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Flavorful One-Bowl Smash Burger Recipe with Easy Caramelized Onion Sauce

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A quick and easy smash burger recipe featuring juicy, crispy-edged patties paired with a rich, sweet, and savory caramelized onion sauce. Perfect for casual gatherings and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for juiciness)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to season
  • Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
  • Burger buns (brioche or potato buns recommended)
  • Cheese slices (optional) – American, cheddar, or preferred melting cheese
  • 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons beef broth or water
  • Optional toppings: leafy lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, mustard or mayo

Instructions

  1. Thinly slice 2 medium yellow onions. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add onions and a pinch of salt, stirring to coat. Cook gently, stirring every few minutes, for 20-25 minutes until deep golden brown.
  2. Add 1 teaspoon brown sugar and 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, then stir in 1 minced garlic clove. Pour in 2 tablespoons beef broth or water to deglaze the pan. Let sauce simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Place 1 pound ground beef in a large mixing bowl. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Gently mix with hands without overworking. Divide into 4 equal portions and loosely form into balls.
  4. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon vegetable oil to coat the pan. When oil shimmers and starts to smoke, place a ball of beef in the skillet.
  5. Using a sturdy spatula, press down firmly to flatten into a thin patty about 1/4 inch thick. Hold pressure for 10-15 seconds to form a crust. Repeat with remaining patties, cooking 2 at a time if needed.
  6. Cook patties undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy and browned. Flip carefully, add cheese slice if using, and cook another 1-2 minutes for medium doneness. Adjust time for preferred doneness.
  7. Toast burger buns in a separate pan or under the broiler until golden brown.
  8. Assemble burgers by spreading a generous spoonful of caramelized onion sauce on the bottom bun, adding the burger patty, optional toppings like lettuce, tomato, or pickles, then topping with the top bun and extra sauce if desired.

Notes

Do not press down on the burger after the initial smash to retain juices. Use 80/20 ground beef for best juiciness and crust. Cook onions low and slow to avoid burning and develop deep flavor. Cheese should be added after flipping the burger to melt perfectly. The caramelized onion sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, caramelized onion sauce, easy burger recipe, one-bowl burger, quick dinner, juicy burger, crispy edges, homemade burger sauce

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