• 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 1 large sweet onion.
• Shape 2 pounds lean ground beef into patties and place on a baking sheet. Season with 1 teaspoon seasoned salt, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon 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 3 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the sliced onions and cook until browned and softened, approximately 8-10 minutes. Stir often.
• Stir in 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar and 2 teaspoons brown sugar. Continue cooking the onions until they caramelize, about 2-3 minutes more. Season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon 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 ground beef patties 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℉. Also keep in mind that the meat will continue to cook as it cools.
• Toast 4 each wheat hamburger buns by spreading 4 tablespoons 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 4 tablespoons mayonnaise, 4 tablespoons ketchup, 2 tablespoons minced garlic, and 5 drops 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 patties with 4 slices 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.