This French Onion Burger recipe transforms the humble hamburger into a delectable taste sensation!
Hamburgers are an American classic! They are BBQ staples, but more importantly, one of the easiest meals you can make. You can make them as plain or extravagant as you like, and this French onion burger recipe is absolutely mouth-watering. It’s been years since I made it, and I’m trying to remember why I forgot about it.
Mixing a packet of onion soup mix in my ground beef used to be a staple in my kitchen. I would let the meat sit for 15 minutes before forming patties and then sticking them on a grill. Maybe my move into an apartment so long ago changed that, since I no longer had a grill. Little did I know then that these burgers are just as good when prepared in a grill pan or skillet. I’m sure they would be equally good in the oven or air fryer.
Why did I let the meat sit for a while before cooking? I just assumed it would help the flavors meld. Fast forward to when I made this recipe recently. I cooked half the burgers right away and the other half after letting the beef and onion mixture sit. Did it make a difference? Not really. Now that I know I don’t have to wait long to enjoy these delicious, savory burgers, I will get them into the skillet as soon as they are mixed.
Technique Matters When Making Burgers
I know what you’re thinking—what technique do you need to make a hamburger? If you’ve ever had a dry, tough burger, you know what I’m talking about.
First, lean beef does not contain enough fat to yield a juicy burger. Stick with 80% to 85% lean for the best results. The next tip is that you should not overwork the meat. Just mix it gently enough to distribute the seasonings. Tip number three is to make a small indent with your thumb into the center of the patty before cooking. The indent helps the hamburgers cook evenly.
Finally, place the patty on the grill and leave it alone. Let it cook halfway on one side, then flip it only once. DO NOT PRESS DOWN TO FLATTEN! Doing so will cause the crucial juices inside to run out of the burger. You want to leave them in for a moist, tasty patty.
FAQs & Tips
How Do I Store Leftovers?
French onion burgers are best consumed straight after cooking, but any leftover patties can be refrigerated in airtight containers for up to 3 days. You can also freeze cooked burger patties for up to 3 months. I recommend wrapping each in plastic before storing in freezer bags or containers. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Use A Different Cheese On These Burgers?
Any cheese you like makes a good substitute, but some ideal options include Gruyère, provolone, and fontina.
Is Lettuce Good On A French Onion Burger?
I love to add leafy greens to burgers, and arugula provides the perfect peppery foil to the richness of this burger. Romaine, red leaf, butter, and iceberg lettuce are excellent options. I also recommend butter lettuce for those who prefer to avoid the bun, as a few butter lettuce leaves are an ideal substitute.
Serving Suggestions
I’m nothing if not traditional regarding side dishes for hamburgers. Give me some Deviled Egg Potato Salad, Coleslaw, and Crock-Pot Baked Beans, and I’ll be a happy camper. Add some Reese’s Brownies for dessert, and you will have the perfect meal any time of year—no need to wait for summer BBQs with this meal.
French Onion Burger Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package (1 ounce) onion soup mix
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20 mix
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions, sprinkle with sugar, and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are golden brown and caramelized, about 20-30 minutes.
- Deglaze the pan with balsamic vinegar and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Mix the onion soup mix into the ground beef and shape the ground beef into 4 equal patties. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Cook on a preheated grill or skillet over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side or until desired doneness. Place a slice of Swiss cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking to melt.
- Toast the hamburger buns lightly. Place a cheese-topped patty on each bun bottom, add a generous amount of caramelized onions, and cover with the bun tops. Serve immediately.
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