Tennessee Onion Burgers

Introduction

There’s something deeply satisfying about a burger piled high with sweet, buttery onions melted under cheese — it feels like comfort, indulgence, and a humble celebration all at once. The Tennessee Onion Burger takes a classic beef patty and dresses it up with a rich, gooey “onion casserole” topping that melds sweet onions, melted cheese, and butter — transforming an everyday burger into a cozy, soul‑warming meal. As you bite into it, you get the juicy beef, the slight crunch of a toasted bun, and the soft yield of warm onions drenched in sharp, melty cheese. Each forkful is a little homecoming: hearty, warm, and deeply satisfying.

What I love most about this version is how it bridges home‑cooked ease with burger‑joint indulgence. It’s not a hurried weeknight meal but rather a slow‑food tribute — the onions can be cooked ahead, the patties formed and seasoned carefully, and the moment you assemble everything feels like treating yourself (or your family) to something special. Serve with fries or a crisp salad, maybe a cold drink — and it becomes more than dinner. It becomes a comfort‑food ritual, a little escape from ordinary meals, full of warmth, flavor, and that soft, cheesy onion hug that stays in your memory.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deep, comforting flavor — sweet, buttery onions meld with sharp, melted cheese and juicy beef.
• Juicy, well-seasoned burgers — the ground beef patties are seasoned simply but effectively for maximum beef flavor.
• Everything in one bite — beef, cheese, and onion “casserole” topping all come together — no separate side needed.
• Customizable & forgiving — you can adapt the cheese, onion type, or condiments to your taste.
• Great for gatherings or family dinners — makes multiple burgers, and everyone can build their own the way they like.

Ingredients

For the Onion Topping (“Tennessee Onions”)

• 3 large sweet onions, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
• 4 tablespoons salted butter, cut into small pieces

For the Burgers

• 2.5 pounds (≈ 1.1 kg) ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1.5 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1.5 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1.5 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 8 slices cheddar cheese
• 8 sturdy hamburger buns
• 3 tablespoons butter, at room temperature

Optional / Condiments & Extras

• Lettuce leaves, tomato slices, pickles
• Mustard, ketchup, or your favorite burger sauce
• Bacon strips
• Side dishes: fries, coleslaw, baked beans, or a fresh salad

Instructions

1. Prepare the Onion Casserole (Tennessee Onions)

1. Preheat your oven to 175 °C (350 °F). Grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, add the sliced onions. Drizzle with melted butter and toss to coat evenly.
3. In a separate small bowl, combine brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Sprinkle this mixture over the onions and toss again.
4. Spread half of the onion mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheeses over. Add remaining onions and top with remaining cheese. Dot the top with butter pieces.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes, until onions are soft, cheese is melted and bubbling, and top is lightly golden. Set aside.

2. Form and Season the Burgers

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Gently fold.
2. Divide beef into 8 portions. Shape into 4‑inch patties about 1 inch thick. Press a slight indent in the center. Cover and refrigerate while heating grill and buttering buns.

3. Grill the Burgers and Toast the Buns

1. Preheat grill (or grill pan) to medium-high. Butter the buns.
2. Grill patties to desired doneness:
   • Medium-rare: ~5 min (135 °F / 57 °C)
   • Medium: ~6–7 min (145 °F / 63 °C)
   • Well-done: ~8–9 min (160 °F / 71 °C)
3. Flip once. Near the end, add cheddar slices and toast buns lightly.

4. Assemble the Burgers

1. Place burger patty on bottom bun.
2. Spoon a generous portion of warm onion‑cheese casserole on top.
3. Add optional toppings (lettuce, tomato, pickles, bacon, sauces). Top with bun.

5. Serve Immediately

Serve hot with fries, slaw, baked beans, or a fresh salad.

You Must Know (Helpful Tips)

• Slice onions evenly (1/8–1/4 inch) for uniform baking.
• Use sweet onions for balanced flavor.
• Don’t overmix beef; gently fold seasonings.
• Onion topping can be made ahead and reheated.
• Toast buns in butter for flavor and to prevent sogginess.
• Serve hot for best texture and taste.

Storage Tips

• Onion casserole: store in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days. Reheat at 175 °C (350 °F) for 10–12 min.
• Raw patties: refrigerate up to 24 hours before grilling.
• Cooked burgers + onions: store separately, reheat gently in oven before assembling.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Ground beef: 85/15 blend works; avoid very lean 90/10.
• Cheese: try cheddar + mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or smoked cheese.
• Onions: yellow or red onions work, though flavor is sharper.
• Buns: brioche, potato, or whole wheat.
• Optional: bacon bits or fresh herbs in onion layer for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with fries, sweet potato fries, or potato wedges.
• Add coleslaw or crisp salad to balance richness.
• Baked beans or corn on the cob for comfort‑food vibes.
• Pair with iced tea, lemonade, or a cold beer.
• Optional: crispy bacon or a fried egg on top.

Pro Tips

• Make onion casserole a day ahead for deeper flavor.
• Add crisp lettuce or pickles for texture contrast.
• Experiment with smoked cheese or paprika in beef mix.
• Don’t press patties while grilling — preserves juiciness.
• Set up a “burger bar” for gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Difference from onion smash burgers?
A: Smash burgers cook thin onions with beef on a griddle. Tennessee Onion Burgers bake onions separately in cheese and butter, then pile on top — richer and gooier.

Q: Can onion topping be made ahead?
A: Yes — store in fridge and reheat gently before assembling.

Q: Are these burgers too rich?
A: They are rich but balanced by sweet onions and fresh sides. Using 80/20 beef keeps them juicy without greasy heaviness.

Q: Vegetarian version?
A: Use plant-based patties or grilled portobello mushrooms and top with the same onion‑cheese casserole (or dairy-free cheese).

Q: Good for crowds?
A: Yes — recipe makes 8 burgers. Onion topping can be made ahead; assemble before serving.

Closing Sentence

Warm, cheesy, slightly sweet and deeply savory — these Tennessee Onion Burgers turn a simple burger into a comforting, indulgent meal that brings friends and family together, one gooey, onion‑y bite at a time.