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Skillet Burger with Caramelized Onions

This skillet burger is juicy with a crunchy crust, melted cheese, and caramelized onions. And let's not forget about the creamy chipotle mayo that will simply rock your world!

Cheeseburger with a side of fries and ketchup.


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Who knew that you could get a juicy burger without having to heat up the grill? Making burgers at home is literally some of the best burgers you'll eat! That cheeseburger flavor paired with a side of my Crispy Onion Rings or Potato Wedges will have you craving this recipe time and time again. With how simple stovetop burgers are, you can easily make these a regular weeknight meal the family will love!

I've never found a delicious burger I didn't like. Here are some of my other favorite homemade burgers: Smash Burgers, Jalapeno Pepper Jack Chicken Burger, Copycat In-n-Out Burgers

Why this recipe works

The skillet method works well with cheeseburgers, cooking burgers on the stove provides a fast and simple cook time paired with the perfect crust on the bottom side of the patty. I love that you can change up the flavor by using a different type of cheese (cheddar cheese is so good!), and it really does make a fast and easy dinner that everyone will gobble up.

Ingredient Notes

  • Ground beef -I highly recommend 80/20 for burgers. Lean ground beef will work it just won't be as juicy.
  • Onions - Use the type of onion that you like here - it's versatile.
  • Cheese- I use American but pepper jack or cheddar is also delicious.
  • Chipotle pepper in adobo sauce - This adds a bit of heat which you can increase or decrease depending on your tastebuds.
  • Hamburger Buns- I like to use a soft Brioche bun.


How to cook a burger on the stove top

Burger patty formed then seasoned and placed in a pan to cook. Cheese added on top.
  • Step 1: In a small bowl, add the mayo, chipotle, and adobo sauce. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper and refrigerate until ready to use. 
  • Step 2: Divide the meat into four patties and place on a plate; using two-finger gently press the center down slightly.
  • Step 3: Heat a skillet/griddle I (I use a cast-iron skillet) on medium-high heat, add butter and sliced onions.
  • Step 4: Return the skillet/griddle on high heat. Add olive oil and place patties in skillet.
Sliced onions in a skillet.

Recipe tips

  • Always use 20% fat ground beef. Fat means flavor and always makes an amazing burger.
  • Don't be too rough while shaping the patties. Gentle hands mean a more tender burger.
  • To stop shrinkage while cooking the burgers, make an indent in the center of the patty. This will keep that perfect patty shape and prevent it from shrinking.
  • Cook burgers in a super hot skillet. I use cast iron.
Burger with caramelized onions on top.

Pro tip for caramelized onions

This is a quick version of caramelized onions. It can take up to 45 min to an hour to make them. If you have the time by all means do it. But this way turns out great too. They add the best flavor to the burgers.

Cheeseburger with a side of fries and ketchup.

Skillet Burger with Caramelized Onions

4.43 from 33 votes
Written By: Wendie
A delicious burger with crunchy crust, melted cheese, and caramelized onions. Smothered in a creamy chipotle mayo.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 1295

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef 20% fat)
  • 2 onions sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 8 slices cheese
  • 4 Buns

Chipotle Mayo

  • 1 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
  • 1 teaspoon adobo sauce
  • pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • 1. In a small bowl add the mayo, chipotle, and adobo sauce. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper and refrigerate until ready to use.
  • 2. Divide the meat into four patties and place on a plate, using two-finger gently press the center down slightly. This ensures that the burgers don't shrink too much. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
  • 3. Heat a skillet/griddle I (I use cast iron) on medium-high heat add butter and sliced onions. Cook for about 5 minutes tossing the onions every minute or so. Then reduce heat to medium-low and sprinkle some salt and pepper and cook for about 15 minutes, tossing every couple minutes so they don't burn. Remove to a bowl.
  • 4. Return the skillet/griddle to high heat. Add olive oil and place patties in skillet. Cook without moving for 3 minutes. Flip and cook another 2 minutes and add cheese, cover and cook another 1-2 minutes until cheese is melted.
  • 5. Serve on soft buns with chipotle mayo. Top with lettuce, tomato, and caramelized onions.

Video

Notes

  • Always use 20% fat ground beef. Fat means flavor and always makes an amazing burger.
  • Don't be too rough while shaping the patties. Gentle hands mean a more tender burger.
  • To stop shrinkage while cooking the burgers, make an indent in the center of the patty. This will keep that perfect patty shape and prevent it from shrinking.
  • Nutrition

    Serving: 4ServingsCalories: 1295kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 65gFat: 101gSaturated Fat: 33gPolyunsaturated Fat: 60gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 245mgSodium: 1312mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6g
    Did You Make This Recipe?Please leave a comment below or pin it to your Pinterest account!
    Course Entrees
    Cuisine American
    4.43 from 33 votes (31 ratings without comment)

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