115 g)
15 -
4 brioche hamburger buns
16 -
2 tablespoons softened butter, for toasting buns
17 -
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, optional
18 -
Baby arugula or extra thyme, optional for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, salt, and sugar if using. Cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring often, until deep golden and soft. Add small splashes of beef broth when the pan gets dry. Stir in thyme and vinegar at the end.
02 -
Place the ground beef in a bowl. Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your fingertips just until combined.
03 -
Divide the beef into 4 equal patties, each slightly wider than the buns. Press a shallow dimple into the center of each patty to help it cook flat.
04 -
Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until browned and the center reaches 160°F for ground beef. Do not press down on the patties.
05 -
Top each patty with a spoonful of caramelized onions and a slice of Gruyère. Cover the skillet for 1-2 minutes, or place briefly under a broiler, until the cheese melts.
06 -
Butter the cut sides of the buns and toast until golden. Spread with Dijon if using, add the cheesy onion-topped patties, then finish with arugula or extra thyme. Serve hot.
# Good to know:
01 -
Use 80/20 beef for the juiciest texture.
02 -
Caramelized onions can be made up to 5 days ahead.
03 -
Serve immediately after assembly so the buns stay crisp.