These Easy Oklahoma Onion Burgers are super juicy with loads of flavor! Juicy beef patties are mixed with tender, caramelized onions, making every bite a tasty delight!
When I make these, I can’t help but smile. The smell of onions cooking fills the kitchen, and my family always comes running! 🍔 Just serve with your favorite toppings for a perfect meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend 80/20 ground beef for the right mix of fat and flavor. If you prefer leaner meat, go for 90/10, but it’ll be a bit drier. You can also use ground turkey or plant-based meat as alternatives if you want to lighten it up.
Onions: Yellow onions are great for carmelizing due to their sweetness. If you want a sharper taste, try red onions instead. You can even mix in other varieties if you want more depth of flavor!
Cheese: While American cheese melts beautifully, feel free to use cheddar or Swiss cheese. For a spicier kick, pepper jack is a fun option too!
Buns: I love soft burger buns, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try using brioche or even pretzel buns for added flavor. Gluten-free buns are also available for those who need them.
How Do You Get the Perfect Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions takes patience but pays off with amazing flavor! Start by cooking them low and slow. Here’s how:
- Use medium heat to let the onions cook evenly without burning.
- Stir them occasionally, but let them sit for a bit to get that nice golden color!
- After about 10-12 minutes, they should be soft and sweet. If they’re browning too quickly, lower the heat.
Don’t rush it! The slow cooking process brings out their natural sweetness and deep flavor, perfect for your burgers!
Easy Oklahoma Onion Burgers
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices American cheese (or your preferred cheese)
- 4 soft burger buns, lightly toasted
- Optional toppings: pickles, mustard, ketchup
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes in total. You’ll need about 10-12 minutes to caramelize the onions, and just another 10 minutes to cook the burgers. It’s a quick and tasty meal that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Skillet:
Start by preheating a large skillet or flat griddle over medium-high heat. You want it hot to get those burgers seared perfectly!
2. Caramelize the Onions:
Add the sliced onions to the skillet and cook them, stirring occasionally. Let them cook until they’re nice, caramelized, and golden brown—this should take about 10-12 minutes. Once done, scoop them out and set aside. Yum!
3. Prepare the Patties:
While the onions are cooking, divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a loose, thin patty that’s slightly larger than your buns because they will shrink while cooking.
4. Season the Patties:
Sprinkle salt and black pepper on both sides of each patty for some great flavor.
5. Cook the Patties:
Place the patties on the hot skillet. Immediately pile a generous amount of those beautiful caramelized onions right on top of each patty. It’s going to smell amazing!
6. Smashed Burger Technique:
Using a spatula, press down firmly on each patty. This squashes the onions into the meat, creating a tasty experience as they cook together. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the edges are nicely browned and crispy.
7. Flip and Cheese:
Carefully flip the burgers. You’ll need to scrape those onions from the griddle onto the cooked top side of the patty. Place a slice of cheese on each patty and allow it to melt for another 2-3 minutes, or until the burgers are cooked through.
8. Assemble Your Burger:
Once the cheese is melted and the patties are ready, take each cheesy onion burger and place it onto a toasted bun. Add any optional toppings you like, such as pickles, mustard, or ketchup.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your burgers immediately while they’re hot and juicy. Enjoy every bite of your delicious Oklahoma Onion Burgers!
This recipe is all about simplicity and flavor, bringing together caramelized onions and juicy beef for a true taste of comfort food. Enjoy! 🍔
FAQ for Easy Oklahoma Onion Burgers
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that turkey may be a bit drier, so consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the mix to help retain moisture.
How Can I Make the Onions Cook Faster?
If you’re in a hurry, you can slice the onions thinner to help them caramelize quicker. Additionally, you can cover the skillet with a lid for a few minutes to steam them slightly, speeding up the cooking process.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on a skillet, adding a splash of water and covering to retain moisture.
Can I Make These Burgers on a Grill?
Yes! These burgers can be made on an outdoor grill. Just prepare the patties and cook them over medium heat, making sure to use a grill basket or foil to hold the onions in place if you want to grill them alongside!
