Juicy beef patties topped with rich, melty cheese, sweet caramelized onions, peppery arugula, and a zesty aioli—these gourmet burgers are a sophisticated take on a beloved classic. Nestled in toasted brioche buns, this recipe offers an elevated flavor experience without sacrificing the hearty satisfaction of a traditional burger.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This burger delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors—savory, sweet, creamy, and peppery—all packed into one indulgent sandwich. The slow-cooked onions add a deep, sweet richness, while the arugula introduces a fresh, peppery contrast. Whether you’re hosting a weekend cookout or treating yourself to a refined comfort meal, this recipe brings restaurant-level quality to your home kitchen.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- ground beef (80/20 blend)
- brioche burger buns
- olive oil
- yellow onions, thinly sliced
- sugar
- mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard
- lemon juice
- provolone or gruyère cheese slices
- fresh arugula
- salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sugar. Cook slowly for 20–25 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are deep golden and caramelized. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, shape the ground beef into four even patties. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3–4 minutes per side, depending on your preferred doneness.
- During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty and cover with a lid to allow it to melt.
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice to create the aioli spread.
- Toast the brioche buns lightly on a skillet or grill until golden.
- Assemble each burger: spread the aioli on the cut sides of the toasted buns, place the cheesy beef patty on the bottom bun, add a generous layer of caramelized onions, top with a handful of arugula, and finish with the top bun.
- Serve hot and enjoy immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 gourmet burgers. Preparation and cooking time takes approximately 35–40 minutes in total, including time to caramelize the onions.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef patty with a plant-based burger or grilled portobello mushroom cap.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the aioli.
- Bacon Upgrade: Add crispy bacon strips for extra richness and crunch.
- Different Greens: Substitute baby spinach or mixed greens if arugula is not available.
- Alternative Cheese: Try sharp cheddar, blue cheese, or brie for a distinct flavor variation.
storage/reheating
Store leftover patties and toppings 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. Re-toast the buns and reassemble the burgers just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked onions instead of caramelizing them?
While convenient, pre-cooked onions won’t offer the same depth of flavor as freshly caramelized ones. It’s worth the extra time.
What’s the best ground beef for burgers?
An 80/20 blend (80% lean, 20% fat) is ideal for juicy, flavorful burgers that hold together well during cooking.
Can I cook these on an outdoor grill?
Yes, these burgers are excellent on an outdoor grill. Just be sure to oil the grates to prevent sticking.
What are good bun alternatives?
Brioche buns are recommended for their softness and slight sweetness, but pretzel buns, potato rolls, or even lettuce wraps work well.
How do I keep the patties from shrinking?
Avoid pressing down on the patties while cooking, and make a small indentation in the center before cooking to help maintain their shape.
Can I make the aioli in advance?
Yes, the aioli can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
What sides go well with these burgers?
Crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, coleslaw, or a simple green salad make excellent accompaniments.
Can I freeze the patties?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked patties by separating them with parchment paper and storing in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
How do I tell when the burgers are done?
Use a meat thermometer: 160°F (71°C) for well-done beef. For medium, aim for 145°F (63°C).
Is arugula necessary?
Arugula adds a peppery contrast, but you can use spinach, romaine, or leave the greens out altogether based on your preference.
Conclusion
Gourmet Caramelized Onion and Arugula Burgers are an elevated take on a comfort food favorite. With their juicy patties, sweet and savory onions, creamy aioli, and fresh greens, these burgers are designed to impress. Perfect for a weekend meal or casual entertaining, they combine bold flavors with a refined presentation that’s sure to satisfy.
Print
Gourmet Caramelized Onion and Arugula Burgers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Steaks de bœuf juteux, garnis de fromage fondant, d’oignons caramélisés, de roquette poivrée et d’une onctueuse tartinade d’aïoli, le tout dans un pain brioché grillé. Cette version raffinée d’un burger classique offre une saveur riche et intense à chaque bouchée.
Ingredients
- 1 lb de bœuf haché (mélange 80/20)
- 4 pains à burger briochés
- 1 cuillère à soupe d’huile d’olive
- 2 gros oignons jaunes, finement tranchés
- 1 cuillère à café de sucre
- 1/4 tasse de mayonnaise
- 1 cuillère à café de moutarde de Dijon
- 1 cuillère à café de jus de citron
- 4 tranches de provolone ou de gruyère
- 1 tasse de roquette fraîche
- Sel et poivre au goût
Instructions
- Dans une grande poêle, faire chauffer l’huile d’olive à feu moyen-doux. Ajouter les oignons émincés et le sucre. Cuire lentement pendant 20 à 25 minutes, en remuant souvent, jusqu’à ce qu’ils soient bien dorés et caramélisés. Réserver.
- Pendant la cuisson des oignons, formez quatre galettes de bœuf haché. Salez et poivrez.
- Préchauffer un gril ou une poêle à feu moyen-vif. Cuire les galettes 3 à 4 minutes de chaque côté, ou jusqu’à la cuisson désirée.
- Durant la dernière minute de cuisson, déposez une tranche de fromage sur chaque galette et couvrez pour le faire fondre.
- Dans un petit bol, fouettez ensemble la mayonnaise, la moutarde de Dijon et le jus de citron pour préparer l’aïoli.
- Faites légèrement griller les pains briochés pour plus de texture et de saveur.
- Assemblez les hamburgers : étalez de l’aïoli sur chaque pain, disposez dessus le steak haché et le fromage fondu, les oignons caramélisés et une poignée de roquette fraîche.
- Recouvrir du pain et servir chaud.
Notes
- Caramélisez lentement les oignons pour un maximum de douceur et de saveur.
- Remplacez la roquette par des épinards ou de la laitue si vous le souhaitez.
- Le provolone et le gruyère fondent tous deux bien : utilisez votre préféré.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
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