Introduction
Delve into the delicious world of homemade burgers with this easy-to-follow recipe that promises mouthwatering flavors and a satisfying meal. Perfect for a summer cookout or a cozy night in, these classic cheeseburgers topped with sweet sautéed onions are sure to impress family and friends alike.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
12 tablespoons salted butter, softened and divided (1¼ sticks)
1 medium sweet onion, chopped
1 tablespoon water
¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1 pound 90% lean ground beef
¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
4 hamburger buns, toasted
4 slices American cheese
Prep Time
15-30 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25-40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Instructions
1. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, water, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Cover and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
2. Reduce the heat to medium-low and remove the lid. Continue to cook until onions are translucent and just beginning to brown, about 3 more minutes. Transfer the onions to a plate, divide into 4 equal portions, and set aside.
3. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal-sized portions and gently shape each into a 4½x½-inch patty. Sprinkle both sides of the patties with the remaining salt and the black pepper. Refrigerate the patties for 15-30 minutes.
4. Spread each bun top with 2 tablespoons of the softened butter; set aside.
5. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet used for the onions until it begins to smoke. Use a spatula to transfer the patties to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes without moving them.
6. Flip the patties and cook for 1 more minute. Place 1 slice of American cheese over each patty and continue to cook until the cheese is melted, about 20-30 seconds more.
7. Transfer the patties to the bun bottoms and place ¼ of the sautéed onions on each patty. Top each with the buttered bun tops and serve immediately.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, water, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Cover and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Onions
Reduce the heat to medium-low and remove the lid. Continue to cook until onions are translucent and just beginning to brown, about 3 more minutes. Transfer the onions to a plate, divide into 4 equal portions, and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Patties
Divide the ground beef into 4 equal-sized portions and gently shape each into a 4½x½-inch patty. Sprinkle both sides of the patties with the remaining salt and the black pepper. Refrigerate the patties for 15-30 minutes.
Step 4: Butter the Buns
Spread each bun top with 2 tablespoons of the softened butter; set aside.
Step 5: Cook the Patties
Heat 1-2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet used for the onions until it begins to smoke. Use a spatula to transfer the patties to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes without moving them.
Step 6: Add Cheese
Flip the patties and cook for 1 more minute. Place 1 slice of American cheese over each patty and continue to cook until the cheese is melted, about 20-30 seconds more.
Step 7: Assemble the Burgers
Transfer the patties to the bun bottoms and place ¼ of the sautéed onions on each patty. Top each with the buttered bun tops and serve immediately.
Notes
Note 1:
Ensure the butter is softened for easier spreading on the buns.
Note 2:
Refrigerating the patties helps them maintain their shape while cooking.
Note 3:
Cook the patties to your desired level of doneness, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
Cook techniques
Sautéing Onions
Melt butter in a skillet and cook chopped onions with water and salt until tender. Cover for the initial cooking to steam the onions, then uncover to allow browning.
Shaping Patties
Divide ground beef into equal portions and gently shape into patties. Ensure they are even in size for uniform cooking and seasoning.
Chilling Patties
Refrigerate shaped patties before cooking. This helps them maintain their shape and improve their texture during cooking.
Toasting Buns
Spread softened butter on the top of hamburger buns before toasting. This ensures a golden-brown exterior and adds flavor.
Cooking Beef Patties
Cook the beef patties in a hot skillet without moving them to develop a crust. Flip and add cheese to melt over the patties.
Assembling Burgers
Layer the cooked patties with sautéed onions and buttered buns. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
FAQ
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just adjust the salt according to your taste.
How can I tell if the onions are properly cooked?
Onions should be tender, translucent, and lightly browned after cooking.
Why refrigerate the patties?
Refrigerating the patties helps them hold their shape and results in a better texture when cooked.
What if I don’t have American cheese?
You can substitute with other cheeses like cheddar or Swiss, but adjust melting time as needed.
Can I prepare the onions in advance?
Yes, sautéed onions can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for later use.
How do I prevent the patties from sticking to the skillet?
Ensure the skillet is hot and well-greased with butter before adding the patties. This helps prevent sticking.
Conclusion
The savory combination of sautéed onions, juicy ground beef patties, and melted American cheese on toasted buns creates a deliciously satisfying burger. This recipe showcases simple yet flavorful ingredients that elevate the classic hamburger experience, making it perfect for any mealtime or gathering.
Cheesy Bacon Burger
Add crispy bacon strips to the patties before topping them with cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
BBQ Onion Burger
Mix a tablespoon of barbecue sauce into the ground beef before shaping the patties. Add a slice of cheddar cheese and top with barbecue sauce instead of sautéed onions.
Mushroom Swiss Burger
Sauté mushrooms with the onions and substitute Swiss cheese for a different twist on this classic burger.
Spicy Jalapeño Burger
Incorporate diced jalapeños into the ground beef and use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
Greek Burger
Season the ground beef with oregano and garlic, then top with feta cheese, cucumber slices, and tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean flair.
Caprese Burger
Top the patty with fresh basil, mozzarella cheese, and slices of tomato, drizzled with balsamic glaze for a fresh, Italian-inspired burger.
