Why Bake Burgers?
Less Mess: No stovetop splatters and easier cleanup.
Controlled Cooking: Ovens provide more consistent heat, promoting even cooking.
Hands-Off: Great for when you’re short on time or multitasking in the kitchen.
Equipment
- Baking sheet or broiler pan
- Oven-safe wire rack (recommended for best results)
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 to 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 best for juicy burgers)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional Toppings: cheese slices, sliced onion, etc.
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven and Prep Baking Sheet:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
- If you have a wire rack that fits the sheet, place it on top. This helps with drainage and air circulation for better browning.
2. Shape Patties:
- Gently divide the ground beef into equal portions (around 4-6 ounces depending on desired burger size).
- Form each portion into a patty slightly wider than your burger buns, as they tend to shrink a bit while cooking.
- Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty to prevent them from doming up too much.
3. Season: Season the patties liberally with salt and pepper on both sides.
4. Bake:
- Place the patties on the prepared baking sheet (with or without the rack).
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a patty reads 160°F (71°C) for medium.
- Note: Flip halfway through for even browning if not using a wire rack.
Finishing Touches (Optional)
- In the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, add cheese slices to melt directly on the burgers.
- If you like toasted buns, you can lightly toast them under the broiler or in a toaster oven while the burgers finish.
Rest and Assemble
- Let the burgers rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Build your burgers with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Tips
Fat Matters: For juicy oven-baked burgers, don’t use leaner ground beef than 80/20.
Personalize It: Add seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the ground beef for extra flavor.
Avoid Overhandling: Handle the meat gently when forming patties to avoid tough burgers.
