Why You’ll Love This Recipe

French Onion Burgers are a savory twist on the classic burger, combining juicy beef patties with deeply caramelized onions and melted cheese, all nestled in a soft bun. Inspired by the rich flavors of French onion soup, these burgers offer a mouthwatering mix of sweet, salty, and umami that elevates your burger night to a whole new level.

ingredients

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

ground beefonionsbutterolive oilsaltblack pepperWorcestershire saucethymebeef brothGruyère or Swiss cheeseburger bunsmayonnaise (optional)garlic powder (optional)

directions

Slice the onions thinly and set aside.

In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil and add the sliced onions.

Cook slowly, stirring often, for about 25-30 minutes until the onions are golden brown and caramelized.

Add a splash of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme to the onions. Cook until the liquid evaporates. Set aside.

Season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using), and form into patties.

Cook the patties in a skillet or grill over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness.

During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a generous scoop of caramelized onions and a slice of cheese. Cover to melt.

Toast the burger buns if desired.

Assemble the burgers by spreading mayonnaise on the buns (optional), adding the patties with onions and cheese, and closing with the top bun.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 burgers.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Onion caramelizing time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

Swap Gruyère with provolone or mozzarella for a milder flavor.

Add a smear of Dijon mustard or aioli for extra richness.

Use turkey or plant-based patties for a lighter or vegetarian version.

Include sautéed mushrooms for an even deeper umami flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftover patties and onions separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat patties in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Toast fresh buns before reassembling for best texture.
Avoid freezing assembled burgers; freeze patties and onions separately if needed.

FAQs

Can I make the caramelized onions in advance?
Yes, you can make them up to 3 days ahead and store in the fridge.

What type of beef should I use?
80/20 ground beef is ideal for juicy burgers.

Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, any good melting cheese like provolone, mozzarella, or cheddar works.

Are these burgers messy?
A little bit, thanks to the onions—but totally worth it!

Can I grill the burgers?
Absolutely, just cook over medium heat and monitor for flare-ups.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free buns and verify all sauces are gluten-free.

Do I need beef broth?
It enhances the onion flavor but can be omitted or replaced with water.

What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
Soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can be used in a pinch.

Can I skip the mayonnaise?
Yes, it’s optional based on preference.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, easily scalable for a crowd.

Conclusion

French Onion Burgers bring a gourmet flair to your table with minimal effort. Rich caramelized onions, melty cheese, and juicy beef combine for a burger that’s both comforting and decadent. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts, these burgers are sure to satisfy any craving for bold, savory flavors.