Pan-Seared Burger with Mixed Greens and Pickled Red Onion

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-12 · Updated 2026-05-12

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are drafted and published.

A juicy pan-seared beef burger served on a toasted bun with fresh mixed greens and tangy pickled red onions for a balanced, satisfying meal. This American-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 23 minutes, pairs ground beef, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 2, 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: 15 min Cook: 8 min Serves 2 American cuisine 550 cal/serving

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Ingredients

8 oz ground beef
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
2 burger buns
2 cups mixed greens
1/2 medium red onion
1/4 cup white vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
1/4 cup water
2 tbsp mayonnaise

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Instructions

Step 1: Slice 1/2 medium red onion into thin rings. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup water, and 1 tbsp sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves, then add the sliced onions. Let sit for 15 minutes to pickle.
Step 2: Meanwhile, divide 8 oz ground beef into two equal portions and form into patties about 3/4 inch thick. Season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for 4 minutes on one side until nicely seared, then flip and cook another 3-4 minutes for medium doneness.
Step 4: While the patties cook, toast 2 burger buns in a toaster or on a dry pan until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Spread 1 tbsp mayonnaise on each bun bottom. Top with 1 cup mixed greens, the cooked burger patty, and a generous portion of the pickled red onions (about half the jarred onions per burger). Crown with the top bun and serve immediately.