Beef Burgers with Caramelized Tomato Sauce

Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of beef burgers topped with a luscious caramelized tomato sauce. This recipe brings together the juiciness of beef patties, the sweetness of caramelized tomatoes, and the tanginess of pickles and red onions. Perfect for a weekend lunch or a casual dinner, these burgers are easy to prepare yet deliver gourmet flavors. The caramelized tomato sauce is the star of the dish, bringing depth and a slight sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory beef. The buns are lightly toasted with butter and dressed with the luxurious tomato sauce for an added layer of flavor. Fresh lettuce, creamy melting cheese, and crisp cucumber slices add texture and freshness to every bite. This dish is versatile and can be easily adjusted to suit your taste preferences. Serve these burgers with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Prepare to savor a taste sensation that will leave you and your guests craving more.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 bread bun
• 2 beef burger patties
• 2 pickles
• 1 red onion
• 2 tomato slices
• 15 grams melting cheese
• 3 oak leaf lettuce leaves (or other lettuce of choice)
• A knob of butter

Caramelized Tomato Sauce:

• 250 g canned tomatoes
• 250 g tomato paste
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 tbsp honey
• A pinch of salt

Preparation Time

Total Time: 60 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Caramelized Tomato Sauce: Begin by heating a pan over medium heat and adding the sugar. Allow it to caramelize until golden brown.
2. Add finely chopped half of the red onion and minced garlic to the pan, stirring to prevent burning.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, combining it well with the caramelized sugar, onion, and garlic.
4. Pour in the canned tomatoes with their juice and reduce heat to low. Let the sauce simmer for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. As the sauce thickens, add honey and a pinch of salt. Stir well and taste to adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat once the sauce reaches a thick caramel consistency.
6. Prepare the Burger Ingredients: While the sauce simmers, slice the cheese and pickles lengthwise into thin slices. Cut the tomatoes into slices.
7. Slice the bread bun in half horizontally and spread a bit of butter on the insides.
8. Spread a generous amount of the caramelized tomato sauce on the buttered side of each bun half.
9. Assemble the Burgers: Start layering from the bottom half of the bun with a lettuce leaf.
10. Place the cucumber slices evenly over the lettuce, followed by one beef patty.
11. Add a slice of cheese on top of the patty, allowing it to cover the patty fully.
12. Add a slice of tomato on top of the cheese, then the second beef patty.
13. Place another tomato slice over the second patty, and finish with another lettuce leaf.
14. Top with the remaining half of the bun, pressing gently to secure the contents.
15. Heat the Burger: Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature. Place the assembled burger in the oven until the cheese is melted and the burger is warmed through.
16. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
17. Arrange the burger on a serving plate or board, garnishing with additional lettuce leaves if desired.
18. Serve and Enjoy: Present the burger with a side of your choice, like fries or a fresh salad.
19. Enjoy the burst of flavors and textures with each bite, experiencing a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and tangy.
20. For an extra flavor kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or a slice of crispy bacon between the layers.

Tips

• Substitutions: Use turkey or chicken patties for a leaner option, or a plant-based patty for a vegetarian version.
• Cheese Variations: Try cheddar or gouda for different melting textures and flavors.
• Spice It Up: Add chili flakes to the caramelized tomato sauce for a spicy twist.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 650 per serving
• Protein: 35g
• Fats: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 45g

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.
• Vegan: Substitute vegan patties, vegan cheese, and vegan butter in place of the traditional ingredients.
• Low-Carb: Skip the bun and serve the ingredients on a bed of greens.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with sweet potato fries or onion rings.
• Pair with a cold beer or lemonade for a refreshing accompaniment.
• Add a side of coleslaw or pickled vegetables for extra crunch and flavor.

Best Places

• Burger & Lobster - Famous for their exceptional burgers and seafood. Location: 29 Clarges St, Mayfair, London, UK.
• Shake Shack - A modern-day 'roadside' burger stand. Location: Madison Ave & E.23rd St, New York City, USA.
• In-N-Out Burger - Classic burger joint offering fresh ingredients. Location: 1003 S Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, USA.
• Fatboy's The Burger Bar - Known for delicious burgers and hearty meals. Location: 187 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore.
• Fergburger - A must-visit for its legendary burgers. Location: 42 Shotover Street, Queenstown, New Zealand.
• Brooks Hamburgers - Tasty burger experience in a vintage setting. Location: 9 9th St S, Naples, USA.
• Heart Attack Grill - A unique burger experience not for the faint-hearted. Location: 450 Fremont St #130, Las Vegas, USA.
• Bleecker Burger - Known for its simplicity and quality of ingredients. Location: 205 Victoria St, London, UK.
• The Counter - Custom-built burgers with a variety of toppings. Location: 700 S Allied Way, El Segundo, USA.
• Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer - Renowned for gourmet burgers and crazy milkshakes. Location: 529 Broome St, New York City, USA.