When I first made French Onion Soup Burgers, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But trust me, once you take the first bite, there’s no going back. It’s the perfect blend of comfort food flavors from the iconic French onion soup and a juicy, succulent burger.
The sweet caramelized onions, gooey melted Swiss cheese, and savory beef patties are a dream come true. When everything is packed into a perfectly toasted bun? Chef’s kiss! Not only is this recipe a feast for the taste buds, but it’s also therapeutic to make, thanks to the slow-cooked onions filling the kitchen with their mouthwatering aroma.
Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just spoiling yourself on a weeknight, these burgers impress every time. Plus, they’re versatile enough to tweak for personal preferences. Excited? Let’s find out why you’ll love them and how to make them easily.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
There are so many reasons why French Onion Soup Burgers should be on your plate. Here are just a few compelling ones to drool over:
1. Easy to Prepare
You don’t have to be a gourmet chef to nail this recipe. The steps are simple, and the ingredients are easy to find. Caramelizing onions may take a bit of time, but it’s all about patience, not skill.
2. Big on Flavor
Each bite is packed with contrasting flavors. The sweetness of the onions, the savory beef patty, and the creamy melted cheese come together in perfect harmony. You get the “comfort food” vibe, elevated with a gourmet twist.
3. Customization is Endless
This recipe is super flexible! Want a lighter option? Swap beef for turkey or a plant-based patty. Looking to add more texture? Toss in crispy bacon or sautéed mushrooms. The possibilities are endless.
4. Impressively Versatile
These burgers work for so many occasions, be it a casual family dinner, a backyard BBQ, or even your next dinner party. Fancy yet comforting—that’s a killer combo!
5. A Crowd-Pleaser
I’ve yet to meet someone who didn’t rave about this dish. It’s indulgent enough for adults but familiar and fun for picky eaters too.
Cooking Time
Here’s how long it takes to whip up these crowd-pleasers:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
To make these incredible French Onion Soup Burgers, you’ll need a handful of staple ingredients, including:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup beef broth
- ½ tsp dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 burger buns

Variations
This recipe is easy to adapt based on your cravings or dietary needs.
- Dietary swaps: Use plant-based patties and vegan cheese for a completely dairy-and-meat-free version.
- Flavor twists: Experiment using Gruyère instead of Swiss cheese or add a dollop of Dijon mustard for an extra tangy flavor.
- Healthier options: Opt for whole-grain bread or swap beef patties for ground turkey for a leaner choice.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl: To prepare the burger patties.
- Skillet: For caramelizing the onions.
- Grill or stovetop pan: To cook the patties.
- Tongs or spatula: For flipping the burgers.
- Toasting pan or rack: To toast burger buns to perfection.
How to Make French Onion Soup Burgers? 🥪
Follow these step-by-step instructions, and you’ll master the art of making French Onion Soup Burgers in no time!
Step 1: Mix the Beef Patties 🥩
Start by mixing the ground beef with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Form the mixture into even-sized patties and set them aside.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions 🧅
Melt butter in a pan over low to medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Add in beef broth, thyme, and bay leaves. Simmer until the onions soften and soak up all those rich flavors.
Step 3: Cook the Patties 🍔
Heat your grill or stovetop pan. Cook the patties to your preferred doneness (medium is a solid choice). For the best flavor, add Swiss cheese slices on top during the last minute of cooking, allowing them to melt beautifully.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
Toast your burger buns either on the grill or in a toaster until lightly golden and crisp.
Step 5: Assemble the Burger 🥙
Place the patty on the bottom half of the bun, pile on plenty of caramelized onions, and carefully place the top bun. Serve immediately!
🎉 Enjoy every bite of this mouthwatering masterpiece!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Caramelization patience: Low and slow is the secret to perfectly caramelized onions. Avoid rushing this step.
- Cheese perfection: For melty, gooey cheese, add it to your beef patty in the last minute of cooking.
- Season patties evenly: Be generous when seasoning the raw beef mixture. A well-seasoned patty makes all the difference.
How to Serve French Onion Soup Burgers?
Presentation can elevate this dish to gourmet status! Serve the burger alongside crispy fries for a classic pairing or a light mixed greens salad for balance.
For a fancy touch, garnish with fresh thyme or toothpicks to secure your stacked burger. Pair it with red wine or an ice-cold beer to complement the rich flavors.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 30g
Balanced indulgence? Yes, please!
Make Ahead and Storage
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store them properly.
Make Ahead
The burger patties and caramelized onions can be prepped a day ahead. Keep them in separate airtight containers in the fridge.
Storage
- Refrigerate the assembled burgers for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for the best results.
- Freeze the cooked patties and onions separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before assembling.
Step-by-step instructions in this video:

French Onion Soup Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 large onions thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup beef broth
- ½ tsp dried thyme or 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 burger buns
Instructions
- Start by mixing the ground beef with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Form the mixture into even-sized patties and set them aside.
- Melt butter in a pan over low to medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Add in beef broth, thyme, and bay leaves. Simmer until the onions soften and soak up all those rich flavors.
- Heat your grill or stovetop pan. Cook the patties to your preferred doneness (medium is a solid choice). For the best flavor, add Swiss cheese slices on top during the last minute of cooking, allowing them to melt beautifully.
- Toast your burger buns either on the grill or in a toaster until lightly golden and crisp.
- Place the patty on the bottom half of the bun, pile on plenty of caramelized onions, and carefully place the top bun. Serve immediately!
Notes
- Caramelization patience: Low and slow is the secret to perfectly caramelized onions. Avoid rushing this step.
- Cheese perfection: For melty, gooey cheese, add it to your beef patty in the last minute of cooking.
- Season patties evenly: Be generous when seasoning the raw beef mixture. A well-seasoned patty makes all the difference.