Easy Oven Baked Burgers

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Don’t let bad weather stop you from enjoying a good burger. This oven-baked method delivers juicy, flavorful hamburgers without the mess of stovetop cooking.

Season the patties, place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet, and let your oven do the work. In about 25 minutes, perfectly cooked burgers are ready for your favorite toppings – no flipping required. These are perfect for game day gatherings, cookouts, or anytime you need to feed a hungry crowd without manning the grill.

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I’ve found baking burgers in the oven particularly useful when cooking for a group. This hands-off method frees you up to prepare sides or set the table while the burgers cook.

The wire rack setup allows fat to drip away while maintaining juiciness, and finishing under the broiler gives that desirable charred exterior similar to grilled burgers. Clean-up is also much more straightforward – just line your baking sheet with foil and there’s minimal mess to deal with afterward.

Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, a backyard cookout moved indoors due to rain, or just a casual family dinner, these oven-baked burgers deliver consistent results every time.

What You’ll Need to Cook

Ground Beef: Opt for 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat). This fat ratio is crucial for juicy, flavorful burgers.

Smoked Paprika: This adds a subtle smoky undertone that mimics grilled flavor even when baking. For authentic smoky notes, look for genuine Spanish smoked paprika (pimentón) rather than regular paprika.

Worcestershire Sauce: This umami-rich ingredient enhances the beef’s natural savoriness. Choose traditional fermented varieties without high fructose corn syrup. It helps slightly break down the meat proteins, creating a more tender texture and adding complex flavor notes.

Cheese: Opt for freshly sliced medium-aged cheddar over pre-packaged slices. The higher fat content melts beautifully under the broiler.

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• freshly ground black pepper
• kosher salt
• Hamburger buns
• Desired toppings (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, etc.)
• Wire rack and rimmed baking sheet

Ingredient Substitutes

Ground Meat Alternatives: Ground turkey (90/10) can replace beef for a leaner option, though you’ll want to add 1 tablespoon olive oil to compensate for reduced fat.

Gluten-Free Option: Replace standard buns with gluten-free varieties or large portobello mushroom caps brushed with olive oil and pre-baked for 5-7 minutes. The mushroom adds earthy notes that complement the burger’s savory profile.

Seasoning Alternatives: Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon) can replace the individual spices for an herb-forward profile. For a spicier variation, substitute the smoked paprika with chipotle powder, which adds heat and smokiness.

Worcestershire Substitute: To mimic Worcestershire’s complex flavor, combine 1 teaspoon soy sauce with ¼ teaspoon each of vinegar and brown sugar. This creates a similar umami profile while maintaining the burger’s moisture content.

How to Make Oven-Baked Burgers

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 375°F. This moderate temperature allows the burgers to cook through evenly without burning the exterior. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil to catch drippings and make cleanup easier.

Place a wire rack on the baking sheet – this is crucial as it elevates the burgers, allowing hot air to circulate underneath while fat drips away. The result is a burger that’s caramelized all over rather than steamed on the bottom. If you don’t have a dedicated wire rack, a broiler pan with slits works well as an alternative.

Step 2: Prepare the Burger Mixture

In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix the ingredients, but avoid overworking the meat. Excessive mixing can make the burgers dense and tough rather than tender and juicy.

The ideal mixing technique involves folding the meat over itself several times while gradually incorporating the seasonings. Stop as soon as the ingredients are evenly distributed. The mixture should look uniform but still feel loose rather than compacted.

Step 3: Form the Patties

Divide the mixture into four equal portions (about 6 ounces each). Form each portion into a patty that’s slightly larger than your bun, as the meat will shrink during cooking. Press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb. This prevents the burgers from puffing up in the middle during baking.

For professional-quality patties, aim for a thickness of approximately ¾-inch. Handle the meat minimally during shaping to maintain tenderness. If preparing ahead, place formed patties on a parchment-lined plate, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before cooking.

Step 4: Bake the Burgers

Place the prepared patties on the wire rack, ensuring they don’t touch each other. This spacing allows for proper air circulation and even cooking. Slide the baking sheet into the middle rack of your preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 20 minutes for medium doneness (internal temperature of 155°F). For rare burgers, reduce cooking time to 15-17 minutes; for well-done, extend to 23-25 minutes. Unlike stovetop cooking, there’s no need to flip the burgers during baking – the elevated rack ensures even cooking on all sides.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Broil

After the initial baking period, remove the burgers from the oven and switch the broiler setting to high. Place a slice of cheese on each patty and return the baking sheet to the oven, positioning it about 6 inches below the broiler element.

Broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. This brief high-heat exposure melts the cheese perfectly while creating an appetizing browned crust on top of the burgers. The contrast between the outer caramelization and juicy interior makes these baked burgers irresistible.

Step 6: Toast the Buns and Assemble

While the cheese is melting, prepare your buns. Split them and lightly butter the cut sides if desired. After removing the burgers, place the buns cut-side up on a separate baking sheet or directly on the oven rack under the broiler for 30-60 seconds until golden.

Remove the burgers from the wire rack and let them rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. This brief rest period ensures maximum juiciness. Assemble your burgers with desired toppings and condiments on the toasted buns for the ultimate homemade burger experience.

How To Store Leftovers and Reheat

Allow the burgers to cool completely to room temperature before storing them, about 30 minutes. However, for food safety reasons, don’t leave them out longer than 2 hours.

Store cooled burger patties in airtight containers or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil before placing in a ziplock bag.

Your cooked burger patties will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap cooled patties individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag with the air removed. Frozen patties maintain quality for up to 3 months.

Reheating Methods

What To Serve With Burgers

Texas Twinkies

Grilled Garlic Bread

Sweet Potato Fries

Baked Queso Dip

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