Start by mixing the ground beef with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Form the mixture into even-sized patties and set them aside.
Melt butter in a pan over low to medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Add in beef broth, thyme, and bay leaves. Simmer until the onions soften and soak up all those rich flavors.
Heat your grill or stovetop pan. Cook the patties to your preferred doneness (medium is a solid choice). For the best flavor, add Swiss cheese slices on top during the last minute of cooking, allowing them to melt beautifully.
Toast your burger buns either on the grill or in a toaster until lightly golden and crisp.
Place the patty on the bottom half of the bun, pile on plenty of caramelized onions, and carefully place the top bun. Serve immediately!