Burgers with French Onion Soup

Components:

1. One pound of ground beef (for juiciness, use an 80/20 blend)
2. To taste, add salt and pepper.
3. Four hamburger buns
4. Two tablespoons of butter
5. Two large onions, cut thinly
6. Two minced garlic cloves
7. Half a cup of dry white wine, or beef broth if you’d rather
8. 1 1/2 cups of low-sodium beef broth
9. Worcestershire sauce (one tablespoon)
10. One tablespoon of fresh or dried thyme
11. One tablespoon of balsamic vinegar (optional; adds depth and sweetness)
12. One cup of grated Gruyère (or Swiss, for a more traditional flavor) cheese
13. For added cheesiness, you can add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
14. One tablespoon of olive oil (to grill)
15. Fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Directions:

Make the onions caramelized:

• Melt two tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and simmer until golden brown and caramelized, stirring regularly, about 25 to 30 minutes. Lower the heat a bit if the onions begin to brown too soon.

Cook the garlic for an additional minute until it becomes aromatic.

• If using, deglaze the pan with white wine and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, or until most of the wine has evaporated. Next, whisk together the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and beef broth. To allow the flavors to combine and the sauce to slightly diminish, let the mixture simmer for around ten minutes.
• Remove from the fire and set aside after adding the balsamic vinegar, if using.

Get the burger patties ready:

• Add salt and pepper to the ground meat in a bowl. The meat might become tough if it is overworked, so mix gently to blend.
• Form the beef into four equal, 3/4-inch-thick patties. Using your thumb, make a little indentation in the middle of each patty to assist keep it from ballooning up when cooking.

Prepare the burgers:

• In a large skillet or grill pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Cook the burger patties in the skillet for 4–5 minutes on each side for medium doneness, or longer if you like a different doneness. To add even more smoky flavor, you can grill the patties.
• Top each burger with a substantial amount of Gruyere cheese (and cheddar, if using) in the final minute of cooking. To melt the cheese, place a lid on the skillet.

Put the buns on toast:

• Toast the hamburger buns in a different skillet or under the broiler for one to two minutes, or until golden brown, while the burgers are cooking.

Put the burgers together:

• On the bottom halves of the toasted buns, arrange the cooked burger patties with melted cheese.
• Place a liberal amount of the caramelized onion mixture on top of each burger (don’t forget to spoon over some of the broth for more moisture and taste).
• Top with the top bun and serve right away.

Serve:

• If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
• For a whole dinner, serve your French onion soup burgers with a salad, some crispy fries, or a simple veggie like roasted Brussels sprouts.

Advice for the Ideal Burger with French Onion Soup:

• Juicy patties: To maintain the meat’s tenderness, avoid overworking it when preparing the patties. Add plenty of salt and pepper for seasoning.
• Buns: Make use of strong buns that can support the weight of the caramelized onions and juicy burger. Sesame buns or brioche are excellent choices.
• Cheese: Swiss cheese is an excellent substitute for Gruyère, which is the traditional choice for French onion soup. Add some cheddar if you want it really cheesy.
• Optional toppings: You can also add some freshness with pickles, arugula, or Dijon mustard for flavor.

The rich, savory aromas of French onion soup are transformed into a succulent, juicy burger with these French Onion Soup Burgers. They will quickly become a favorite among all burger enthusiasts!