Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp (5g) garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp (2.5g) onion powder
- 1/2 tsp (3g) kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp (1.5g) black pepper
- 4 burger buns (brioche or pretzel buns recommended)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) mayonnaise (optional)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) ketchup (optional)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) mustard (optional)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 lb (450g) cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp (1.5g) dried thyme
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) dry sherry (or beef broth as a substitute)
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened and translucent.
- Add the mushrooms and thyme to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are softened and browned and most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze with sherry (or beef broth), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer until the liquid is reduced to a glaze. Set aside and keep warm.
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix!
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form into patties, slightly larger than the buns (they will shrink during cooking). Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from bulging.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Alternatively, heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer to your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for medium doneness.
- During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of Swiss cheese and cover the grill or pan to allow the cheese to melt.
- Lightly toast the burger buns (optional). Spread mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard (if using) on the buns.
- Place the cheese-covered patties on the bottom buns, top with the mushroom and onion sauté, and finish with the top buns. Serve immediately.