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Savory Oklahoma Onion Smashed Burger Recipe with American Cheese Made Easy

Oklahoma onion smashed burger - featured image

A quick and easy Oklahoma-style smashed burger featuring caramelized onions and melted American cheese, delivering a crispy crust and juicy center perfect for casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or neutral cooking oil
  • 4 soft burger buns, lightly toasted (brioche or potato buns recommended)
  • Optional toppings: pickles, ketchup, mustard, or favorite burger sauce

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add thinly sliced yellow onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown. Transfer onions to a bowl and keep warm.
  2. Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces or 115g each). Handle lightly and shape each portion loosely into a ball. Set aside.
  3. Increase heat to medium-high and add a little oil to the skillet to prevent sticking. When hot and shimmering, it’s ready for the smash.
  4. Place one beef ball in the skillet. Using a sturdy spatula or grill press, press down firmly until the patty is about 1/4 inch (6mm) thick. Repeat with remaining balls, working in batches if needed.
  5. Season patties generously with salt and pepper. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until edges are deeply browned and crisp.
  6. Spoon a generous amount of caramelized onions onto each patty. Carefully flip the patties over, keeping onions on top. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
  7. Lay a slice of American cheese over each patty. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil for about 30 seconds to melt the cheese.
  8. Toast burger buns lightly in a separate pan or toaster until golden and crisp on edges.
  9. Assemble burgers by placing cheesy, onion-topped patties on toasted buns. Add optional toppings as desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not press down on patties after flipping to preserve juices. Maintain medium-high heat for a crispy crust without burning. Cook onions low and slow to avoid bitterness. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cheese melts best when covered for about 30 seconds.

Nutrition

Keywords: Oklahoma smashed burger, onion smashed burger, American cheese burger, caramelized onions, quick burger recipe, easy dinner, comfort food