Skillet Burger with Caramelized Onions | Stove Top Burgers (2024)

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Who knew that you could get a juicy burger without having to heat up the grill? Making burgers at home is literally some of the best burgers you'll eat! That cheeseburger flavor paired with a side of my Crispy Onion Rings or Potato Wedges will have you craving this recipe time and time again. With how simple stovetop burgers are, you can easily make these a regular weeknight meal the family will love!

I've never found a delicious burger I didn't like. Here are some of my other favorite homemade burgers: Smash Burgers, Jalapeno Pepper Jack Chicken Burger, Copycat In-n-Out Burgers

Why this recipe works

How to cook a burger on the stove top

• Step 1: In a small bowl, add the mayo, chipotle, and adobo sauce. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper and refrigerate until ready to use.
• Step 2: Divide the meat into four patties and place on a plate; using two-finger gently press the center down slightly.
• Step 3: Heat a skillet/griddle I (I use a cast-iron skillet) on medium-high heat, add butter and sliced onions.
• Step 4: Return the skillet/griddle on high heat. Add olive oil and place patties in skillet.

Recipe tips

• Always use 20% fat ground beef. Fat means flavor and always makes an amazing burger.
• Don't be too rough while shaping the patties. Gentle hands mean a more tender burger.
• To stop shrinkage while cooking the burgers, make an indent in the center of the patty. This will keep that perfect patty shape and prevent it from shrinking.
• Cook burgers in a super hot skillet. I use cast iron.

Pro tip for caramelized onions

This is a quick version of caramelized onions. It can take up to 45 min to an hour to make them. If you have the time by all means do it. But this way turns out great too. They add the best flavor to the burgers.

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef 20% fat)
• 2 onions sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 8 slices cheese
• 4 Buns

Chipotle Mayo

• 1 cup Mayonnaise
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
• 1 teaspoon adobo sauce
• pinch of salt and pepper

• 1. In a small bowl add the mayo, chipotle, and adobo sauce. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper and refrigerate until ready to use.

• 2. Divide the meat into four patties and place on a plate, using two-finger gently press the center down slightly. This ensures that the burgers don't shrink too much. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.

• 3. Heat a skillet/griddle I (I use cast iron) on medium-high heat add butter and sliced onions. Cook for about 5 minutes tossing the onions every minute or so. Then reduce heat to medium-low and sprinkle some salt and pepper and cook for about 15 minutes, tossing every couple minutes so they don't burn. Remove to a bowl.

• 4. Return the skillet/griddle to high heat. Add olive oil and place patties in skillet. Cook without moving for 3 minutes. Flip and cook another 2 minutes and add cheese, cover and cook another 1-2 minutes until cheese is melted.

• 5. Serve on soft buns with chipotle mayo. Top with lettuce, tomato, and caramelized onions.