French Onion Soup Burgers

These French Onion Soup Burgers bring the rich, savory flavors of classic French onion soup into a hearty, indulgent burger. With caramelized onions, melty Gruyère cheese, and a hint of thyme, this recipe is a gourmet twist on your favorite comfort food. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special weekend treat!

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30-35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 large onions , thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• Salt and pepper , to taste
• 4 slices of Gruyère or Swiss cheese
• 4 hamburger buns
• 1 clove garlic , minced (optional for garlic butter buns)
• Additional butter for buns

Directions:

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter .
2. Add the sliced onions and sugar , stirring to coat the onions evenly.
3. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized and sweet, about 20-25 minutes . If the onions start to stick, add a splash of beef broth to deglaze the pan and scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom.
4. Once caramelized, remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Burger Patties

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef , Worcestershire sauce , salt , and pepper . Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.
2. Form the beef mixture into 4 equal-sized patties , slightly larger than the buns to account for shrinkage during cooking.
3. Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side (or until your desired level of doneness is reached). Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Garlic Butter Buns (Optional)

1. In a small bowl, mix together butter and minced garlic .
2. Spread the garlic butter on the cut sides of the hamburger buns.
3. Toast the buns in a skillet or under the broiler until golden brown and fragrant.

Step 4: Assemble the Burgers

1. Place a cooked burger patty on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
2. Top each patty with a generous helping of caramelized onions .
3. Place a slice of Gruyère or Swiss cheese on top of the onions.
4. Broil the assembled burgers in the oven for 2-3 minutes , or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the melted cheese for an aromatic touch.
2. Cover with the top halves of the buns.
3. Serve immediately with a side of fries, a salad, or roasted vegetables.

Tips for Success:

• Add extra flavor : Stir a splash of red wine into the caramelized onions for a deeper, more complex taste.
• Make it ahead : Caramelize the onions up to 2 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat before assembling the burgers.
• Storage : Store leftover patties and caramelized onions separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days . Reheat gently before serving.
• Cheese options : If you can’t find Gruyère, substitute with Swiss, provolone, or even cheddar for a different flavor profile.

Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 4):

• Calories: ~500
• Protein: ~30g
• Carbohydrates: ~35g
• Fat: ~28g

Enjoy these French Onion Soup Burgers as a decadent, restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to make at home. The combination of sweet caramelized onions, juicy beef patties, and gooey cheese makes this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!