Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers

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Crispy, juicy, and dripping with melty cheese and caramelized onions, Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers are a Midwest staple that transforms a few humble ingredients into a flavor-packed experience. With paper-thin sliced onions seared right into the beef patty, every bite delivers savory crunch and rich umami deliciousness.

Born out of Great Depression-era ingenuity, this burger uses more onions than beef to stretch ingredients—but don’t let that fool you. The result is a crispy-edged masterpiece, perfect for weeknight dinners, cookouts, or satisfying fast-food-style cravings at home.

What Kind of Onion Should I Use?

Sweet yellow onions or Vidalia onions are ideal for this recipe. Their natural sugars caramelize beautifully when cooked, delivering deep flavor and slight crispness at the edges. Slice them thin—we’re talking almost see-through—to help them fuse into the meat while cooking.

Ingredients for the Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers

Ground Beef (80/20)
You need some fat to achieve the juicy, flavorful patties and that perfect crust. An 80/20 blend ensures they won’t dry out while frying.

Yellow Onions
These are the star of the show. Thinly sliced, they become crispy and caramelized, creating that signature taste and texture.

Salt and Pepper
A simple seasoning combo to bring out the natural beef and onion flavors.

American Cheese
The classic melt factor. Its creamy texture adds richness and that fast-food nostalgia.

Burger Buns
Soft, slightly toasted buns complete the experience. Brioche or potato buns work beautifully.

Butter (optional)
For toasting the buns and adding a buttery bite.

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How To Make the Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers

Step 1: Prep the Onions

Slice your onions as thin as possible using a mandoline or sharp knife. Toss with a pinch of salt and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.

Step 2: Shape the Patties

Form the ground beef into loose balls, around 3 oz each. Don’t pack them tightly—you want a good sear and texture.

Step 3: Smash and Sear

Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil, then place a beef ball into the skillet. Immediately top with a mound of onions and smash it flat with a spatula, pressing the onions into the meat. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Flip and Cheese

After 2-3 minutes, when the onions are golden and crispy, flip the burger carefully. Top with cheese and let cook for another minute until melted.

Step 5: Toast and Assemble

Toast your buns in butter or directly in the skillet. Place the burger on the bun and serve hot.

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How to Store and Serve These Crispy Onion Burgers

Serve Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers immediately while hot and juicy. If you have leftovers, store patties and buns separately. Refrigerate cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer to restore crispiness.

Freezing isn’t ideal for this burger since the onions can lose their texture, but it can work if tightly wrapped and reheated with care.

What to Serve With Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers?

Dad’s Creamy Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

Ultra-comforting, cheesy, and creamy – the perfect indulgent side to soak up burger goodness. See the recipe here

Crispy Fried Zucchini

Lightly battered zucchini slices add a crunchy contrast and a bit of green to your plate. Try this pairing

Roasted Rosemary Sweet Potatoes

Earthy and herby, these make a slightly healthier (yet flavorful) option. Find it here

Classic Vanilla Fudge

For dessert, nothing beats a square of creamy vanilla fudge. It’s a sweet ending to a savory meal. Check out the recipe

Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Rich, melty, and ready to comfort – these are a fantastic addition to burger night. Grab the recipe

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Want More Burger Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers, don’t miss out on these meaty crowd-pleasers:

• Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy for that fall-apart comfort.
• Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini for a Tex-Mex burger alternative.
• Amish Country Poor Man’s Hamburger Steaks if you crave rustic diner-style flavor.
• White Cheddar Chicken Pasta when you want to double down on creamy comfort.
• Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes for a melty handheld twist.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe a dash of smoked paprika or swapping in provolone? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your tips or questions in the comments below.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen.com on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.

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