Ingredients:
For the Patties:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1-2 tbsp beef tallow
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp sugar (optional, to speed up caramelization)
For Topping:
- 4 slices Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- Fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional, seed oil-free brand or homemade)
For Serving:
- 4 burger buns (look for seed-oil-free options, or use lettuce wraps)
- Lettuce leaves or arugula (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
1. Heat the Tallow:
- In a large skillet, melt 1-2 tbsp of beef tallow over medium-low heat.
2. Cook the Onions:
- Add the sliced onions, salt, and optional sugar to the skillet. Stir occasionally, cooking for 20-30 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown. If they start to stick, add a small splash of water to the skillet to deglaze.
3. Set Aside:
- Once caramelized, set the onions aside in a bowl.
Step 2: Shape and Season the Patties
1. Prepare the Patties:
- Season the ground beef with salt and black pepper, then gently mix to combine.
- Divide the beef into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty, pressing a slight indent in the center for even cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Patties
1. Heat the Skillet:
- In the same skillet, add a little more beef tallow if needed, and heat over medium-high.
2. Cook the Patties:
- Place the patties in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired doneness.
- When the patties are almost done, place a slice of Gruyère cheese on each patty, letting it melt for about 1 minute.
Step 4: Assemble the French Onion Burgers
1. Prepare the Buns:
- Toast the buns in the skillet or under a broiler until golden and warm.
2. Assemble:
- Spread a layer of mayonnaise on the bottom bun, if using, followed by a lettuce leaf or arugula, the burger patty with melted cheese, and a generous spoonful of caramelized onions.
- Sprinkle a few fresh thyme leaves on top for garnish if desired.
- Add the top bun and serve.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your French Onion Burger hot, with a side of oven-baked fries or a green salad.
Tips:
- For extra onion flavor, you can mix a tablespoon of caramelized onions into the ground beef before forming the patties.
- If you have extra onions, they keep well in the fridge and are delicious on sandwiches or as a side.
Enjoy this gourmet, seed-oil-free French Onion Burger cooked with rich beef tallow!