This Easy Oklahoma Onion Burger is a delicious twist on your classic burger! It’s made with juicy beef patties and lots of tasty grilled onions, packed with flavor in every bite.
Cooking these burgers is a breeze, and the smell of onions caramelizing will make everyone gather around! I love serving mine with a side of crispy fries for the perfect meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef. It has enough fat to keep your burgers juicy. If you prefer a leaner option, 85/15 works too, but it might be less juicy.
Onions: Yellow onions are best for caramelizing, as they sweeten beautifully when cooked. If you’re looking for a milder taste, you can substitute with sweet onions like Vidalia.
Cheese: American cheese is a classic choice for this burger due to its melting quality. If you want to switch things up, try cheddar or pepper jack for added flavor.
Buns: Soft sandwich buns are ideal, but feel free to use any type you like. Toasted brioche buns add a nice touch if you want something a bit richer.
How Do I Perfectly Caramelize Onions?
Caramelizing onions is a key step that brings out their sweetness, enhancing your burger’s flavor. To get that perfect caramelization, follow these steps:
- Heat your skillet over medium heat and add oil or butter.
- Add the sliced onions, stirring often. Patience is key—don’t rush it!
- Cook them low and slow for 15-20 minutes until they’re a beautiful golden brown. The longer they cook, the sweeter they’ll become.
Stir occasionally, but not constantly. You want them to brown nicely without burning! It’s totally worth the wait.
Easy Oklahoma Onion Burger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burger:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juiciness)
- 2 cups yellow onions, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices American cheese (or cheese of choice)
- 4 soft sandwich buns (like potato rolls or hamburger buns)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter
Optional Toppings:
- Pickles
- Ketchup
- Mustard
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious burger recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and approximately 30 minutes to cook, totaling about 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend BBQ!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Onions:
First, heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil or butter to the pan. Next, toss in the thinly sliced onions and cook them, stirring frequently. Let them caramelize until they are golden brown and soft, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Once done, remove the onions from the skillet and set them aside.
2. Make the Patties:
While the onions are cooking, divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Form each portion loosely into a ball, being careful not to overwork the meat. This will keep your patties tender.
3. Cook the Burgers:
Return the skillet to the heat and place the beef balls into the hot skillet. Use a spatula to smash each ball down firmly to create a thin patty. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the patties for about 2-3 minutes on the first side until the edges start to crisp up.
4. Add the Onions and Cheese:
Flip the patties over and immediately top each one with a generous portion of the caramelized onions. Then, add a slice of cheese on top of each patty. Allow them to cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the burgers are cooked through.
5. Toast the Buns:
While the burgers are finishing up, toast the sandwich buns lightly in the skillet or oven until warm and slightly crispy.
6. Assemble Your Burger:
Now it’s time to build your burger! Place each onion-topped patty on the bottom half of a toasted bun. Add any optional toppings you desire—pickles, ketchup, or mustard. Finally, top with the other half of the bun.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious Oklahoma Onion Burgers hot, alongside your favorite sides like fries or a salad. Enjoy every juicy bite!
This recipe captures the essence of an Oklahoma Onion Burger with crispy, smashed patties and sweet caramelized onions, all tucked inside a soft bun. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Oklahoma Onion Burger
Can I Use Leaner Ground Beef?
While 80/20 ground beef provides the best balance of flavor and juiciness, you can use leaner ground beef like 85/15. Just keep in mind that the burgers may be less juicy, so consider adding a touch of oil to the meat mixture for added moisture.
What’s the Best Way to Caramelize Onions?
To caramelize onions perfectly, cook them low and slow over medium heat with a bit of oil or butter. Stir them occasionally for even cooking, and allow about 15-20 minutes for them to turn golden and sweet. Patience is key!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in a skillet over low heat or microwave briefly until warmed through. If you have extra caramelized onions, store them separately to keep them fresh.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the beef patties with plant-based burger options available at most grocery stores. Alternatively, you could use grilled portobello mushrooms for a hearty, flavorful option that works great with the caramelized onions!
