French Onion Soup Burgers

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🧅 French Onion Soup Burgers

🍔 Servings:

4 burgers

⏲️ Time:

• Prep: 15 minutes

• Cook: 40 minutes

• Total: ~55 minutes

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✨ Ingredients:

For the Caramelized Onions:

• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp sugar

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or dry white wine (optional, for deglazing)

• ½ cup beef broth (to mimic French onion soup flavor)

For the Burger Patties:

• 1½ lbs (680g) ground beef (80/20 for juicy burgers)

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)

• ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)

For Assembly:

• 4 brioche or sturdy burger buns, toasted

• 4 slices of Gruyère cheese (Swiss or provolone are good substitutes)

• Dijon mustard (optional spread)

• Mayo or garlic aioli (optional)

• Fresh arugula or baby spinach (optional for freshness)

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🔥 Instructions:

1. Caramelize the Onions (most important step)

Caramelizing onions takes time but is worth it.

• In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.

• Add the sliced onions, salt, and sugar. Stir to coat.

• Cook, stirring occasionally, for 25–30 minutes until deep golden brown. Don’t rush.

• Add thyme and stir.

• Deglaze with balsamic vinegar or wine if using, then add beef broth.

• Let it simmer until the liquid reduces and the onions are jammy and flavorful (~5 more minutes).

• Set aside.

🧅 Tip: You can make these ahead and store in the fridge for 2–3 days.

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2. Make the Burger Patties

• In a bowl, mix ground beef with Worcestershire, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Don’t overmix.

• Form into 4 equal patties slightly larger than your buns (they’ll shrink).

• Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb (to prevent puffing during cooking).

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3. Cook the Burgers

• Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil if pan-frying.

• Cook burgers ~3–4 minutes per side for medium, adjusting for doneness preference.

• In the last minute of cooking, add a generous spoonful of caramelized onions on top of each patty, then cover with a slice of Gruyère.

• Cover the pan or close the grill lid to melt the cheese.

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4. Toast the Buns

• Lightly butter the inside of the buns and toast on a pan or grill until golden.

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5. Assemble the Burgers

• Optional spread: Spread Dijon mustard or aioli on bottom buns.

• Add the onion-topped cheesy patty.

• Top with a few greens if using.

• Place the top bun and serve hot.

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🍷 Suggested Pairing:

Serve with a glass of red wine (Pinot Noir or Merlot) or a cold, malty beer like a brown ale. For sides: crispy fries or a light arugula salad.

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🔁 Variations:

• French Dip Burger: Add a small bowl of beef au jus for dipping.

• Mushroom-Onion: Add sautéed mushrooms to the onion mix.

• Vegetarian Version: Use a veggie patty and vegetable broth.

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Let me know if you want this as a printable version or tailored for meal prep!