Ultimate Caramelized Onion Flying Dutchman Burger
This bun-less smash burger uses thick caramelized onion slices instead of bread, creating a rich, juicy, and low-carb burger packed with flavor. Melty cheese, savory beef patties, and a creamy homemade burger sauce make this indulgent Flying Dutchman burger perfect for keto-friendly meals and burger lovers looking for something unique.
Equipment
- large skillet or cast iron pan
- spatula for smashing burger patties
- mixing bowl for preparing the burger sauce
- knife for slicing onions
- cutting board
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4-8 slices American cheese or preferred melting cheese
- 2 tbsp vegetable or avocado oil for cooking patties
- 2 large onions cut into thick 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 tbsp oil for caramelizing onions
- 1 pinch salt for onions
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp minced onion
- 1 tsp pickle relish
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- lettuce tomato slices or pickles for serving (optional)
- bacon strips optional
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, minced onion, pickle relish, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning, then refrigerate while preparing the rest of the burger components.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the thick onion rounds in the pan and cook for about 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown, tender, and caramelized. Season lightly with a pinch of salt, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Divide the ground beef into 4–8 equal portions depending on the desired patty size. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Smash each portion into a thin patty using a spatula and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the edges are crispy, flip, add cheese slices, and cook another 1–2 minutes until melted.
- Place one caramelized onion round on a plate as the base. Add the cheese-topped burger patty, then spread burger sauce on another onion round and place it on top to create the bun. Add optional toppings if desired and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Use sweet onions like Vidalia for the best caramelization. American cheese melts perfectly for the classic experience, but cheddar, provolone, or Swiss are great alternatives. Cook patties in a heavy skillet such as cast iron for crisp edges. Assemble the burger just before serving to keep the onions tender and the cheese perfectly melted.
Nutrition
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 28gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 710mgPotassium: 420mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 350IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 180mgIron: 3mg
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