These French Onion Soup Burgers are a delicious twist on the classic burger, combining the rich flavors of French onion soup with a juicy beef patty. Topped with caramelized onions, melted Swiss cheese, and served on a buttery bun, these burgers are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness): This blend ensures a juicy and flavorful burger.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning the beef patties.
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully over the burgers, adding a creamy and slightly nutty flavor.
- 4 hamburger buns: The perfect vessel for holding all the delicious components together.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Used to toast the buns for added flavor and texture.
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced: The star ingredient for the caramelized topping.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Helps the onions soften and caramelize.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Prevents the butter from burning and adds richness.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the onions.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy depth of flavor and helps balance the sweetness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the onions.
For the Broth:
- 1 cup beef broth: Adds a rich, savory base reminiscent of French onion soup.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Provides umami and depth to the broth.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an earthy, aromatic flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the broth.
Garnishes (optional):
- Fresh thyme leaves: Adds a fresh, herbal note that complements the flavors.
- Additional Swiss cheese: For extra creaminess and flavor.
Instructions:
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
- Heat the butter and oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Cook the onions: Add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet, stirring to coat them evenly in the butter and oil. Cook the onions for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to soften.
- Caramelize the onions: Sprinkle the onions with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. Stir to combine, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue cooking the onions, stirring occasionally, for another 20-30 minutes until they are deeply caramelized and golden brown.
- Season the onions: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Broth
- Make the broth: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of beef broth, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Stir well to combine.
- Heat the broth: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once it begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Burgers
- Form the patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a patty about 3/4-inch thick. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the burgers tough.
- Season the patties: Season both sides of each patty with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the patties: In the same skillet used for the onions, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of Swiss cheese on each patty to melt.
- Toast the buns: While the burgers are cooking, split the hamburger buns and lightly toast them in the oven or on a skillet until golden brown.
Step 4: Assemble the Burgers
- Assemble the burgers: Place a cooked beef patty on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Spoon some of the caramelized onions over the patty, followed by a few tablespoons of the warm broth. If you like extra cheese, you can add another slice of Swiss cheese on top of the onions.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves if desired, then place the top bun over the burger. Serve the French Onion Soup Burgers with a side of fries or a simple salad.
Tips for Success:
- Don’t rush the onions: Caramelizing onions properly takes time. Keep the heat low and stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer: For perfectly cooked burgers, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Aim for 160°F (71°C) for medium doneness.
- Customize the broth: For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the broth while it simmers.
These French Onion Soup Burgers are the ultimate comfort food, combining the best of both worlds: juicy, flavorful burgers and the rich, savory taste of French onion soup. The caramelized onions add sweetness and depth, while the Swiss cheese provides a creamy contrast. Whether you’re serving these at a casual dinner or a special gathering, they’re sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy every bite of these decadent and delicious burgers!
