Introduction
Cooking a delicious homemade burger is a wonderful way to enjoy a classic meal with family and friends. This recipe combines the rich flavors of sautéed sweet onions with perfectly cooked ground beef and melted American cheese, all nestled between toasted hamburger buns. Whether it’s for a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout, these burgers are sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
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: Approximately 45 minutes
Yield: 4 burgers
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preparing 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 the onions are tender, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Browning the Onions
Reduce the heat to medium-low, remove the lid, and continue to cook until the 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: Forming the Patties
Divide the ground beef into 4 equal-sized portions and gently shape each into a 4½-inch wide, ½-inch thick patty. Sprinkle both sides of the patties with the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt and the black pepper. Refrigerate the patties for 15-30 minutes.
Step 4: Preparing the Buns
Spread 2 tablespoons of softened butter onto the cut side of each top bun; set aside.
Step 5: Cooking the Patties
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the patties in the skillet and cook without moving them for 3 minutes. Flip the patties and cook for 1 minute. Top each burger with a slice of American cheese and continue to cook until the cheese is melted, about 30 seconds longer.
Step 6: Assembling the Burgers
Transfer the burgers to the bottom buns. Divide the cooked onions among the burgers and cover with the buttered top buns. Serve immediately.
Notes
Tip for Tender Onions
To ensure the onions become tender and flavorful, make sure to use a medium heat and keep them covered initially.
Tip for Juicy Patties
Chilling the patties before cooking helps them retain their shape and juiciness while cooking.
Alternative Cheese Options
Feel free to use other types of cheese if you prefer a different flavor, such as cheddar or provolone.
Serving Suggestions
These burgers pair well with classic side dishes like French fries or a fresh garden salad.
Cook techniques
Sautéing Onions
Melt butter in a skillet and cook onions with a little water and salt until tender. Covering the skillet helps to steam the onions, making them soft. Continue cooking uncovered to achieve a caramelized flavor.
Shaping Patties
Divide ground beef into equal portions and gently form each into a patty without overworking the meat. This maintains the tenderness of the burgers.
Seasoning
Sprinkle the patties with kosher salt and black pepper on both sides before cooking. This enhances the flavor of the meat.
Cooking Patties
Cook the patties in a hot skillet without moving them for a nice sear. Flipping only once helps to keep them juicy. Add cheese towards the end of cooking to melt perfectly.
Butter Toasting Buns
Spread softened butter on the cut sides of buns before toasting. This adds flavor and helps achieve a golden, crispy texture.
Constructing the Burger
Layer the bottom bun with the cooked patty and onions, then top with the buttered bun. This keeps the burger moist and flavorful until served.
FAQ
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the amount of salt you add to the patties and onions since unsalted butter contains no salt.
How can I make my burger patties more flavorful?
You can add garlic powder, onion powder, or even Worcestershire sauce to the ground beef before shaping the patties for extra flavor.
What can I substitute for American cheese?
Cheddar, Swiss, or provolone cheese can be used as alternatives. Just ensure they melt well.
Can I prepare the patties ahead of time?
Yes, you can shape the patties and refrigerate them for up to 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them hold their shape while cooking.
How do I know when the burgers are done?
Use a meat thermometer; ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safety.
Conclusion
This recipe for juicy hamburgers topped with sweet, caramelized onions and melted American cheese is a classic that is sure to please. The combination of flavors, combined with the buttery toasted buns, creates a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them fresh off the skillet for a delicious burger experience!
Barbecue Bacon Cheeseburger
Add crispy bacon strips and your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor that complements the beef and cheese nicely.
Spicy Jalapeño Burger
Incorporate sliced jalapeños or a spicy pepper jack cheese to elevate the heat, creating an exciting twist on the classic recipe.
Mushroom Swiss Burger
Sauté mushrooms in butter until golden, then pile them on top of the burger, along with Swiss cheese for a rich, umami flavor.
Italian Herb Burger
Mix Italian herbs such as oregano and basil into the beef patties and top with marinara sauce and mozzarella for an Italian-inspired dish.
Blue Cheese and Caramelized Onion Burger
Replace American cheese with crumbled blue cheese and add extra caramelized onions for a gourmet take on the classic burger.
Guacamole Burger
Top your burger with a generous scoop of guacamole and fresh cilantro for a refreshing and creamy addition.
Veggie Burger Option
Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based burger patty and add the same toppings for a delicious meat-free alternative.
Loaded Breakfast Burger
Add a fried egg, crispy hash browns, and a drizzle of hot sauce for a hearty breakfast-inspired burger option.
