Blue Cheese Burgers with Red Wine Onions

By jedrew_52

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium red onion, cut into thin half-moons
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds ground chuck (80% lean)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 ounces blue cheese, preferably Blue Castello®, cut into 4 slices
• 4 soft hamburger buns, split
• 2 small handfuls mixed baby greens (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the oil. Add the onion and brown for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook another 5 minutes. Add the wine, thyme, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat, and simmer until the liquid cooks off and the onions are fully softened, about 10 minutes, stirring often.

2
Prepare the grill for direct cooking over medium-high heat (400° to 500°F).

3
Mix the ground chuck, paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper, and then gently form four patties of equal size, each about ¾ inch thick. With your thumb or the back of a spoon, make a shallow indentation about 1 inch wide in the center of the patties to prevent them from forming a dome as they cook.

4
Grill the patties over direct medium-high heat, with the lid closed, until cooked to medium doneness (160°F), 9 to 11 minutes, turning once. During the last 30 seconds to 1 minute of grilling time, place a slice of cheese on each patty to melt, and toast the buns, cut side down, over direct heat.

5
Build each burger on a bun with a patty, caramelized onions, and baby greens (if using). Serve right away.