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–+ servings
Flying Dutchman Burger with cheese, no bun, juicy beef patties on wooden table

Flying Dutchman Burger

A celebration of simplicity and flavor, featuring onion-wrapped, cheese-topped beef patties paired with a tangy sauce, perfect for cozy nights and gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 burgers
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Burgers

  • 1 large yellow onion
  • 12 oz 80/20 ground beef For a good balance of juiciness and browning.
  • 4 slices American cheese Melts reliably; can substitute with other melting cheeses.

For the Onion Seasoning

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce Check for vegetarian options.
  • ½ tsp Tony Chachere’s or preferred Creole seasoning Optional; adjust saltiness to taste.
  • ½ tsp brown sugar

For the Sauce

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp relish
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Tony Chachere’s
  • to taste cayenne pepper

Instructions
 

Prepare the Onion Rounds

  • Peel the large yellow onion and slice it into four 1/2-inch thick rounds, keeping the core intact.
  • Drizzle each slice with olive oil and Worcestershire sauce, then sprinkle with Tony Chachere’s and brown sugar.
  • Tip: Pat the slices dry first if the onion seems too wet.

Caramelize the Onions

  • Stovetop method: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onion rounds and cook for 10 minutes per side until browned.
  • Oven-roasted method: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange the onion rounds on a baking tray and roast for 20-30 minutes, flipping once.

Season and Form Patties

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and Tony Chachere's. Mix gently and divide into four portions.
  • Roll each portion into a ball and flatten for a smashed-style patty.

Smash and Sear the Patties

  • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil if needed.
  • Place each ball in the skillet and smash into thin patties. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms.
  • Tip: Aim for the internal temperature to reach 160°F for doneness.

Add the Cheese

  • Add a slice of cheese to each patty and cover the skillet for 30-60 seconds until melted.

Make the Sauce

  • In a bowl, combine all sauce ingredients and whisk until smooth. Adjust flavors to taste.

Assemble the Burgers

  • Place a caramelized onion round on a plate as the bottom 'bun'. Top with a patty, a spoonful of sauce, and another onion round.
  • Repeat for all burgers and serve immediately.

Notes

Storage tips include refrigerating components separately and strategies for freezing and make-ahead preparation. Variations can be made for cheese and bun options.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 30gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 800mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3g
Keyword Cheese Burger, Comfort Food, Flying Dutchman Burger, Grilled Burger, Onion Burger
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