French Onion Soup Burgers

Description

These French Onion Soup Burgers combine the deep, caramelized flavors of the classic soup with juicy beef patties, melted Gruyère cheese, and a luscious onion gravy, all piled on a toasted brioche bun. Every bite delivers the cozy comfort of French onion soup in burger form — perfect for a casual dinner, BBQ, or gourmet sandwich night.

Ingredients for French Onion Soup Burgers

• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp sugar (helps with caramelization)

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)

• ½ cup beef broth

• ¼ cup dry white wine (optional, can sub more broth)

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

For the Burger Patties

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp garlic powder

For Assembly

• 4 brioche buns, lightly toasted

• 4 slices Gruyère cheese (or Swiss)

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions

   • Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

   • Add onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir occasionally for 25–30 minutes until golden and soft.

   • Add garlic and thyme; cook 1–2 minutes more.

2. Make the Onion Gravy

   • Deglaze the pan with white wine (if using), scraping up browned bits.

   • Add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce; simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

   • Remove half the onion mixture for topping; keep the rest in the pan to stay warm.

3. Prepare the Burger Patties

   • Mix ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Form into 4 patties.

   • Cook in a skillet or on a grill over medium-high heat, about 3–4 minutes per side for medium doneness.

4. Melt the Cheese

   • In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of Gruyère over each patty. Cover the skillet or close the grill lid to melt.

5. Assemble

   • Place patties on toasted buns.

   • Top with reserved caramelized onions and a spoonful of onion gravy.

   • Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

• The key is slow-cooking the onions to build sweetness and depth. Rushing will make them bitter.

• Gruyère is traditional, but Swiss or Provolone works in a pinch.

• Brioche buns add buttery richness, but you can use any sturdy burger bun.

Tips

• Extra Savory Boost: Add a splash of soy sauce to the onions for more umami.

• Meal Prep: Caramelized onions can be made up to 3 days ahead and reheated.

• Juicier Burgers: Avoid pressing down on patties while cooking — it squeezes out juices.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free buns and check broth labels.

Servings

• Serves: 4 burgers

• Serving Size: 1 burger with toppings

Nutritional Info (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: 570 kcal

• Protein: 29 g

• Fat: 34 g

• Saturated Fat: 15 g

• Carbohydrates: 38 g

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sugar: 10 g

• Sodium: 890 mg

Health Benefits

• Protein-rich: Supports muscle maintenance and repair.

• Onions: Provide antioxidants and compounds that may support heart health.

• Calcium from Cheese: Helps maintain strong bones.

Q & A

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes! Use plant-based burger patties and vegetable broth for the onions.

Q: Can I skip the wine?
A: Absolutely. Just replace it with extra beef broth.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep patties and onions separate in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before assembling.

Q: What can I serve with these burgers?
A: French fries, sweet potato wedges, or a fresh green salad pair perfectly.