Meet your new favorite low-carb indulgence: the Onion Wrapped Flying Dutchman Burger. Imagine juicy, perfectly seasoned beef patties smothered in gooey American cheese, their savory edges hugged by sweet, caramelized onion rings instead of a traditional bun. Whether you’re cutting carbs, going keto, or just craving something deliciously different, this burger delivers all the flavor and satisfaction of a classic cheeseburger—with a stunning twist that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. Every bite balances tender beef, molten cheese, and aromatic onion for an experience that redefines burger night!

Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with kitchen staples you probably have on hand, but each ingredient plays a starring role. The beef gives heartiness, onion brings sweetness and structure, and a few seasonings elevate it all to burger bliss.
- Ground Beef (1 pound, 80/20): For juicy burgers, choose beef with a bit of fat—it keeps the patties moist and flavorful.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the savory notes in both meat and onion, making every bite pop.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick and warmth to balance the richness.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the patties with a deep, garlicky aroma.
- Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Doubles up that sweet onion flavor in the burger, not just around it.
- Large Yellow Onion (sliced into thick rings): Go for the biggest you can find; thick slices hold the burger beautifully while caramelizing to perfection.
- American Cheese (4 slices): Melts into creamy, classic cheeseburger goodness atop each patty.
- Butter or Oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the onions caramelize and prevents sticking during stovetop magic.
How to Make Onion Wrapped Flying Dutchman Burger
Step 1: Mix and Shape the Patties
Begin by placing your ground beef in a bowl, then gently mix in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Don’t overwork the meat—you want just enough to combine the seasonings evenly. Divide into two portions and form each into a patty about the diameter of your largest onion rings. These should be slightly larger than the onions so the patties fit snugly without slipping out.
Step 2: Prep the Onion Rings
Grab your largest yellow onion and slice it into thick rings, about half an inch wide. Carefully separate the slices, keeping the big, intact rings. These will serve as both “bun” and flavor bomb, so pick the sturdiest ones. Save the smaller inner rings for another recipe or chop them up to sauté as a topping!
Step 3: Assemble the Onion Wrap
Take two large onion rings for each burger. Sandwich a beef patty in between, pressing the onion rings gently to hug the meat all the way around. If your onion rings aren’t quite sticking, don’t worry—the magic happens in the skillet as they soften and caramelize.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium-high heat, then melt your butter or drizzle the oil to coat the surface. Using a spatula, carefully transfer the onion-wrapped patties onto the hot surface. Cook for 4–5 minutes on the first side, allowing the onions to brown and the meat to develop a crust. Flip gently and cook another 4–5 minutes, or until the onions are deeply caramelized and the burgers cooked through.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish
For melty goodness, lay two slices of American cheese atop each patty in the last minute of cooking. Cover your pan briefly so the cheese melts into a luxurious blanket over the beef and onions. Once the cheese is perfectly gooey, remove the burgers from the pan and get ready to serve them up hot!
How to Serve Onion Wrapped Flying Dutchman Burger

Garnishes
Topping ideas are endless, but a classic approach lets that sweet onion and sizzling beef shine. Try adding dill pickle slices, a squiggle of mustard, or even grilled mushrooms for extra umami. Chopped parsley or a few crunchy lettuce leaves aren’t just for color—they bring brightness and freshness that balance the rich flavors of the Onion Wrapped Flying Dutchman Burger.
Side Dishes
Keep things light and let the burger steal the show! A crisp green salad, oven-roasted veggies, or tangy slaw all play beautifully alongside the savory, cheese-smothered burger. If you’re not counting carbs, a side of sweet potato fries or crispy roasted potatoes is a match made in comfort food heaven.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing platter, serve each Onion Wrapped Flying Dutchman Burger atop a bed of crunchy lettuce leaves, sprinkled with sesame seeds for a nod to the classic burger. Slice each burger in halves or quarters for party finger food, or stack with extra grilled onions and cheese for a double-decker wow-factor meal. Skewer with a fancy toothpick and serve alongside ramekins of dipping sauces for a restaurant-worthy touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Onion Wrapped Flying Dutchman Burger portions, let them cool to room temperature, then wrap tightly in foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and try to keep the cheese side facing up to prevent sticking.
Freezing
These burgers freeze surprisingly well! Cool completely, then wrap each in parchment and foil. Place in a resealable freezer bag and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best juicy results.
Reheating
For the tastiest leftovers, reheat your Onion Wrapped Flying Dutchman Burger in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to create steam—this keeps the meat tender and helps the onion re-caramelize. The microwave is fine for a quick fix, but a toaster oven or air fryer revives the texture best, making every bite taste almost fresh off the skillet!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While American cheese melts beautifully and gives that nostalgic burger flavor, you can swap in cheddar, Swiss, or provolone for a different twist. Each brings its own character to your Onion Wrapped Flying Dutchman Burger.
What if my onion rings break?
Don’t stress if your onions don’t all stay perfectly round—a broken ring can still wrap around the burger, and they’ll soften, shrink, and meld beautifully as they cook. Imperfect rings often mean more caramelized edges for flavor!
Can I grill these instead of using a skillet?
Yes, you can! Just preheat your grill and use a grill-safe tray or pan to prevent the onions and cheese from sticking or slipping through. The grill will add a smoky char that elevates the Onion Wrapped Flying Dutchman Burger even more.
Are there vegetarian alternatives for this recipe?
Definitely! Swap the beef for a thick slice of grilled portobello mushroom or your favorite plant-based burger patty. Keep the onions and cheese, and you’ll have a hearty, meat-free version that’s every bit as satisfying.
How do I keep the onion from falling off the patty?
The key is choosing thick, sturdy outer rings and gently pressing them onto the patty before cooking. As the onion softens and caramelizes, it naturally bonds with the beef and cheese, making the wrap more secure with every minute on the heat.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking for a delicious way to shake up burger night, the Onion Wrapped Flying Dutchman Burger is an irresistible choice that hits all the right notes—savory, cheesy, and delightfully bunless. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and enjoy every tasty bite as much as I do!
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Onion Wrapped Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 burgers 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this unique twist on a classic burger with the Onion Wrapped Flying Dutchman Burger. Juicy ground beef patties are sandwiched between thick rings of caramelized onion, creating a flavorful and satisfying low-carb meal.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Patties:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Onion Wraps:
- 1 large yellow onion (sliced into thick rings)
Additional:
- 4 slices American cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Form the Ground Beef Patties: Shape the ground beef into two large patties, seasoning both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Prepare the Onion Wraps: Separate the onion slices into intact rings and use the largest ones to sandwich each beef patty.
- Cook the Burgers: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with butter or oil. Cook the onion-wrapped burgers for 4–5 minutes per side until the onion is caramelized and the beef is cooked.
- Add Cheese: Top each patty with two slices of cheese during the last minute of cooking, melting them by covering the pan.
- Serve: Enjoy the burgers hot as is or wrapped in lettuce for a low-carb option.
Notes
- This burger is bunless and keto-friendly.
- Customize with toppings like pickles, mustard, or grilled mushrooms.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like provolone or cheddar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg