Get ready to elevate your burger game with a mouthwatering recipe that will make your taste buds dance! These aren't just ordinary cheeseburgers - they're a gourmet experience that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. Imagine perfectly seasoned beef patties topped with melted cheddar cheese and crowned with sweet, golden-brown caramelized shallots that add a depth of flavor that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 shallots, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 hamburger buns
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Condiments of choice (lettuce, tomato, etc.)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the shallots thinly, shred the cheddar cheese if not pre-shredded, and gather your hamburger buns and any condiments you wish to use, such as lettuce and tomato.
- In a medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced shallots. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Cook the shallots, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes until they are soft and caramelized. If they begin to brown too quickly, reduce the heat to low. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
- While the shallots are caramelizing, prepare the ground beef. In a bowl, season the ground beef with salt and pepper to taste. Divide the beef into four equal portions and shape each portion into a patty, making a slight indentation in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly.
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef patties to the grill or skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side until a nice crust forms.
- Flip the patties and immediately place 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of each patty. Continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes for medium doneness, or until the cheese is melted and the patties reach your desired level of doneness.
- While the patties are cooking, you can toast the hamburger buns. If using a grill, place the buns cut-side down on the grill for about 1-2 minutes until they are golden brown. Alternatively, you can toast them in a toaster or under a broiler.
- Once the patties are cooked and the cheese has melted, remove them from the grill or skillet and let them rest for a minute. This helps the juices redistribute.
- To assemble the burgers, place a cheese-topped patty on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with a generous amount of caramelized shallots and any additional condiments you desire, such as lettuce and tomato.
- Finally, place the top half of the bun on the assembled burger and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious cheddar cheeseburgers with caramelized shallots!
Tips
- Choose high-quality ground beef with a fat content around 80/20 for the juiciest burgers
- Create a small dimple in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up during cooking
- Let the meat rest for a minute after cooking to redistribute juices and ensure maximum flavor
- Use a cast-iron skillet or grill for the best caramelization and crust on your burgers
- Don't rush the caramelization process for shallots - low and slow is the key to developing rich, sweet flavor
- Experiment with different cheese varieties if cheddar isn't your favorite
- Toast your buns for added texture and to prevent them from getting soggy from burger juices
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 36g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 110mg
