Caramelized Onion & Cheddar Beyond Burgers™

Fill a medium pot 3/4 of the way up with salted water; cover and heat to boiling on high. Wash and dry the fresh produce. Peel and small dice the onion. Peel 2 cloves of garlic. Roughly chop 1 clove. Using a zester, finely grate the other clove into a paste (or use the small side of a box grater). Thinly slice the cheese. Halve the buns. 

In a medium pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the diced onion; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 4 to 5 minutes, or until lightly browned and softened. Add the chopped garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, 1 to 2 minutes, or until softened and fragrant. Add the balsamic vinegar (carefully, as the liquid may splatter). Cook, stirring occasionally, 1 to 2 minutes, or until coated and most of the liquid has cooked off. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Transfer to a bowl; cover to keep warm. Rinse and wipe out the pan. 

While the onion cooks, fill a medium bowl with ice water; add a pinch of salt, then set aside. Add the green beans to the pot of boiling water. Cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately transfer to the bowl of ice water; let stand until cool. Drain thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.

Sprinkle both sides of the patties with enough the Italian seasoning to coat (you may have extra). In the same pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the patties and cook 3 to 5 minutes, or until browned. Flip (carefully, as the oil may splatter) and top with the sliced cheese. Loosely cover the pan with foil and cook 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the patties are browned and cooked through (the center will still be red or pink). Transfer to a plate. Wipe out the pan. 

* An instant-read thermometer should register 165°F.

In the same pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the buns, cut side down, and toast on medium-high 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until lightly browned. Transfer to a work surface. 

In a large bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, a drizzle of olive oil, and as much of the garlic paste as you’d like. Add the shocked green beans and peppers; season with salt and pepper. Stir to coat. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Assemble the burgers using the toasted buns, cooked patties, and caramelized onion (you may have extra onion). Serve the burgers with the dressed green beans on the side. Enjoy!