Description
Butter Burgers celebrate seared, smashed beef patties topped with sweet, slow browned onions and a generous spread of butter for an ultra juicy finish. This version focuses on simple ingredients and reliable technique to deliver rich flavor and crisp edges using a cast iron skillet and soft, sturdy buns.
Ingredients
1 stick plus 6 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
2 onions chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 pound ground beef sirloin
6 soft hamburger buns Arnold Hamburger Rolls
Sara Lee Artesano Bakery Buns
Nature’s Own Brioche Style Buns
Instructions
Preheat the broiler for toasting the buns later and set a large cast iron skillet on medium heat
Melt two tablespoons of butter in the skillet and add the chopped onions then cook until translucent
Add a splash of water, cover and continue cooking the onions gently until they are golden brown and sweet then season with salt and pepper and transfer the onions to a bowl
Wipe out the skillet and heat it until very hot so the patties will sear immediately when they hit the surface
Divide the ground beef into six loose balls then press each gently into a thin patty for the classic smashed texture
Place the patties in the hot skillet and press them down with a spatula to flatten and form crisp edges then season with salt and pepper
Cook the patties until browned on the first side then flip and finish cooking until well done which usually takes about three minutes per side on a hot pan
Toast the buns under the broiler until golden brown keeping a close eye so they do not burn
Place each cooked patty on the bottom bun and top with a generous quarter cup of the sautéed onions
Spread two tablespoons of softened butter on the cut side of each top bun then press the top buns onto the burgers so the butter melts into the warm patties and onions
Slice the assembled burgers if desired and serve immediately to enjoy the full melted butter effect
Notes
Use a cast iron skillet for the best sear because it retains heat and promotes even browning
Keep the beef handling minimal to avoid dense patties and aim for thin, loose-pressed patties for crisp edges
Slowly caramelize the onions to unlock natural sweetness which balances the richness of butter and beef
Store cooked patties and onions separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days
Reheat patties gently in a skillet to restore crisp edges and warm the onions with a small touch of butter before serving
Keep buns at room temperature for short term storage or freeze them for longer keeping them sealed until needed
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet sear and smash
- Cuisine: American