🍔 Grilled Hamburger Steak with Caramelized Onions
Serves: 4
Time: ~40 minutes
Flavor profile: Savory, smoky, slightly sweet, ultra-juicy
🧄 Ingredients
Hamburger Steaks
-
1½ lbs (680 g) ground beef (80/20 is ideal for juiciness)
-
1 tsp kosher salt
-
½ tsp black pepper
-
1 tsp garlic powder
-
1 tsp onion powder
-
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
-
1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
Caramelized Onions
-
2 large yellow onions, sliced into rings
-
2 tbsp butter
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
½ tsp salt
-
½ tsp sugar (optional, but helps caramelization)
-
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or beef broth
Optional Glaze (Highly Recommended)
-
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
-
1 tbsp soy sauce
-
1 tbsp brown sugar
-
1 tbsp butter
🔥 Instructions
1. Prep the Hamburger Steaks
-
In a bowl, gently mix ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire.
-
Divide into 4 thick patties (about 1 inch thick).
-
Press a slight indent in the center of each patty (prevents puffing).
-
Brush lightly with olive oil.
-
Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
2. Caramelize the Onions (Low & Slow = Magic)
-
Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat.
-
Add onions and salt; cook slowly for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
Once deeply golden and soft, stir in sugar (if using) and balsamic or broth.
-
Cook another 2–3 minutes until glossy and jammy.
-
Set aside and keep warm.
3. Grill the Steaks
-
Preheat grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat.
-
Grill patties for 4–5 minutes per side, lid closed if possible.
-
Don’t press them! Let the crust form.
-
During the last minute, spoon a little glaze (optional) over each steak.
4. Finish & Serve
-
Remove steaks and let rest 3–5 minutes.
-
Top each steak with a generous pile of caramelized onions.
-
Optional: drizzle with remaining glaze or pan juices.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
-
Mashed potatoes or roasted garlic potatoes
-
Grilled vegetables
-
Buttered green beans
-
Or serve over rice with extra onion sauce 😮💨
🔥 Pro Tips
-
Want extra smoky flavor? Add ½ tsp smoked paprika to the beef.
-
Cast-iron pan works beautifully if no grill.
-
For extra richness, melt a pat of butter on each steak while resting.

