These Oklahoma onion burgers are a real treat! They’re made with juicy beef patties mixed with sweet, sautéed onions, which give them a tasty kick. Yum!
When I make these burgers, I can’t help but take an extra bite just for the amazing onion flavor! Pair them with your favorite toppings, and you’re set for a delicious meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using 80/20 ground beef gives you a juicy burger since it has a good amount of fat. If you’re looking for a leaner option, 90/10 works, but you may lose some juiciness. You can even try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist!
Onions: Sweet yellow onions are ideal for this recipe because they caramelize beautifully, bringing out their natural sweetness. If you prefer less sweetness, you can use white onions or even red onions for a bit of color.
American Cheese: This cheese melts perfectly! But if you want something different, Swiss or cheddar are fantastic alternatives that will melt nicely too. Just ensure whatever you choose has good melting qualities.
Hamburger Buns: Choose soft yeast buns for a classic taste. You can substitute for whole grain buns or gluten-free options according to your dietary needs.
How Do You Get Onions Perfectly Caramelized?
Caramelizing onions is key for flavor! Start by slicing them thinly to ensure even cooking. Keep your heat on medium-low after adding them to the skillet; rushing this process results in burnt onions rather than the soft, sweet ones we want.
- Use a large skillet to give the onions plenty of space.
- Stir occasionally, about every 5 minutes, to avoid sticking and burning.
- Cook them until they’re a deep golden brown, around 10-15 minutes – patience here leads to the best flavor!
Following these guidelines will help you master caramelized onions every time, adding that extra punch to your Oklahoma onion burgers!
Easy Oklahoma Onion Burgers
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juiciness)
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 slices American cheese (or your preferred melting cheese)
- 4 hamburger buns
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 25-30 minutes total. You’ll need about 10-15 minutes for prep time, mostly for slicing the onions and forming the burger patties. The cooking time will take around 15 minutes, making it a quick and tasty meal option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Skillet:
Start by preheating a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add in the vegetable oil or butter to prevent the onions and burgers from sticking.
2. Cook the Onions:
Carefully add the thinly sliced onions to the pan. Sauté them, stirring occasionally so they don’t burn. You want them to be golden brown and caramelized—this should take about 10-15 minutes. Their sweet flavor is what makes these burgers so special!
3. Form the Beef Patties:
While the onions are cooking, form the ground beef into four thin patties. Make sure they’re slightly larger than your buns since they will shrink as they cook. Season each side lightly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
4. Combine Onions and Beef:
Once the onions are beautifully caramelized, remove half of them and set them aside for later. Now, place the burger patties directly in the skillet with the remaining onions. Press each patty down flat into the onions and let them cook for about 3-4 minutes without moving them. This helps create a nice crust!
5. Finish Cooking the Patties:
After a few minutes, flip the patties and cook for another 3 minutes. Once they’re nearly done, place a slice of cheese on each patty along with the reserved onions. Cover the skillet briefly to help the cheese melt perfectly.
6. Toast the Buns:
While the cheese is melting, you can toast the hamburger buns. Lightly toast them in the skillet alongside the burgers or use a toaster, just till they’re golden and warm.
7. Assemble Your Burgers:
Now, it’s time to put it all together! Place the cheesy onion-infused patties on the bottom buns and cover them with the top buns. Press down gently to combine all those yummy flavors!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious Oklahoma onion burgers immediately with your favorite sides—think fries, chips, or salad. Enjoy every juicy bite!
This recipe yields classic juicy burgers full of sweet onion flavor and melty cheese nestled in soft buns. You’ll want to make these again and again!
FAQ for Easy Oklahoma Onion Burgers
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While American cheese melts beautifully, you can substitute with cheddar, Swiss, or even pepper jack for a flavor kick. Just ensure the cheese you choose melts well!
How Can I Make These Burgers Spicier?
If you’re craving some heat, consider mixing in a bit of cayenne pepper or chili powder into the ground beef before forming the patties. Additionally, spicy jalapeños or hot sauce make excellent toppings!
Can I Make the Onions Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can caramelize the onions in advance! Cook them, then let them cool before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat them when you’re ready to make the burgers!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat or use the microwave until warmed through. Freshen them up by adding a slice of cheese on top while reheating!
