Burgers With Caramelized Onions

By Addie

Caramelized onions and your favorite cheese make these burgers extra flavorful, and perfect for any time of the year. Feel free to caramelize the onions in advance . These burgers are great with fries, chips, or roasted potato wedges. Serve with Remoulade Sauce, Chipotle Mayonnaise, or your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 large sweet onions, sliced
• 1 pound ground beef, 80% to 85%
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 slices cheese, American, Cheddar, Pepperjack, or Swiss
• 4 bun-size Ciabatta or hamburger buns, split
• Lettuce and sliced tomatoes, optional

Preparation

Step 1

In a large skillet or saute pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Add the onions to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until browned and very tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the pan.

Shape the ground beef into four 4-ounce burgers; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add the burgers to the same skillet and cook over medium heat until cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes on each side.

Meanwhile, toast the buns on a griddle or skillet; set aside.

Top each burger with 2 slices of cheese and cover the pan until cheese is melted. Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom of a toasted bun. Top with a cheeseburger, then top with a generous amount of caramelized onion and the top of the bun.

Serve with condiments and sliced tomatoes on the side.
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A Few Burger Making Tips:

For the juiciest, most flavorful burgers, use 80% to 85% ground beef. More fat = juicier, tastier burgers. To add some fat and moisture, mix about 1 tablespoon of oil to each pound of ground beef. A tablespoon or two of broth or tomato juice can also make the burgers juicier.

Indent the center of each burger with a finger or thumb. This will help the burgers cook evenly and avoid swelling in the center.

Turn burgers once, about halfway through cooking time. Flipping more often could make the burger fall apart.

To help the burgers hold their shape, put them in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes before cooking.