Juicy, flavorful beef patties topped with melted cheese and stacked between thick slices of golden, caramelized onion in place of a traditional bun—Caramelized Onion Bun Cheeseburgers offer a bold, low-carb twist on a classic American favorite. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle or simply looking for a bunless burger with character, this satisfying meal delivers all the comfort of a cheeseburger with added depth from the sweet, savory onion “buns.”

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Low-carb and keto-friendly without sacrificing flavor
Sweet and savory caramelized onions replace traditional buns
Juicy, well-seasoned beef patties with melty cheese
No need for bread—great for gluten-free diets
Simple ingredients, big flavor
Easy to customize with toppings and sauces
One-pan cooking for minimal cleanup
Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner
Elegant enough to serve to guests with dietary needs
A creative take on a beloved classic

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

large sweet onion, sliced into thick 1/2-inch rings
ground beef
Worcestershire sauce
garlic powder
salt
black pepper
sharp cheddar or provolone cheese slices
olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
optional: mustard, aioli, or dipping sauce

directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and form into 4 small, flat patties.
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil or butter, and carefully place the onion rings in the pan.
Sauté the onions, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized, about 3–4 minutes per side. Use care to keep the onion rings intact. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet (or on a grill), cook the beef patties for 3–4 minutes on each side or until they reach your desired doneness.
In the final minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty and cover the pan to melt the cheese.
To assemble, place one caramelized onion ring on the bottom, layer with a cheesy beef patty, add more onion rings for stacking if desired, and top with a second onion ring.
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce such as mustard, garlic aioli, or spicy mayo.

Servings and timing

Servings: Makes 2–4 servings (depending on portion size)
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15–18 minutes
Total time: Approximately 25–30 minutes

Variations

Double Stack: Layer two patties with extra cheese and onion rings for a heartier version.
Different Cheese: Use pepper jack, Swiss, or blue cheese for variety.
Spicy Burger: Add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper to the beef mix.
Veggie Add-Ons: Include sautéed mushrooms or avocado slices for added flavor.
Turkey or Chicken Patties: Swap beef for leaner ground meat.
Vegan Version: Use plant-based patties and vegan cheese with olive oil-caramelized onions.

storage/reheating

Store leftover patties and onion rings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the patties in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Reheat onion buns separately to maintain their texture. Avoid using the microwave for onion rings, as they may become soggy. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you may freeze cooked patties for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.

FAQs

Can I grill the onions instead of sautéing?

Yes, grilling is a great option. Just brush with oil and cook over medium heat until caramelized.

How do I keep the onion rings from falling apart?

Use large, thick onion slices and flip them gently. A well-heated pan helps keep them intact.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

What sides go well with this dish?

A fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or low-carb coleslaw complement this dish well.

Can I make the patties ahead of time?

Yes, you can form the patties up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

The patties can be frozen (before or after cooking), but the onion buns are best made fresh.

What kind of onion works best?

Sweet onions like Vidalia are ideal, but yellow onions will work for a deeper flavor.

Can I bake the onion buns instead?

While possible, sautéing or grilling yields better texture and flavor for this purpose.

Are there lower-fat options for this recipe?

Use lean ground beef or turkey and skip or reduce the cheese for a lighter meal.

Is this dish messy to eat?

Yes, it can be slightly messy without a bun. Serve with a knife and fork for easier handling.

Conclusion

Caramelized Onion Bun Cheeseburgers offer a creative, low-carb take on a traditional favorite with all the flavor and satisfaction of a classic burger—without the bun. Juicy, cheesy, and packed with savory depth from the caramelized onions, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a burger night with a twist. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s a standout meal for any day of the week.

Caramelized Onion Bun Cheeseburgers

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Author: Emma Delaney
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 burgers 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilled, Sautéed
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Juicy grilled beef patties layered with melted cheese and sandwiched between thick, sweet caramelized onion “buns”—this low-carb, keto-friendly twist on the classic cheeseburger is full of bold flavor and irresistible texture.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 large sweet onion, sliced into thick 1/2-inch rings
1 lb ground beef
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
4 slices sharp cheddar or provolone cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
Optional: mustard, aioli, or dipping sauce

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Instructions

In a bowl, mix ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Form into 4 small, flat patties.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté onion slices in olive oil or butter. Cook until golden and caramelized, flipping carefully to keep rings intact, about 3–4 minutes per side. Set aside.
In the same skillet or on a grill, cook beef patties for 3–4 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. Add cheese slices in the last minute and cover to melt.
Assemble by layering a caramelized onion ring on the bottom, then a cheesy patty, repeat for double stack if desired, and finish with another onion ring on top.
Serve hot with your favorite sauce on the side.

Notes

Use a large, firm sweet onion to ensure the rings hold their shape.
To reduce mess, pat the onion slices dry before sautéing.
For extra flavor, grill the onion rings instead of pan sautéing.
Perfect for keto or low-carb diets—no bun needed!

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 burger
Calories: 410
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 90mg