If you’re like me, a really great burger can turn any day into a good day. Today, I’m sharing two fantastic burger recipes that I know you will love making at home. These aren’t just any burgers; they’re packed with amazing taste and are easy enough for anyone to make.
From rich French onion flavors to a classic diner taste made keto-friendly, these simple burger ideas are perfect for your next meal. Get ready to cook up some seriously delicious comfort food!
Jump to Recipe:
Easy French Onion Burgers with Melted Cheese
Imagine your favorite French onion soup, but in burger form! This recipe brings together sweet caramelized onions, juicy patties, and gooey melted cheese for a truly comforting meal.
It’s simpler than you might think to get these rich flavors, and I promise it’s worth every bit of effort for a homemade burger that tastes so good.
Key Ingredients & Tips for French Onion Burgers
- Caramelized Onions: Don’t rush these! Cooking the onions slowly over medium-low heat brings out their natural sweetness and deep color, which is key to the flavor.
- Cheese Choice: Use a good melting cheese like Gruyère, provolone, or even Swiss. These cheeses get wonderfully bubbly and rich on top of the burger.
- Better Buns: A sturdy bun, like brioche or a toasted onion roll, works best to hold all the toppings without getting soggy. Toasting the buns adds a nice texture too.
What You Need for French Onion Burgers
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional, for deeper caramelization)
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 slices Gruyère or provolone cheese
- 4 burger buns, toasted
- Butter for buns (optional)
⏱️ Time: 45 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 burgers
How to Make French Onion Burgers
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook them for about 30-35 minutes, stirring often, until they are very soft, golden brown, and sweet. You can add a pinch of brown sugar during the last 10 minutes to help them along. Set the caramelized onions aside.
Step 2: Cook the Burger Patties
Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat the same skillet (or a new one) over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3-5 minutes per side, depending on how you like them done. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each burger and let it melt.
Step 3: Assemble Your Burgers
Lightly butter and toast your burger buns. Place a cheesy burger patty on the bottom half of each bun. Spoon a generous amount of the caramelized onions over the melted cheese. Top with the other half of the bun and serve these delicious French onion burgers right away.
📝 Final Note
For an even richer flavor, you can add a splash of beef broth or a spoon of red wine to the onions as they caramelize.
Easy Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers Recipe
Who says you can’t have a Big Mac on a keto diet? This recipe shows you how to make a delicious, low-carb version of the classic fast-food burger, complete with that iconic special sauce.
The smash burger method gives you crispy edges and a juicy center, making for a truly satisfying and easy meal you can enjoy without the carbs.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Keto Big Mac Burgers
- Smash Burger Technique: Use a very hot skillet and press the beef patties flat and thin with a sturdy spatula. This creates those crispy, delicious edges that are a hallmark of a great smash burger.
- Keto-Friendly Base: Instead of traditional buns, serve these burgers on crisp lettuce wraps, in a bowl over shredded lettuce, or with your favorite low-carb bun option.
- Special Sauce: This sauce is what makes the burger! Use sugar-free condiments for the sauce ingredients to keep it keto. Taste and adjust to your liking.
What You Need for Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup dill pickles, chopped
- 1/4 cup finely diced white onion
- Keto buns or large lettuce leaves for serving
- **For the Special Sauce:**
- 1/2 cup sugar-free mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped dill pickles
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of paprika
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 burgers (8 patties)
How to Make Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers
Step 1: Make the Special Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together all the ingredients for the special sauce: mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, chopped pickles, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir until everything is well combined. You can make this ahead of time and keep it in the fridge.
Step 2: Cook the Smash Burger Patties
Divide the ground beef into 8 small, loose balls. Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until it’s very hot. Place a few beef balls in the hot pan, then immediately smash them flat and thin with a sturdy spatula. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until browned and crispy, then flip. Place a slice of cheese on half of the patties. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the patties are cooked through. Remove from the pan and repeat with the remaining beef.
Step 3: Assemble Your Keto Burgers
To assemble, take your keto bun or lettuce leaf. Layer with shredded lettuce, diced onion, and chopped pickles. Place a cheesy burger patty on top, then add another patty (no cheese needed on the second one). Drizzle generously with your homemade special sauce. Top with another keto bun or lettuce leaf and enjoy your low-carb Big Mac!
📝 Final Note
For an even faster meal prep, you can chop your lettuce, onions, and pickles and mix the special sauce a day ahead of time.
