Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
It’s quite likely you’ll be firing up the barbecue this weekend to celebrate Independence Day. Although there’s nothing inherently wrong with the classic hamburgers and hot dogs, we’re here to elevate your holiday feast. Introducing our Shaved Onion Patty Melts, a twist on the beloved Oklahoma onion burgers, featuring a mouthwatering mix of ground beef, thinly sliced onions, and American cheese. These delightfully crispy, cheese-filled patties can be ready in just 30 minutes, leaving you ample time to pour a drink and join in the festivities for America’s birthday.
This convenient and delightful meal is a new addition to the REAL SIMPLE repertoire, yet it’s already garnered a cult following. The Shaved Onion Patty Melts recipe has been saved over 2,100 times, signifying that thousands have already prepared it or intend to do so in the future. It’s also received a perfect 5-star rating, making it a must-have for your holiday BBQ and beyond.
What’s particularly appealing about this recipe is its flexibility—no grill needed. While a grill is an option, the patties are best when cooked in a large cast-iron skillet or griddle. To prepare the Shaved Onion Patty Melts for four, form the beef into four patties, each about 1-inch thick. Make an indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb, then season with salt and pepper.
Heat canola oil in a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat, and cook two patties at a time. Position 1/3 cup of thinly sliced onions next to each patty, and cook for two minutes, leaving the onions undisturbed for the first minute before gently stirring in the second.
Choose a sweet onion and slice it into extremely thin, even pieces for the best crispness and even cooking, enhancing the patties’ flavor.
After two minutes, flip the patties, add the onions on top, and cook for another minute. Then, add a slice of American cheese to each. Continue cooking until the cheese is melted and the patties reach your preferred level of doneness—about two minutes for medium-rare and five minutes for medium-well. Transfer the patties to a plate and set aside.
Repeat the cooking process for the remaining two patties, onion, and cheese. Once all are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
To assemble, flip the buns bottom side up on a clean surface. Place the patties on top, add pickles, and then replace the bun tops, cut side up.
For a golden finish, heat the skillet to medium and add a tablespoon of butter. Cook two burgers until the buns are golden, about 1 minute, then flip and cook the other side. Repeat with the remaining butter and burgers.
If you’re hosting, slicing the onions three days ahead can save time. Just ensure they’re stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
So, once you’ve whipped up the Shaved Onion Patty Melts, consider pairing them with sweet potato fries or any variety of fries. You might also go for potato salad or roasted potatoes for a different twist. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or summer squash, or a simple side salad, are also excellent choices. To take your patty melts to the next level, top them with your favorite store-bought burger sauce or a homemade blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, and sweet relish.
