Blue Cheese Burgers with Caramelized Onions

A lot of people run when they hear "blue cheese". I used to too, until I went out on a limb one day and ordered a blue cheese burger at a local restaurant. This is a great way to try blue cheese for the first time. Blue cheese and beef go so well together I promise it won't disappoint. 

So go ahead, try this one.

Blue Cheese Burgers with Caramelized Onions

1 1/2 lbs. fresh ground beef

4-5 Tbs. blue cheese

salt and pepper

1 medium red onion sliced into rings

1 large red tomato sliced thick

2 romaine lettuce leaves

honey BBQ sauce

4 ciabatta rolls

Saute onions in 1 tbs. of olive oil on medium low heat until golden brown and caramelized.

To assemble your patties, separate beef into 4 equal pieces. Break each piece in half (you are going to stuff each patty with blue cheese). Lightly shape half of patty into a flat circle. Do not overwork your meat or it will toughen your meat. Place 1 tbs. of blue cheese on top of shaped patty. Shape other half of patty as before and place on top, sealing off the edge. Repeat with other three patties. Salt and pepper both sides of your patties liberally. 

Pour 1 tbs. olive oil in frying pan set on high heat. Wait until oil is slightly smoking and carefully place patties in pan. Do not overcrowd*, cook two at a time if you have to. Cook on both sides over high heat for 3-4 minutes or until cooked to desired wellness. Allow to rest for a few minutes.

Toast ciabatta rolls in toaster. Assemble burgers with caramelized onions, fresh tomatoes, romaine lettuce, BBQ sauce, and ketchup.

Serve with homemade sweet potato french fries.
*TIP: Overcrowding your meat when pan-searing does not allow your meat get a good crust. When the meat is too close together, they give off moisture which creates a steam bath that keeps the oil from effectively searing your meat. You want a nice dry piece of meat so the hot oil can do its magic.