Caramelized Onion and Garlic Burger with Creamy Herb Sauce

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course BBQ, Dinner
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • For the Caramelized Onions:
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 ½ medium yellow onions - thinly sliced
  • 1 ½ medium red onions - thinly sliced
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons sugar
  • ¾ cup vegetable stock
  • For the Garlic Sauce:
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves - minced
  • For the Burgers:
  • 2 ¼ pounds ground beef - 80/20 blend recommended
  • Salt and black pepper - to taste
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 ¼ cups shredded hard cheese - such as Gruyère-style or Swiss-style
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 burger buns - sliced in half
  • 2 ¼ cups fresh arugula - lightly packed

Instructions
 

Make the Caramelized Onions

  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add both types of onions and stir to coat in the oil. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 12–15 minutes until they start to soften and turn golden.
  • Sprinkle the salt and sugar over the onions, reduce the heat to medium-low, and continue to cook for another 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become deeply golden and jam-like.
  • Pour in the vegetable stock, let it simmer until absorbed, and the onions become rich and glossy.
  • Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the Garlic Sauce

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, and minced garlic until smooth.
  • Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Cook the Burger Patties

  • Shape the ground beef into 6 equal patties.
  • Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
  • Cook the patties for about 3–4 minutes per side, until browned and crisp on the outside.
  • Flip, then top each patty with shredded cheese and continue cooking for 2–3 more minutes, until the cheese melts
  • and the burgers reach your preferred doneness.
  • Transfer the burgers to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Toast the Buns

  • Add butter to the same pan and let it melt.
  • Place the buns cut-side down and toast for 1–2 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.

Assemble the Burgers

  • Place a burger patty on each bottom bun.
  • Top with a generous spoonful of caramelized onions.
  • Add a handful of fresh arugula.
  • Spread the garlic sauce on the top bun and close the burger.
  • Serve immediately while hot.