Name: French Onion Soup Burgers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option); 1 small onion, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 4 hamburger buns; 4 slices Swiss cheese (or Gruyère cheese); 1/2 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version); 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme); 1 clove garlic, minced; Optional: lettuce or arugula for garnish

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French Onion Soup Burgers combine the savory flavors of classic French onion soup with the heartiness of a juicy burger. These burgers are topped with rich, caramelized onions, melted cheese, and served on a perfectly toasted bun. This recipe brings the best of both worlds, making it the ultimate comfort food that's sure to satisfy.

French Onion Soup Burgers

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)

1 small onion, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

4 hamburger buns

4 slices Swiss cheese (or Gruyère cheese)

½ cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

1 clove garlic, minced

Optional: lettuce or arugula for garnish

Directions

In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir occasionally and cook for about 15 minutes, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown.

Add the balsamic vinegar, beef broth, and thyme to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce and the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and set aside.

Preheat your grill or stovetop griddle to medium-high heat. While the grill heats up, form the ground beef into 4 patties, pressing a small indentation in the center of each to prevent bulging during cooking. Season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper.

Grill the burger patties for 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness, or cook to your desired level of doneness. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty to melt.

Lightly toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster.

Assemble the burgers: Place a cooked patty on the bottom half of each bun. Top with a generous spoonful of the caramelized onion mixture and cover with the top bun.

Optional: Garnish with fresh lettuce or arugula for added crunch and freshness.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Cheese options: Feel free to swap the Swiss or Gruyère cheese for other varieties like cheddar, provolone, or even blue cheese for a different flavor profile.

Ground turkey or chicken: For a lighter version, ground turkey or chicken can replace the ground beef.

Add extra toppings: I sometimes add sautéed mushrooms or a fried egg on top for an even richer experience.

Vegetarian option: For a meatless version, use a veggie or plant-based burger patty and vegetable broth.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover burgers and caramelized onions can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Reheating: To reheat, I recommend warming the burgers and onions in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave the onions and patty separately before reassembling the burger with a fresh bun.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for these burgers?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative if you're looking for a lighter option. It may result in a slightly different flavor, but it still pairs wonderfully with the caramelized onions and cheese.

How can I make the onions even more caramelized?

For a deeper caramelization, try cooking the onions on a lower heat for a longer period of time. Patience is key – the slower they cook, the richer the flavor.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While Swiss or Gruyère cheese are traditional choices, feel free to experiment with cheddar, provolone, or even blue cheese for a unique twist.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

While the burgers themselves are best fresh, the caramelized onions can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat them before serving to save time on the day you plan to make the burgers.

How do I prevent the burger patties from falling apart while grilling?

Pressing a small indentation in the center of each patty before grilling helps prevent bulging, which can cause the patty to break apart. Additionally, make sure your grill or pan is hot enough to sear the meat quickly, which will help hold the patties together.

Conclusion

French Onion Soup Burgers are the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich flavors of French onion soup with the satisfying bite of a juicy burger. Whether for a family dinner or a BBQ with friends, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. The caramelized onions, melted cheese, and grilled patty create an irresistible burger that will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about classic burgers. I love how simple yet gourmet it feels—definitely a must-try!

Recipe:

French Onion Soup Burgers

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir occasionally and cook for about 15 minutes, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown.
Add the balsamic vinegar, beef broth, and thyme to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce and the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and set aside.
Preheat your grill or stovetop griddle to medium-high heat. While the grill heats up, form the ground beef into 4 patties, pressing a small indentation in the center of each to prevent bulging during cooking. Season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper.
Grill the burger patties for 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness, or cook to your desired level of doneness. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty to melt.
Lightly toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster.
Assemble the burgers: Place a cooked patty on the bottom half of each bun. Top with a generous spoonful of the caramelized onion mixture and cover with the top bun.
Optional: Garnish with fresh lettuce or arugula for added crunch and freshness.