Griddled Michigan-Style Deli Burger with Pickled Red Onion

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fresh, never frozen burger patty grilled to juicy perfection, topped with sharp cheddar and tangy pickled red onions, served on a soft brioche bun. This American-inspired sandwich and wrap recipe, ready in about 33 minutes, pairs ground beef, sharp cheddar cheese slice, brioche burger bun for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 1, 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 8 min Serves 1 American cuisine 650 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt in a small bowl. Stir and let sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes until onions soften and turn bright pink.
  2. Step 2: Form 8 oz ground beef into a 4-inch patty about 3/4-inch thick, seasoning both sides with 1/4 tsp black pepper and a pinch of salt.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the beef patty and cook for 4 minutes without moving until a crust forms, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes for medium doneness.
  4. Step 4: Place 1 slice sharp cheddar cheese on the patty during the last minute of cooking, cover the pan to melt the cheese.
  5. Step 5: Lightly toast the brioche burger bun in a separate pan for 1-2 minutes until golden.
  6. Step 6: Assemble the burger by placing 2 lettuce leaves and 2 tomato slices on the bottom bun, add the cheeseburger patty, then top with the pickled red onions and crown with the top bun.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Griddled Michigan-Style Deli Burger with Pickled Red Onion take to make?

Total time is about 33 minutes (25 min prep + 8 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 Griddled Michigan-Style Deli Burger with Pickled Red Onion?

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 ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Griddled Michigan-Style Deli Burger with Pickled Red Onion?

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 Griddled Michigan-Style Deli Burger with Pickled Red Onion for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). 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 Griddled Michigan-Style Deli Burger with Pickled Red Onion?

American sandwiches & wraps 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.

Related recipes