Creamy Caramelized Onion Burgers with Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet caramelized onions, smoked Gouda, and juicy burgers served with crisp sweet potato fries and a simple salad.

Prep
20 minutes
Cook
20 minutes
Serves
4
Est. cost / person
~$8
Est. calories / person
~750

Ingredients

Caramelized onions

  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Burgers

  • 1½ lbs 80/20 ground beef
  • 1 cup smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 brioche buns
  • Butter, for toasting the buns (optional)

Sweet potato fries

  • 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into fries
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For serving

  • 1 bagged salad kit of your choice, prepared according to package directions

Method

  1. Preheat the toaster oven to 425°F.
  2. Turn on the grill and bring it to about 400°F.
  3. Toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20 minutes, until crisp and lightly browned.
  4. Heat a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and onions with a pinch of salt. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Add the Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, and brown sugar. Continue cooking for another 10–15 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized, soft, and jammy.
  6. While the onions cook, gently combine the ground beef, smoked Gouda, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into four evenly sized patties.
  7. Grill the burgers for about 4–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness.
  8. Transfer the burgers to a plate to rest for a few minutes. If desired, lightly toast the brioche buns on the grill with a little butter.
  9. Assemble the burgers by placing the patties on the buns and topping them generously with the caramelized onions.
  10. Serve alongside the sweet potato fries and salad.

Notes

  • Mixing the cheese directly into the meat creates a rich, juicy texture.

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