Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices of Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional for garlic butter buns)
- Additional butter for buns
Instructions:
- Caramelize the Onions:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the sliced onions and sugar.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized and sweet, about 20-25 minutes.
- Add a splash of beef broth if the onions start to stick, to deglaze the pan.
- Prepare the Burger Patties:
- Season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Form into 4 equal-sized patties.
- In a separate skillet or on a grill, cook the burger patties to your desired level of doneness.
- Assemble the Burgers:
- If desired, prepare garlic butter buns by spreading buns with a mixture of butter and minced garlic, then toasting until golden.
- On each bun bottom, place a cooked burger patty.
- Top each patty with a generous helping of caramelized onions and a slice of cheese.
- Broil the assembled burgers for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Sprinkle fresh thyme over the cheese, cover with bun tops, and serve immediately.
Enjoy!