Smashed Garlic-Butter Burger with Caramelized Onions
A juicy, thin patty smashed on a hot griddle with garlic butter and topped with sweet caramelized onions for an elevated classic. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 30 minutes pairs (80% lean) ground beef, large yellow onion, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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 large yellow onion
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 brioche buns
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Thinly slice the yellow onion and cook in a skillet over medium heat with 1 tbsp butter until deeply golden and caramelized, about 15 minutes; set aside.
- Step 2: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions, then form into 1-inch-thick patties; press each patty firmly between two sheets of parchment paper to flatten to 1/4-inch thickness, removing excess fat.
- Step 3: Heat the remaining 1 tbsp butter in the same skillet over medium-high heat until foaming, then add the flattened patties and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes until deeply seared.
- Step 4: Flip the patties, add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, and cook for 3-4 minutes more until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, pressing gently with a spatula to melt 4 slices of cheddar cheese on top during the last minute.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smashed Garlic-Butter Burger with Caramelized Onions take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 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 Smashed Garlic-Butter Burger with Caramelized Onions?
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 Smashed Garlic-Butter Burger with Caramelized Onions?
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 Smashed Garlic-Butter Burger with Caramelized Onions 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 Smashed Garlic-Butter Burger with Caramelized Onions?
American grilling 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
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
