Description

French Onion Soup Burgers combine the rich, deeply caramelized flavors of traditional French onion soup with a juicy, perfectly grilled beef patty topped with melted Swiss or Gruyère cheese. This gourmet burger recipe layers savory beef, sweet onions simmered in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, and melty cheese on a toasted bun for an irresistible meal that’s both comforting and elevated.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Caramelized Onions

1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Optional fresh thyme for garnish

For the Burgers

1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
4 slices Swiss or Gruyère cheese
4 hamburger buns

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often, for 20–25 minutes until they become deeply caramelized and richly browned.
Simmer with Broth and Sauce: Add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to the caramelized onions. Simmer gently until most of the liquid evaporates and the onions are thick and flavorful. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Burger Patties: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently and form into 4 equal-sized patties, ensuring they are slightly larger than the buns to account for shrinkage during cooking.
Cook the Burgers: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 4–5 minutes on each side or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
Melt the Cheese: In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of Swiss or Gruyère cheese on each patty. Cover or close the grill to allow the cheese to melt thoroughly.
Toast the Buns: Toast the hamburger buns lightly on the grill or in a toaster for added texture and warmth.
Assemble the Burgers: Place each cheese-covered patty on a toasted bun bottom. Spoon a generous amount of the caramelized onion mixture over the cheese. Add fresh thyme if desired for a fragrant finish, then top with the bun and serve immediately.

Notes

For an extra boost of classic French onion flavor, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard or garlic aioli on the buns before assembly.
Gruyère cheese provides the most authentic taste, but Swiss cheese is a delicious substitute if preferred.
Cooking the onions low and slow is key to developing that deep, sweet caramelized flavor essential for this recipe.
If you like, you can add a splash of dry white wine or sherry when simmering the onions for additional depth.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop, Grilling
Cuisine: American, French-Inspired