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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 45 minutes
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Skill Level: Easy
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Yield: 4 hearty burgers
Ingredients
For the Mushroom & Onion Topping:
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
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12 ounces cremini or white button mushrooms, sliced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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½ cup beef broth
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½ cup heavy cream or whole milk
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2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Burgers:
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1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend for optimal juiciness)
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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4 slices Swiss cheese
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4 large brioche burger buns, lightly toasted
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Optional for serving: Lettuce, tomato, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Mushroom & Onion Topping
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In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
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Add the sliced onions. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and turn translucent.
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Increase heat to medium-high. Add the sliced mushrooms. Cook without stirring for 2-3 minutes to allow them to brown, then stir and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms are golden brown and any released liquid has evaporated.
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Add the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for just 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom-onion mixture and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste.
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Slowly pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce.
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Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a rich, gravy-like consistency. Season generously with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
Step 2: Form & Cook the Burger Patties
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While the mushrooms cook, prepare the patties. In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Do not overmix, as this can make the burgers tough.
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Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Gently form each into a patty about ¾-inch thick, making a slight indentation in the center of each with your thumb. This helps the patty cook evenly and prevents doming.
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Heat a grill, grill pan, or a clean skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on the first side, undisturbed, to develop a good crust.
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Flip the burgers and cook for another 3-4 minutes for medium doneness (or to your preferred level). In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of Swiss cheese on each patty and cover loosely with a lid or a metal bowl to melt the cheese.
Step 3: Assemble the Burgers
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While the patties rest for 2-3 minutes (this allows juices to redistribute), lightly toast the brioche buns.
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Place the bottom bun on a plate. Add the cheesy burger patty, then generously ladle the warm mushroom and onion gravy over the top. Cap with the top bun.
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Serve immediately with your chosen sides.
Chef’s Notes & Tips for Success
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The Beef: An 80/20 (lean to fat) blend is ideal. The fat renders during cooking, creating a flavorful, juicy burger.
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Don’t Overwork: Handle the meat as little as possible when forming patties for the best texture.
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Resting is Key: Letting the cooked patties rest for a few minutes before assembling ensures all those delicious juices stay in the burger, not on your plate.
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Make it a “Smash Burger”: For a crisper edge, place a formed ball of meat on the hot skillet and immediately press down firmly with a heavy spatula. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side.
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Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red like a Pinot Noir or a Malbec complements the earthy mushrooms and rich beef perfectly. For a beer, choose a brown ale or a stout.
Nutrition Information
(Per serving, including bun and topping. Does not include optional condiments or sides.)
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Calories: ~850 kcal
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Total Fat: 58g
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Saturated Fat: 26g
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Cholesterol: 235mg
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Sodium: 1150mg
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Total Carbohydrates: 38g
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Dietary Fiber: 3g
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Sugars: 10g
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Protein: 45g