Oklahoma

Onion Burger Pizza

Inspired by El Reno's legendary onion burgers born during the Depression era. Thin-sliced onions smashed into seasoned beef, topped with pickles and American cheese - all the classic burger flavors on a pizza crust!

⏱ Total 50min 🍴 Serves 4-6 ⭐ Depression Era Classic 🍔 Burger Style

Equipment Needed

🍕 Pizza Stone
🍳 Cast Iron Skillet
🥣 Mixing Bowls
🥢 Pizza Peel
🥄 Spatula

Instructions

1

Make the dough: Dissolve yeast in warm water, let stand 5 minutes. Add flour, salt, and oil. Knead until smooth, about 8 minutes. Cover and let rise 1 hour.

2

Slice the onions: Cut onions paper-thin - this is crucial for authentic onion burger style. They should almost be transparent.

Tip: Use a mandoline for perfectly thin, even onion slices. Traditional El Reno style uses more onions than meat!
3

Cook the beef and onions: Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat. Add ground beef in a thin layer, immediately top with a generous mound of sliced onions. Press onions into the meat with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper. Let cook without moving for 2-3 minutes to develop a crust, then break apart and continue cooking until beef is browned and onions are caramelized.

4

Make the special sauce: Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, and onion powder. Mix well and set aside.

5

Preheat oven: Place pizza stone in oven and preheat to 475F (245C) for at least 30 minutes.

6

Shape the dough: Punch down risen dough and stretch into a 14-inch round. Transfer to floured pizza peel.

7

Assemble: Spread special sauce over dough. Tear American cheese slices and distribute over sauce. Top with the beef and onion mixture. Add pickle slices.

8

Bake: Slide pizza onto hot stone and bake 12-14 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is melted and bubbling.

9

Finish and serve: Remove from oven, drizzle with yellow mustard in zigzag pattern. Add shredded lettuce if using. Let rest 2 minutes before slicing.

Pro Tips & Variations

  • More onions than beef: Traditional Oklahoma onion burgers use a ratio of 2:1 onions to meat. Don't skimp!
  • Smash technique: The key is smashing the onions INTO the beef patty, not cooking separately.
  • American cheese only: For authenticity, stick with classic American cheese - it melts perfectly.
  • Pickle placement: Add some pickles before baking (they'll soften) and some after (for crunch).
  • Add bacon: Crumbled bacon takes this pizza to the next level.
  • Sesame seed crust: Brush crust with butter and sprinkle sesame seeds for a "bun" effect.
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