Classic Diner-Style Onion Burgers
Classic Diner-Style Onion Burgers
Ingredients
For the Onion Burgers
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, 80/20 chuck
- 2 yellow onions, large, very thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, or as needed for griddle
For Serving (Optional)
- ketchup, as needed
- mustard, as needed
- dill pickle slices, as needed
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the onions: Slice the yellow onions as thinly as possible, preferably using a mandoline for uniform slices. Set aside.
⏱️ 5 min
- 2
Form the patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Loosely form each portion into a ball. Do not overwork the meat. Season the outside of each beef ball generously with salt and pepper.
⏱️ 3 min
- 3
Preheat griddle: Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and let it get shimmering hot.
⏱️ 2 min
- 4
Cook the burgers: Place the beef balls onto the hot griddle. Immediately place a generous mound of the thinly sliced onions on top of each beef ball. Using a sturdy spatula, firmly smash each beef ball down into a thin patty, pressing the onions into the meat as you smash. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until a deep brown crust forms on the bottom and the onions are slightly caramelized.
⏱️ 4 min
- 5
Flip and add cheese: Carefully scrape under each patty with the spatula, making sure to get all the caramelized bits, and flip. Immediately place a slice of American cheese on top of each burger. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the burger is cooked to your desired doneness.
⏱️ 3 min
- 6
Toast the buns: While the burgers finish cooking, lightly butter or oil the cut sides of the hamburger buns and toast them on the griddle until golden brown. Remove burgers and buns from the griddle.
⏱️ 2 min
- 7
Assemble and serve: Place a cheesy onion burger on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Add any desired toppings like ketchup, mustard, and pickles. Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.
⏱️ 1 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Classic Diner-Style Onion Burgers
Ingredients
For the Onion Burgers
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, 80/20 chuck
- 2 yellow onions, large, very thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, or as needed for griddle
For Serving (Optional)
- ketchup, as needed
- mustard, as needed
- dill pickle slices, as needed
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the onions: Slice the yellow onions as thinly as possible, preferably using a mandoline for uniform slices. Set aside.
⏱️ 5 min - 2
Form the patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Loosely form each portion into a ball. Do not overwork the meat. Season the outside of each beef ball generously with salt and pepper.
⏱️ 3 min - 3
Preheat griddle: Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and let it get shimmering hot.
⏱️ 2 min - 4
Cook the burgers: Place the beef balls onto the hot griddle. Immediately place a generous mound of the thinly sliced onions on top of each beef ball. Using a sturdy spatula, firmly smash each beef ball down into a thin patty, pressing the onions into the meat as you smash. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until a deep brown crust forms on the bottom and the onions are slightly caramelized.
⏱️ 4 min - 5
Flip and add cheese: Carefully scrape under each patty with the spatula, making sure to get all the caramelized bits, and flip. Immediately place a slice of American cheese on top of each burger. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the burger is cooked to your desired doneness.
⏱️ 3 min - 6
Toast the buns: While the burgers finish cooking, lightly butter or oil the cut sides of the hamburger buns and toast them on the griddle until golden brown. Remove burgers and buns from the griddle.
⏱️ 2 min - 7
Assemble and serve: Place a cheesy onion burger on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Add any desired toppings like ketchup, mustard, and pickles. Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.
⏱️ 1 min