Monterey Jack Cheeseburgers with Balsamic Onion Jam and Crispy Panko Broccoli

There are countless burger recipes out there, but this one truly stands out. Imagine a juicy beef patty crowned with oozy, melted Monterey Jack cheese and a sweet-tangy balsamic onion jam. It’s the kind of burger that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite.

And because we believe in balance, we’ve paired it with crispy panko-crusted broccoli florets. They’re like little crunchy finger foods that also happen to be a vegetable – so you can have your indulgence and your greens too. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels like a treat.

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Ingredients

0.5 teaspoon GarlicView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Red OnionView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

16 ounce Broccoli FloretsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

3 tablespoon MayonnaiseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

5 teaspoon Balsamic VinegarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 cup Panko BreadcrumbsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon Dried OreganoView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

20 ounce Ground BeefView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 cup Monterey Jack CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 unit Potato BunsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 tablespoon KetchupView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

5 teaspoon Vegetable OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon SugarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F with a rack in the upper position. Wash and dry all produce. Mince or grate the garlic until you have ½ teaspoon (save the rest for another use). Halve, peel, and thinly slice the red onion. Cut the broccoli into small florets.
2. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise with as much minced garlic as you like (start with a pinch). Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
3. Heat a drizzle of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, 8–10 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar and 2 teaspoons sugar. Continue cooking until the mixture becomes syrupy, 1–2 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the onion jam to a small bowl and set aside. Wipe out the skillet.
4. While the onion cooks, toss the broccoli florets with 1 tablespoon of the garlic mayonnaise in a medium bowl until evenly coated. Add the panko breadcrumbs, dried oregano, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Toss until the crumbs stick to the broccoli (it’s okay if some crumbs fall off). Spread the broccoli in a single layer on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Bake until the panko is golden brown, about 15 minutes, tossing halfway through.
5. Heat another drizzle of oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape into patties slightly wider than the buns. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Cook the patties until they reach your desired doneness, 3–5 minutes per side. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the patties, cover the skillet, and cook until the cheese melts, about 1 minute.
6. While the patties cook, split the potato buns in half and place them cut-side up on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven until golden, about 3 minutes. Spread the remaining garlic mayonnaise and ketchup on the cut sides of the buns. Place a cheesy patty on each bun bottom and top with as much onion jam as you like. Serve the burgers with the crispy broccoli on the side.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different cheese instead of Monterey Jack?

Yes, you can substitute with provolone, mozzarella, or a mild cheddar for a similar melty texture.

Can I make the onion jam ahead of time?

Absolutely! The onion jam can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.

How do I make the broccoli extra crispy?

Make sure the broccoli is well coated with the mayonnaise mixture and spread in a single layer on the baking sheet without overcrowding. Tossing halfway through baking helps ensure even crispiness.