# Classic Beef Burger with Caramelized Onions

> Juicy hand-formed beef patties with sweet caramelized onions, melted cheddar, and a tangy special sauce on a toasted brioche bun.

- **Prep:** 20 min
- **Cook:** 25 min
- **Total:** 45 min
- **Servings:** 4
- **Difficulty:** Medium
- **Category:** Dinner
- **Tags:** dinner, burger, beef

## Ingredients

- 1.5 pounds ground beef — 80/20, chilled
- 2 large yellow onions — thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 units brioche burger buns — toasted
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper

## Steps

1. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onions with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and sweet, 15–20 minutes. Stir in the brown sugar in the last 5 minutes, then set aside.
2. Whisk the mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, and Worcestershire together to make the sauce. Set aside.
3. Divide the beef into 4 equal portions and form loose patties about 3/4-inch thick. Press a small dimple into the center of each. Season generously with salt and pepper.
4. Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill over high heat. Cook the patties 3–4 minutes per side for medium, adding the cheddar during the last minute so it melts.
5. Toast the buns cut-side down in the residual heat, then spread the sauce on both halves. Build with the patty, a tangle of caramelized onions, and the bun top.

## Notes

Handle the beef as little as possible — overworking makes dense burgers.

The dimple in the center keeps patties from puffing into balls as they cook.

For a quicker weeknight version, caramelize the onions in advance and refrigerate for up to 4 days.