Classic Grilled Cheeseburger with Caramelized Onions
This easy-to-make classic American cheeseburger features juicy grilled ground beef patties topped with melted cheddar cheese and sweet caramelized onions, served on a toasted bun. Perfect for a satisfying lunch, showcasing traditional flavors with simple grilling.
Ingredients
Check ingredients as you go.
- Burger Patties
- General
- Caramelized Onions
- Burger Assembly
Let’s make it
Preparation
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C).
Burger Patties
In a bowl, season the ground beef with salt and black pepper. Form a single patty roughly 3/4 inch thick, being careful not to overwork the meat.
Grilling
Lightly oil the grill grates using vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Place the beef patty on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side, until nice grill marks form.
Grilling
Flip the patty and immediately place the slice of cheddar cheese on top to melt. Grill for another 3-4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F (71°C).
Caramelized Onions
Meanwhile, heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and cook slowly, stirring often, for 10-12 minutes until they become soft, golden, and caramelized. Remove from heat.
Burger Assembly
Toast the burger bun lightly on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden and warm.
Burger Assembly
Assemble the burger by placing the grilled patty with melted cheese on the bottom half of the bun. Top with caramelized onions, optional lettuce, tomato slice, and pickle slices as desired. Cover with the top half of the bun and serve immediately.
Tips & notes
Use fresh ground beef with good fat content for juicier patties. Press the patty lightly for even thickness and avoid overhandling to keep it tender. Caramelize onions slowly over medium heat for best sweetness and texture. Toast buns for added crunch and flavor.
Saving it for later
Store leftover cooked patties and caramelized onions separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days. Keep buns in a cool dry place or sealed in plastic to maintain freshness.
Reheating
Reheat patties and caramelized onions gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave covered to retain moisture. Toast buns lightly if needed before assembling.
