Ingredients
- 1 large onion, halved and sliced 1/8 inch thick
- salt and pepper
- 12 oz 85 percent lean ground beef
- 1 T unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vegetable oil
- 4 slices of American cheese
- 4 hamburger buns, buttered and toasted
Preparation
Step 1
1. Combine onion and 1 tsp salt in a bowl and toss to combine, transfer to a colander and let sit for 30 minutes, tossing occasionally. Using tongs, transfer onion to clean dish towel, gather edges and squeeze onion dry. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp pepper.
2. Divide onion mixture into 4 separate mounds on a rimmed baking sheet. Form beef into 4 lightly packed balls and season with salt and pepper. Place beef balls on top of onion mounds and flatten beef firmly so that the onion adheres and patties measure 4 inches in diameter.
3. Melt butter with oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Using spatula, transfer patties to skillet, onion side down, and cook until onion is deep golden brown and beginning to crisp around the edges, 6-8 minutes. Flip burgers, increase their heat to high and cook until well browned on the 2nd side, about 2 minutes. Place 1 slice of cheese on each bottom bun. Place burgers on buns, add desired toppings and serve.