Grilled Onion Wrapped Burger

Name: Grilled Onion Wrapped Burger (Low-Carb)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large sweet onion; 2 tbsp olive oil; garlic salt, to taste; 1 lb ground beef; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tbsp burger seasoning; 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 2 tbsp yellow mustard; 4 slices American cheese; Burger sauce, for serving; 1 tbsp chopped banana peppers

This grilled onion wrapped burger uses thick, caramelized onion slices as a bun substitute, topped with mustard-fried smash patties and melted American cheese for a low-carb take on the classic burger.

🍴Copycat

🌍American 🏷️Burger 🏷️Smash burger 🏷️Low-carb 🏷️Keto Gluten-free

🏷️

🏷️Onion wrapped burger

-0:00

jackiehartlaubonTikTok

Total

30 min

Servings

2

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$22–$36

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by jackiehartlaub

-0:00

jackiehartlaubonTikTok

Ingredients

1 large sweet onion
2 tbsp olive oil
garlic salt, to taste
1 lb ground beef
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp burger seasoning
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp yellow mustard
4 slices American cheese
Burger sauce, for servingoptional
1 tbsp chopped banana peppersoptional

11 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Slice a large onion into four thick, 1/2-inch rounds to serve as the 'buns'.
2
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onion slices in a single layer.
3
Drizzle a little more olive oil over the top of the onions and season with garlic salt.
4
Cook the onions slowly, flipping occasionally, until they are soft and deeply caramelized. This may take 15-20 minutes.
5
While the onions are cooking, combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, and burger seasoning in a bowl. Mix gently to combine.
6
Divide the beef mixture into four equal portions and roll them into balls.
7
Once the onions are well-caramelized, drizzle balsamic vinegar over them and toss to coat. Cook for another minute, then remove from the pan and set aside.
8
Place the beef balls into the same hot skillet.
9
Using a burger press or a sturdy spatula, smash each ball into a thin patty.
10
Squeeze a layer of yellow mustard onto the top (uncooked) side of each patty.
11
Cook for 2-3 minutes, then flip the patties so the mustard side sears on the pan.
12
Immediately top each patty with a slice of American cheese. Stack two patties together to create a double patty.
13
Cover the pan with a lid for about a minute to allow the steam to melt the cheese.
14
To assemble, place one caramelized onion slice on a plate, top with a double-stack of cheesy patties, add burger sauce and chopped banana peppers, and finish with a second onion slice.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Slice onions evenly at 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick and grill cut-side down first to develop caramelization and char without burning the outer layers.
Press the beef patty hard onto the hot oiled griddle with a spatula for 30–45 seconds to create a crispy, flavorful crust before flipping.
Add mustard to the hot griddle just before the patty hits it so it fries into the meat and develops a tangy, umami-rich coating.
Toast the caramelized onion slices on the griddle for 30 seconds after building the burger to meld the cheese and warm the structure.

Substitutions

American cheese → cheddar or Swiss cheese (changes flavor profile but works structurally)
Yellow mustard → whole grain or Dijon mustard (alters tang level)
Sweet onion → Vidalia or Texas onion (similar sweetness and texture)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooked onion slices separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently on a griddle. Assemble fresh burgers to order for best texture.

Equipment

griddle or cast-iron skillet · spatula for smashing patties

Common Questions

Can I use red or white onions instead of sweet onions?

Sweet onions work best because they caramelize smoothly and develop natural sweetness. Red or white onions are more pungent and won't achieve the same tender, mellow flavor.

How thick should I cut the onion slices?

Cut slices about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick so they stay intact during grilling and provide enough structure to hold the patty and toppings.

Do I need to cook the onions before assembling the burger?

Yes, grill the onion slices until deeply caramelized and softened first. This ensures they're tender and flavorful enough to support the burger fillings.

Can this burger be made ahead?

Cook the onions ahead and reheat gently before serving. Form and cook the smash patties fresh for best texture and flavor.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, using onion instead of bread makes it low-carb and keto-compatible, though onions do contain carbs—account for about 7g carbs per 1/2 large onion.