Auction Block Burger
A gourmet burger featuring a juicy patty, caramelized onions, and a tangy sauce, built like a block of prized auction items. This american-inspired quick meals ready in about 30 minutes pairs (80% lean) ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 600 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (80% lean) ground beef
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 4 burger buns
- 1 large, thinly sliced onion
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 slices cheddar cheese
- as needed lettuce
- slices as needed tomato
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, mix 1 lb ground beef with 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp onion powder. Form into 4 patties, each about 3/4 inch thick.
- Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 4 minutes per side for medium doneness, adding 2 slices of cheddar cheese to each patty during the last minute of cooking.
- Step 3: While patties cook, melt 2 tbsp butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add 1 thinly sliced large onion and cook for 8-10 minutes until caramelized and golden brown.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup ketchup with 1 tbsp Dijon mustard to make a sauce. Spread sauce on the bottom halves of the buns.
- Step 5: Place a patty on each bun, top with caramelized onions, lettuce, and tomato slices.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Auction Block Burger take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Auction Block Burger?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (80% lean) ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Auction Block Burger?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Auction Block Burger for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Auction Block Burger?
American quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
