Sizzle with Ina Garten’s Magic Smashed Hamburgers & Caramelized Onions Recipe
Sizzling beef patties meet their match in this mouthwatering smashed hamburgers with caramelized onions recipe by Ina Garten that promises pure culinary magic.
Her genius technique transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible meal bursting with flavor.
The secret lies in creating crispy, golden-edged burger patties that crackle with each bite.
caramelized onions add a sweet, rich depth that complements the juicy meat perfectly.
Forget bland, flat burgers – these smashed patties deliver incredible texture and intensity.
Every element of this recipe speaks to comfort and satisfaction.
You won’t be able to resist diving into these incredible burgers that elevate classic summer grilling to an art form.
Plate It Up: Ina Garten’s Burger Presentation Ideas
Pair with Crispy Sides: Serve these juicy smashed burgers alongside golden french fries, sweet potato wedges, or a crunchy coleslaw for a complete meal that satisfies every craving.
Create a Gourmet Burger Spread: Set out extra toppings like crisp lettuce, sliced tomatoes, pickles, and additional condiments so everyone can customize their burger to perfection.
Complement with Cool Beverages: Refresh the palate with ice-cold craft beer, sparkling lemonade, or a crisp white wine that cuts through the rich, caramelized flavors of the burger and onions.
Make it a Backyard Feast: Gather friends and family for an casual outdoor dinner, using a large wooden cutting board to showcase the burgers and create a warm, inviting dining experience.
Burger Storage Tips by Ina Garten
Store Burger Patties Wisely: Wrap uncooked seasoned patties individually in plastic wrap or wax paper, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay fresh for up to 3 months, ready for quick cooking anytime.
Refrigerate Leftover Burgers Safely: Place cooled burgers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain juiciness.
Prep Caramelized Onions in Advance: Transfer cooled onions to a sealed glass jar. Refrigerate for up to 5 days. These flavor-packed onions work perfectly in sandwiches, salads, or as a topping for future meals.
Freeze Assembled Burger Components: Separate burger ingredients like caramelized onions, cooked patties, and rolls. Store each component in individual containers. This method allows flexible meal preparation and helps maintain freshness for quick weeknight dinners.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: 600 kcal
Servings: 4
Ingredients Inside Ina Garten’s Smashed Hamburgers with Caramelized Onions
For Caramelizing Base:
Onions: Sweet, mellow flavor enhancer that transforms into golden, silky delicacy when slow-cooked.
Vegetable Oil: Smooth cooking medium that prevents sticking and helps even browning.
Vegetable Oil: High-heat cooking medium for achieving perfect burger sear.
Kitchen Tools for Ina’s Smash Burgers & Onions
Large sauté pan: For caramelizing onions and building deep flavor.
Medium bowl: Used for mixing ground beef with seasoning.
Cast-iron skillet: Essential for creating perfectly crispy burger crusts.
Large metal spatula: Crucial for pressing and flipping burgers with precision.
Small bowl: For mixing dry mustard, salt, and pepper.
Lid: Helps melt cheese evenly on top of burgers.
Cutting board: For slicing onions safely.
Sharp knife: Needed for precise onion slicing.
How to Make Smashed Hamburgers with Onion Goodness
Sizzling Burger Delight
Onion Magic Preparation of sweet, golden caramelized onions starts by gently cooking sliced onions in a large pan over medium heat. As onions soften and transform, a splash of sugar helps them turn rich and brown. A touch of vinegar brings depth and brightens the flavor, creating a luxurious topping.
Burger Seasoning Creating delicious burger patties involves mixing ground beef with a special blend of dry mustard, salt, and pepper. Gently work the seasonings into the meat, forming thick patties. A quick 15-minute chill in the freezer helps the meat hold its shape and develop incredible texture.
Skillet Searing Hot cast-iron skillet becomes the secret weapon for achieving crispy, caramelized burger exteriors. Press patties firmly into the pan, allowing a perfect crust to develop. After flipping, crown each burger with caramelized onions and melty Gruyère cheese, covering briefly to create a mouthwatering finish.
Serving Celebration Nestle each juicy burger onto a soft roll, ready to be enjoyed with a classic side of ketchup. The combination of crispy meat, sweet onions, and melted cheese creates a burger experience that will delight everyone at the table.
Flavor Boosts for Ina Garten’s Smashed Burger Recipe
Press burger patties firmly with a metal spatula to create a crispy, caramelized crust that locks in incredible flavor and develops a delicious brown exterior.
Allow Gruyère to melt slowly under a lid, creating a luxurious blanket of creamy cheese that enhances the burger's rich, savory profile.
Chill burger patties for exactly 15 minutes to help them hold their shape and develop a perfect sear without losing moisture during cooking.
Low and slow cooking with a touch of sugar transforms ordinary onions into sweet, golden-brown delicacies that add depth and complexity to the burger.
Mix dry mustard directly into the ground beef for a subtle, tangy flavor that elevates the entire burger without overwhelming the meat's natural taste.
Ina Garten’s smashed hamburgers with caramelized onions create a mouthwatering masterpiece of culinary delight. Savory beef patties and sweet caramelized onions combine to deliver a classic American burger experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
1.25 lbs (570 g) ground beef (20% fat)
4 sandwich potato rolls (Martin’s)
1.25 cups (115 g) Gruyère cheese, grated
4 cups (1 liter) red onions, sliced (2 medium)
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp sugar
1.5 tsp dry mustard powder (Colman’s)
Canola or grapeseed oil
Kosher salt
Black pepper, freshly ground
Ketchup, for serving
Instructions
Caramelize Onions: In a spacious sauté pan, heat oil over medium temperature. Stir onions periodically, allowing them to soften and develop a rich golden color over 18-20 minutes. Sprinkle sugar, reduce heat to low, and continue cooking for 10-12 minutes until onions reach a deep mahogany shade. Deglaze with vinegar, scraping up browned bits.
Prepare Patties: Combine dry mustard, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Gently incorporate the spice blend into ground beef, forming four uniform patties. Chill patties in the freezer for 15 minutes to maintain structural integrity.
Sear Burgers: Preheat cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat with oil. Place frozen patties in the hot pan, using a metal spatula to press and create a crisp exterior. Cook undisturbed for 2½-3 minutes to develop a robust crust.
Finish Cooking: Flip patties, immediately top with caramelized onions and Gruyère cheese. Cover skillet and cook for 1½-2 minutes until cheese melts and meat reaches medium-rare consistency.
Serve: Transfer burgers to prepared rolls, accompanying with ketchup for additional flavor enhancement.
Notes
Chill Patties for Crispiness: Freezing the seasoned beef for exactly 15 minutes helps maintain structural integrity and creates a perfectly crisp exterior when searing.
Patience with Caramelization: Low and slow cooking is crucial for transforming onions into a rich, golden delicacy – don’t rush the process to achieve deep, mahogany color.
Avoid Burger Disturbance: Let patties develop a robust crust by not moving them in the hot skillet during initial cooking – this ensures maximum flavor and textural development.
Cheese Melting Technique: Use a covered skillet for the final cooking stage to guarantee complete cheese melting and proper burger doneness.
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.
Sophia Rivera
Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist
Expertise
Education
Austin Community College
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.