Beef Burger Caramelized Onions (Printable)
Juicy beef patty topped with sweet golden onions, crisp lettuce, and melted cheese on a toasted bun.
# What You'll Need:
→ Caramelized Onions
01 - 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/2 teaspoon sugar
06 - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
→ Beef Patties
07 - 1.3 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
08 - 1 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
10 - 4 slices cheddar cheese
→ Assembly
11 - 4 burger buns, split
12 - 4 leaves crisp lettuce
13 - 2 tomatoes, sliced
14 - 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
15 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
16 - Pickles (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Melt butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions, salt, and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes until onions are soft and golden brown. Stir in balsamic vinegar if desired, then remove from heat and set aside.
02 - Form ground beef into four equal patties, approximately 3/4 inch thick. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
03 - Preheat a grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Cook patties for 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium doneness. Place a slice of cheddar on each patty during the last minute to melt.
04 - Lightly toast the split burger buns on the grill or in a toaster until golden.
05 - Spread mayonnaise and Dijon mustard on the bottom half of each bun. Layer with lettuce, tomato slices, cooked patty with melted cheese, caramelized onions, and pickles if desired. Cover with the top half of the bun.
06 - Serve immediately with preferred side dishes.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The caramelized onions transform from sharp and pungent to pure sweetness—it's like discovering a secret flavor that was hiding in plain sight the whole time
- That crispy-edged, juicy-centered burger with melted cheese is the kind of comfort food that makes everyone at the table genuinely happy
- It's simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough that people think you've done something special
02 -
- Don't press down on your burgers with a spatula while they cook—I learned this the hard way when I flattened out all the juices and ended up with a dry, sad puck. Let them be, and they'll reward you with moisture and tenderness.
- The real magic happens when you don't skip the caramelizing step. Yes, it takes time, but those onions are where the depth of flavor lives. They're worth every minute.
03 -
- Toast your buns with just a tiny brush of soft butter—it prevents sogginess and adds richness without being heavy-handed.
- If you're using fresh ground beef from a butcher, ask them to keep it cold and to handle it minimally—the less it's worked, the more tender your burgers will be.