Oklahoma onion burgers are a classic American dish, originating from the state of Oklahoma. These burgers are famous for their savory, caramelized onions cooked right into the beef patty.

Topped with melted cheese and served on a toasted bun, these burgers are a delicious way to enjoy a traditional American favorite.

Let’s begin!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 burgers 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 lb ground beef
2 large onions, thinly sliced
4 slices of cheese (such as American or cheddar)
4 hamburger buns
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: condiments like ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise
Butter or oil for toasting buns and cooking

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Instructions

Prepare Onions (10 minutes): Peel and thinly slice the onions.
Shape Burger Patties (5 minutes): Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Form each portion into a thin patty. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Cook Onions (10 minutes): Heat a large griddle or skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of butter or oil and the sliced onions. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and caramelized. Set the onions aside.
Griddle the Burgers (8 minutes): In the same skillet, place the burger patties. Top each patty with a portion of the caramelized onions. Press down gently with a spatula to embed the onions into the patties. Cook for about 4 minutes per side, or until desired doneness is reached. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty to melt.
Toast the Buns (3 minutes): Butter the inside of the hamburger buns and toast them on the griddle until golden brown.
Assemble the Burgers (2 minutes): Place each cheese-topped onion burger patty on the bottom half of a toasted bun. Add any desired condiments. Top with the other half of the bun.
Serve (1 minute): Serve the Oklahoma Onion Burgers hot, with your favorite sides like fries or a salad.

Notes

The key to a great Oklahoma onion burger is the caramelization of the onions, which should be cooked until they’re sweet and tender.

Ensure the burger patties are not too thick, as they should cook quickly and evenly with the onions. These burgers are traditionally simple, focusing on the flavor of the beef and onions, but feel free to customize with your favorite toppings and condiments.

Serve with fries, potato salad, or greens for a complete meal and enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 burger
Calories: 450
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Pair this with...

Baked Potato Wedges with Rosemary

Start by taking some hearty potatoes and cutting them into chunky wedges, ensuring each piece has a good mix of skin and fluffy interior. In a mixing bowl, toss those wedges with a generous glug of olive oil, ensuring each wedge is well-coated and gleaming. Now, sprinkle freshly chopped rosemary over them, letting the fragrant herb cling to the oily surface. A pinch of sea salt and a crack of black pepper complete the seasoning. Spread the wedges out on a baking tray, giving each its own space to crisp up. Pop them into a preheated oven and bake until they're golden, crispy on the outside, and irresistibly fluffy inside.

Oven Baked Onion Rings

Start with a large sweet onion and slice it into rings, separating them gently. Now, prep a dredging station: In one bowl, whisk together some flour, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, beat a couple of eggs. And in a third, mix together breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch!) with a bit of paprika or your favorite seasonings. Dip each onion ring into the flour, ensuring it's coated, then into the egg wash, and lastly, press it into the breadcrumbs, ensuring it's well-coated. Arrange the coated rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Spritz them lightly with cooking spray which will help achieve that golden color. Bake in a preheated oven until they're crispy and golden brown.

Simple Green Salad

Begin by selecting crisp lettuce leaves, giving them a thorough wash and a gentle pat dry. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them as the foundation of your salad. Next, slice ripe tomatoes, their juicy segments promising a burst of sweetness. Add these to the lettuce, their vibrant red contrasting beautifully against the green. For a refreshing crunch, slice a cucumber into thin rounds or half-moons, layering them amongst the other ingredients. For dressing, a light drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice will enhance the salad's natural flavors without overshadowing them. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and any herbs of your choosing.