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Flavorful Grilled Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Blue Cheese

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These grilled burgers feature juicy patties topped with sweet caramelized onions and tangy blue cheese, creating a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and sharp flavors. Ideal for backyard gatherings or quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend of chuck and sirloin recommended)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or olive oil for dairy-free)
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)
  • 4 burger buns, toasted
  • 4 oz blue cheese, crumbled
  • Fresh arugula or baby spinach
  • Condiments of choice (mustard, mayo, ketchup)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the caramelized onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, a pinch of salt, and the teaspoon of sugar. Stir occasionally, cooking gently for 25-30 minutes until onions are soft, golden, and sweetly fragrant. About halfway through, add the balsamic vinegar if using. Avoid high heat to prevent burning.
  2. Make the burger patties: In a bowl, combine the ground beef, kosher salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Mix gently to avoid dense patties. Divide into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty about ¾ inch thick, making a slight indentation in the center.
  3. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface if using a grill pan.
  4. Cook the patties: Place patties on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness (160°F internal temperature). In the last minute, top each patty with about 1 oz of crumbled blue cheese and cover to let it melt slightly.
  5. Toast the buns: While burgers cook, split and toast buns lightly on the grill or in a toaster until golden.
  6. Assemble the burgers: Place a handful of arugula or baby spinach on the bottom bun, add the blue cheese-topped patty, pile on caramelized onions, add preferred condiments, and top with the bun.
  7. Serve immediately with sides like crispy fries or a fresh salad.

Notes

Use an 80/20 beef blend for juicy patties. Do not overmix the meat to avoid dense burgers. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent puffing. Caramelize onions slowly over low heat to avoid burning. Rest burgers 3-5 minutes after cooking to retain juices. Use a meat thermometer to ensure safe doneness (160°F). For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. For dairy-free, substitute blue cheese with vegan alternatives or avocado.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled burgers, caramelized onions, blue cheese, backyard grilling, easy burger recipe, homemade burgers, juicy burgers