Name: French Onion Soup Burgers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Ingredients:; Ground beef (80/20 blend recommended); Kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper; Olive oil; Yellow onions, thinly sliced; Fresh thyme; Beef broth; Worcestershire sauce; Gruyère cheese, sliced; Brioche buns; Mayonnaise (optional)

This French Onion Soup Burger recipe brings the deep, rich flavors of a classic bistro favorite and merges them with the comfort and heartiness of a juicy burger. I get the caramelized onions, melty cheese, and savory beef all in one irresistible bite. It’s like having the best of both worlds on a toasted bun.

French Onion Soup Burgers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe captures the essence of French onion soup and transforms it into a handheld masterpiece. The sweet and savory onions cooked down with thyme and beef broth create a luscious topping, while the Gruyère cheese melts perfectly over the burger, adding that iconic flavor. It’s an elevated twist on a burger that still satisfies those comfort food cravings.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Olive oil
Yellow onions, thinly sliced
Fresh thyme
Beef broth
Worcestershire sauce
Gruyère cheese, sliced
Brioche buns
Mayonnaise (optional)

directions

I start by shaping the ground beef into patties and season both sides with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and sauté the onions over medium heat until deeply caramelized. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes.
I stir in fresh thyme, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce, letting the mixture simmer until it thickens slightly.
I cook the burgers in a separate skillet or on the grill until they’re done to my preferred doneness.
During the last minute of cooking, I top each patty with Gruyère cheese so it gets nicely melted.
I toast the brioche buns, spread mayonnaise if I’m using it, and layer the burgers with a generous pile of the caramelized onion mixture.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 burgers and takes about 40 minutes total—around 15 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cook time.

Variations

Sometimes I swap out the Gruyère for Swiss or provolone if that’s what I have on hand. For a slightly tangier twist, I mix a bit of Dijon mustard into the mayonnaise. If I want to go low-carb, I skip the bun and serve the burger with the onions over a bed of greens.

storage/reheating

I keep the cooked burgers and onions in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the patties and onions gently in a skillet over medium heat. I avoid microwaving the onions to preserve their texture and flavor.

FAQs

How do I get the onions perfectly caramelized?

I cook them low and slow in olive oil, stirring occasionally for 20-25 minutes. Adding a bit of beef broth at the end helps them turn extra flavorful.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, I sometimes use Swiss, provolone, or even mozzarella if I’m out of Gruyère. Just make sure it’s a good melting cheese.

What’s the best beef to use?

I use 80/20 ground beef for the right balance of flavor and juiciness. Leaner blends tend to dry out too fast.

Can I grill these burgers instead?

Definitely. I grill the patties on medium-high heat for about 4–5 minutes per side and melt the cheese on top before taking them off.

Are brioche buns necessary?

Not at all—I just like how soft and slightly sweet they are. Any burger bun will work, but a toasted one holds up best to the juicy toppings.

Conclusion

This French Onion Soup Burger is one of my favorite ways to elevate a classic dinner. It’s rich, indulgent, and packed with flavor from the first bite to the last. Whether I’m serving it at a casual dinner or cooking for guests, it’s always a hit.