These French Onion Burgers are a tasty twist on your regular burger. Juicy beef patties topped with gooey melted cheese and sweet caramelized onions make this meal a real treat!
It’s hard to resist that combination—just one bite and you’ll be hooked! I love making these with a side of crispy fries for the perfect dinner. You’ll be dreaming about them later! 😋
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 blend for juicy burgers. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider ground turkey or chicken, but remember they can dry out easily!
Onions: For the best flavor, use sweet yellow or white onions. If you want a milder taste, go for shallots. They also caramelize beautifully!
Beef Broth: If you don’t have beef broth, low-sodium chicken broth works too. For a vegetarian version, vegetable broth pairs nicely, but the flavor will vary.
Cheese: Provolone gives a great melt, but Gruyère offers a stronger, nutty flavor. You can also use Swiss cheese for a mild alternative.
Burger Buns: Brioche buns are my favorite because they are soft and slightly sweet, but you can use whole wheat or gluten-free buns to suit your needs.
How Do You Perfectly Caramelize Onions?
Caramelizing onions is crucial for that rich flavor in your burger. Here’s how to do it right!
- Start with a skillet on medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt until it foams.
- Throw in the sliced onions, stirring occasionally. Be patient—this process can take around 10-15 minutes.
- For deeper flavor, reduce the heat a bit if the onions start browning too quickly.
- Once they’re golden, add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Pro-tip: If you want extra sweetness, add a pinch of sugar while cooking! It’ll enhance the caramelization.
How to Make French Onion Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 4 burger buns (preferably brioche for sweetness)
For the Onion Mixture:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 4 slices provolone cheese (or Gruyère cheese for a stronger flavor)
- Optional: Caramelized onions for topping
- Optional: French onion soup seasoning (if desired)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious French onion burger recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes caramelizing the onions, and another 15 minutes making and cooking the burgers. Ready, set, cook!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Onions:
Start by melting the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add your sliced onions. Stir the onions frequently and cook them for about 10-15 minutes or until they turn soft and golden brown. This process will give your burgers that delicious caramelized flavor!
2. Add Flavor:
Once your onions are perfectly caramelized, it’s time to add some flavor! Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let everything cook together for another 5 minutes until the broth reduces a little. After that, remove the skillet from heat and set it aside.
3. Form Patties:
While the onions are cooking, take the ground beef and divide it into four equal portions. Shape those portions into burger patties and don’t forget to season both sides with a bit of salt and pepper. This step is key for yummy flavor!
4. Cook the Patties:
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, place your burger patties on it. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness. Keep an eye on them!
5. Add Cheese:
In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of provolone cheese on each burger patty. Cover the burgers with a lid or some aluminum foil to help the cheese melt beautifully.
6. Assemble the Burgers:
While your cheese is melting, toast the burger buns either on the grill or in a toaster. Take the bottom half of each bun and place a cheese-covered burger patty on it. Add a generous scoop of the caramelized onion mixture on top and then finish with the other half of the bun.
7. Serve:
Your French onion burgers are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them immediately, and if you like, add extra caramelized onions or a drizzle of French onion soup seasoning on top for that extra burst of flavor. Bon appétit!
Can I Use a Different Type of Ground Meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even pork if you prefer. Just keep in mind that leaner meats may become dry, so consider adding a bit of oil or adapting the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
How Do I Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover burgers and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge. They will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm the patties on a skillet or in the microwave until heated through, and then add fresh cheese if desired!
What If I Don’t Have Provolone Cheese?
No problem! Gruyère is a great alternative if you want a stronger flavor, but other cheeses like Swiss, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar will work well too. Just choose based on your taste preference!
Can I Make the Caramelized Onions in Advance?
Yes! Caramelized onions can be made ahead of time. Simply cook them as directed, let them cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat them gently in the skillet before topping your burgers for the best flavor.
