Gather the ingredients and equipment for this recipe so that you have everything close at hand on the counter or table.
Prepare the grill (either gas or charcoal) allowing the charcoal to heat while you prepare the rest of this recipe.
Prepare the Ingredients
Using a santoku or chef's knife and cutting board, thinly slice the sweet onion.
Shape the lean ground burger into patties and place on a baking sheet. Season with seasoned salt, garlic and onion powder, and freshly ground black pepper. Allow the burger to come to room temperature. When grilling burgers, I like to poke a hole in the center of the patties, which helps the burger to cook evenly.
Caramelize the Onions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter and olive oil. Add the sliced onions and cook until browned and softened, approximately 8-10 minutes. Stir often.
Stir in balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. Continue cooking the onions until they caramelize, about 2-3 minutes more. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Transfer the onions to a plate or bowl to use when assembling the burgers.
Grill the Burgers
When the charcoal is nearly all grey, place the burgers on the hot grill. Close the lid and allow the burgers to cook for 5 minutes and then turn. Continue this process until the meat is cooked to your satisfaction. Ground beef is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. Also keep in mind that the meat will continue to cook as it cools.
Toast the wheat hamburger buns by spreading butter on the inside of each and cooking on a hot griddle or the grill until lightly browned. Keep warm until burgers are ready to assemble.
Prepare the Garlic Mayo
While the burgers cook on the grill, prepare the garlic mayo sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, minced garlic, and siracha sauce. Taste and season as desired. Set aside until time to assemble the burgers
Assemble the Burgers
When the meat has nearly cooked to your satisfaction, top each patty with a slice of Gouda cheese. Cook for 1-2 additional minutes until the cheese has melted.
Allow hamburger patties to cool on a plate or platter for 4-5 minutes. Then place burgers on toasted hamburger buns.
Top each burger with caramelized onions and 1-2 tablespoons of garlic mayo. Add dill pickles, if desired.
This recipe will serve 4-6 people.
Notes
*Unless otherwise indicated, all butter used on this recipe site is salted.