Real Deal Burgers with Caramelized Onions & Gruyere

This recipe is everything I love about French onion soup turned into a cheeseburger. It’s your average burger elevated one step higher. Make it out on the grill all summer long while you enjoy the beautiful weather.

Real Deal Burgers with Caramelized Onions & Grueyere
Makes: 4 servings
Prep Time:

Ingredients:
1⅓ lb ground sirloin, divided into four patties
2 tsp kosher salt
1 large sweet onion, cut in half and thinly sliced
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 tsp fresh thyme, minced
½ tsp smoked paprika
1 tbs vegetable oil

4 slices gruyere cheese
1 heaping cup arugula, lightly tossed with olive oil
4 brioche or potato buns, cut in half
ketchup, optional
whole grain or Dijon mustard, optional

Directions:  

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high.
2. Heat a large saute pan on medium heat. Add the oil, onions, garlic, thyme, and paprika. Cook the onions over medium to medium-low heat, stirring every few minutes to keep them from sticking to the pan. Cook for 25 minutes or so, or until the onions are a rich brown color (similar to French onion soup). Turn off the heat and keep the onions in the pan. Season with a little bit of salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
3. While the onions are cooking, form the burger patties. Season both sides of the burgers with the salt. Grill the burgers for 4 minutes per side for a pink center, 6-7 minutes per side for medium-well. Sirloin really should only be cooked to medium and nothing further, or it gets tough. If you like a medium-well burger consider using a different cut of meat. For the last few minutes, throw the burgers buns on the grill. It gives them a nice crisp texture and smoky flavor.
4. Assemble the burgers by putting the meat on the bottom bun. Add the cheese, onions, and arugula in that order. Serve with ketchup and mustard on the side. I personally don’t think it really needs much, but it won’t hurt to add either or both.