Butter Burgers

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 12/29/22
Butter Burgers on a plate

The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 32 mins
Total: 47 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Yield: 4 burgers

Can't get to Wisconsin to enjoy a mouthwatering ooey-gooey butter burger? It's super-easy to make them at home!

Wisconsin has long been famous for its dairy production, producing more cheese and butter than any other state, so it's no wonder the butter burger was created in that state. An authentic butter burger is made with lean ground beef, preferably sirloin, and a generous amount of butter. Hot cooked chopped onions are usually layered on the burgers along with a slice of cheese if you like. If you crave additional toppings, feel free to add them to the bottom bun before you add the hamburger patty.

Butter adds flavor and succulent texture to these burgers, so lean ground beef (about 90 percent lean) is the best choice.

Ingredients

  • 10 tablespoons butter, softened

  • 4 hamburger buns

  • 1 large onion, chopped

  • 1 pound lean ground beef, preferably sirloin, 90/10 or better

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste

  • 1 dash black pepper, or to taste

  • 4 slices American cheese

  • Lettuce leaves, optional for serving

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Butter Burgers ingredients

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  2. Lightly butter the cut side of the buns and toast on a griddle, skillet, or grill, or under the broiler. Set the buns aside.

    toasted buns

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  3. Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. When the butter stops sizzling, add the onions. Cook, stirring frequently until the onions are soft and just lightly browned, or about 15 minutes. Remove them to a bowl and set aside.

    onions in a frying pan

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  4. Meanwhile, shape ground beef into four burgers. Make an indentation in the center of each patty.

    beef patties

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  5. Place the same skillet back on medium heat. Arrange the burger patties in the skillet. Season the burgers with kosher salt and black pepper and cook them for about 6 to 8 minutes on each side, or until they reach at least 160 F, the minimum safe temperature (USDA) for ground meat.

    beef patties in a frying pan

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  6. Place a square of cheese on each burger and continue to cook until the cheese is melted. Meanwhile, reheat the chopped onions on the stovetop or microwave so they will be hot when you assemble the burgers.

    beef patties with cheese in a frying pan

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  7. Assemble the burgers. Slather each top bun with about 2 tablespoons of butter. If desired, place lettuce leaves on the bottom bun. Top the bottom bun with a cheeseburger. Top with a heaping tablespoon of the cooked chopped onion. Place the buttered top bun on the onion layer and serve immediately. Enjoy!

    Butter Burgers, butter on the bun

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

Tips

  • For very thin patties or smash burgers, press the patties as soon as they go into the pan. Avoid pressing the burgers as they cook; you will lose some of the natural beef juices.

Recipe Variations

  • Garlic Butter Burgers: Smash and mince 1 clove of garlic. Just before slathering the butter on the buns, add the garlic.
  • Replace the onions with about 8 ounces of coarsely chopped sautéed mushrooms.
  • Replace the ground beef with lean ground turkey or lamb.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
752 Calories
49g Fat
34g Carbs
42g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 752
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 49g 63%
Saturated Fat 27g 134%
Cholesterol 193mg 64%
Sodium 1034mg 45%
Total Carbohydrate 34g 12%
Dietary Fiber 2g 6%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 42g
Vitamin C 2mg 12%
Calcium 405mg 31%
Iron 6mg 32%
Potassium 683mg 15%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)