Caramelized Onion Burgers
Beef patties spiked with onion soup mix, grilled with caramelized onions and two cheeses. The French bistro formula for camping.
- calories
- 750
- weight
- 10 oz
- cal / oz
- 75
- protein
- 42 g
- serves
- 1, scales
- prep
- 10 min
- cook
- 25 min
- total time
- 35 min
- water
- none
- cost
- $$
Calorie and protein figures are my own estimates, good enough for planning a food bag and not meant as precise nutrition data.
- Dinner
- Grill grate
- Campfire coals
- Car camping
- Basecamp
- Real dishes
- Grab and go
- Needs a cooler
- Actual cooking
Ingredients
| Ground beef | 4 oz | for one burger |
|---|---|---|
| Onion soup mix | 1 tbsp | |
| Dried thyme | 1/2 tsp | |
| Salt | to taste | |
| Black pepper | to taste | |
| Large onion | 1/2 medium | thinly sliced |
| Dry white wine | 1/4 cup | |
| Butter or bacon fat | 2 tbsp | |
| Provolone cheese | 1 slice | |
| Swiss cheese | 1 slice | |
| Onion bun | 1 |
Method
- Mix the ground beef with 1 tbsp of the onion soup mix and 1/4 tsp of the thyme. Form into a patty about 3/4 inch thick. Season the outside with salt and pepper.
- Set a skillet over heat or on a grill surface. Add the butter or bacon fat.
- Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply browned and caramelized, 12-15 minutes.
- Pour the wine into the onions and stir, scraping up any browned bits. Add the remaining thyme. Simmer until most of the liquid is gone, 3-4 minutes.
- Move the onions to the side. Place the burger patty on the grill grate or directly over hot coals. Cook 3-4 minutes per side for medium. Top with both cheese slices in the last minute and cover to melt.
- Lightly toast the onion bun on the grill if desired. Assemble with the patty, melted cheese, and caramelized onions.
The onion soup mix flavors the beef itself, so the soup character runs through the burger rather than sitting on top. Two cheeses are not overkill: Swiss brings gentle sweetness, Provolone adds smoke. The combination works better than either alone.
Caramelized onions take 12-15 minutes and demand patience, but they are the point of the dish. The wine reduces their sharpness and lifts their sweetness. This is why French onion soup translates to burgers: the caramelized onion, melted cheese, and good beef are already a complete idea together.
Packing
Bring ground beef and cheese slices in a cooler. Pack the onion soup mix and thyme in separate bags. Carry wine in a small container. Get an onion bun locally or bring from home.
Variations
- Crispy bacon crumbled over the caramelized onions adds another layer of smoke.
- A spoonful of Dijon mustard on the bottom bun is a sharpening touch.
https://2nerdsinatruck.com/french-onion-soup-burgers