Classic Diner-Style Cheeseburger with Secret Sauce & Caramelized Onions

Classic Diner-Style Cheeseburger with Secret Sauce & Caramelized Onions ingredients

• 1.5 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 lean)
• 1 tsp Kosher Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
• 2 large Yellow Onions
• 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
• 1 tsp Brown Sugar
• 1 tsp Balsamic Vinegar
• 0.5 cup Mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Ketchup
• 1 tbsp Yellow Mustard
• 1 tbsp Sweet Relish
• 0.5 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 0.25 tsp Garlic Powder
• 0.25 tsp Onion Powder
• 0.25 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 4 count Hamburger Buns
• 4 count Cheddar Cheese Slices
• 4 count Lettuce Leaves
• 4 count Tomato Slices
• 8 count Dill Pickle Slices

How to make Classic Diner-Style Cheeseburger with Secret Sauce & Caramelized Onions

1. Begin by preparing the caramelized onions: Thinly slice 2 large yellow onions. Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes, or until deeply golden brown and very soft. Stir in 1 teaspoon brown sugar and 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar during the last 5 minutes of cooking to enhance flavor and color.
2. While the onions are cooking, prepare the secret sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon sweet relish, 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika until well combined. Set aside.
3. Form the burger patties: Gently divide 1.5 lbs ground beef into 4 equal portions. Lightly form each portion into a 3/4-inch thick patty, making a slight indentation in the center of each with your thumb to prevent them from bulging while cooking. Season both sides of the patties generously with 1 teaspoon Kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
4. Preheat your grill or a cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F). If using a skillet, add a tablespoon of high-smoke point oil like canola or grapeseed.
5. Place the hamburger buns cut-side down on the grill or in a separate skillet for 1-2 minutes, or until lightly toasted and golden. Remove and set aside.
6. Cook the burgers: Place the seasoned patties on the preheated grill or into the hot skillet. For medium-rare, cook for 3-4 minutes per side; for medium, cook for 4-5 minutes per side. Avoid pressing down on the patties, as this squeezes out the flavorful juices.
7. During the last minute of cooking, place one slice of cheddar cheese on top of each burger patty. Cover the grill or skillet (if possible) for 30-60 seconds to allow the cheese to melt and become gooey.
8. Remove the burgers from the heat and let them rest on a cutting board or plate for 3-5 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the patty, resulting in a more tender and flavorful burger.
9. Assemble the burgers: Spread a generous amount of the secret sauce on both the top and bottom halves of each toasted bun.
10. Layer the bottom bun with a lettuce leaf, then a tomato slice, followed by the cheese-topped burger patty. Spoon a portion of the warm caramelized onions over the patty.
11. Add a few dill pickle slices, then cap with the top bun. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes like fries or onion rings.

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