Baked Hamburgers
These Baked Hamburgers are the MVPs of dinner time! I just season the beef with a simple mix of salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder, pop them under the broiler, and then top them off with some seriously melty cheese. These baked hamburgers come out of the oven not just juicy, but bursting with flavor, and ready to dress up in whatever toppings I have on hand. So easy and yummy!
Alright, let’s address the big ol’ elephant in the room. I know how to grill, but here’s the deal: with five kiddos running around, who, by the way, would live on burgers if they could, standing guard over a grill just isn’t in the cards, and when I want that char-flavor, broiling burgers is the best way to get it. And yeah, I could sizzle them up in a pan, but then I’m left with a stovetop that looks like a greasy crime scene – no thank you. So, what’s a busy mom to do? I’ll tell you: I grab a wire rack, fire up the oven, and dive into this baked hamburger recipe. It’s my no-fuss, no-mess solution to getting those burgers on the table, and guess what? They come out juicy and delicious, just as my go-to sheet pan burgers. Talk about a dinner win!
Baked Hamburgers Overview
Cuisine Inspiration: American
Number of Ingredients: 4 (excluding salt & pepper and the optional toppings)
Total Cook Time: 30 – 32 minutes
Primary Cooking Method: Broiling
Dietary Info: Gluten-Free (if using GF buns)
Key Flavor: Meaty, savory and cheesy
Skill Level: Beginner
Notable mentions
- Perfect for a Crowd: These oven-baked hamburgers are an absolute lifesaver when you’re hosting a big family gathering or a casual get-together with friends. Cooking up a batch is super simple, so everyone gets their burger hot and ready at the same time.
- Zero Mess Cooking: One of the best parts about this baked burger recipe is how clean the process is. By cooking the burgers on a wire rack over a baking sheet, all that greasy mess just drips away, leaving you with a tidy kitchen and a simple cleanup.
- Topping Versatility: My kiddos always vote for the classic ketchup, mustard, tomato, and pickle combo every time, but these oven baked burgers are like a blank canvas for any toppings. The possibilities are endless!
- Weeknight Dinner Hero: On those evenings when time just isn’t on your side, this recipe is a godsend! From start to finish, you’re looking at dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients to make Baked Hamburgers
- Ground Beef: This is the heart of your burger. That 80/20 mix gives you just enough fat to keep things juicy without going overboard.
- Burger Buns: Soft, fluffy buns are the way to go here. Whether you’re a sesame seed fan or you lean towards brioche, the choice is yours.
- Cheese Slices: Cheddar, Swiss, American, you name it. Each brings its own unique flavor to the burger.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are your go-to’s here. They keep things simple but pack a punch in the flavor department.
- Optional Toppings: You can go for ketchup, mustard, sliced tomatoes, and pickles, but here’s where you can get really creative with whatever you have on the fridge.
How to make Baked Hamburgers
- Season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Form into 8 patties and place them on the wire rack.
- Broil patties for 5-6 minutes on one side. Flip them over and broil for another 5-6 minutes.
- Turn off the oven. Place a slice of cheese on each patty and return to the oven until the cheese melts. Then, assemble the burgers on buns with your chosen toppings, and enjoy!
Popular substitutions & additions
- Gluten-Free Buns: Many brands such as Udi’s and Canyon Bakehouse offer delicious gluten-free alternatives that hold up well to all the juicy goodness of a burger!
- Leaner Beef: If you’re aiming for a lighter burger, opting for a 90/10 ground beef mix is a great choice. Just remember, while you’re cutting down on fat, the burgers might be a tad less juicy.
- Creative Toppings: Don’t be shy to mix up the toppings! Drizzle some BBQ sauce, add caramelized onions, a smear of mayonnaise, or some sautéed mushrooms to bring a whole new flavor profile to your baked burgers.
- Turkey or Chicken Burgers: Ground turkey or chicken are fantastic alternatives to beef. They’re leaner, sure, but with the right seasonings (a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of Worcestershire sauce) you won’t miss the beef.
Tips for making the best oven baked hamburgers
- Use Foil: Before you set that wire rack on your baking sheet, line the sheet with aluminum foil. Once dinner’s done, simply fold up the foil and toss it. Your baking sheet? As clean as when you started!
- Mix the Beef Gently: Treat that ground beef with a tender touch when mixing in your seasonings. I like to get in there with my hands – it gives me better control and helps ensure I don’t overwork the meat. Overmixing just leads to tough oven baked hamburgers.
- Toast Those Buns: Give your burger buns a quick toast so they don’t get soggy with the beef juices. You can pop them under the broiler for a minute or two while the cheese is melting on your patties or use a toaster.
- Thumbprint for Even Cooking: Make a small dimple in the center of each patty before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly and prevents that all-too-common burger bulge, making for a perfectly shaped patty.
How to store & reheat Baked Hamburgers
First, let your burgers cool down. Then, pop them in an airtight container and slide them into the fridge. Yup, storing them is that easy!
To reheat, just place the patties on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. If they’re cheese-topped, cover loosely with foil to prevent the cheese from burning.
How long will Baked Hamburgers last in the fridge?
Your baked hamburgers will keep in the fridge, staying fresh and tasty, for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze baked burgers?
Freezing these burgers is a great idea! Once cooled, wrap each patty individually in freezer paper or plastic wrap, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh and ready to enjoy for up to 3 months. When burger time rolls around again, thaw your patties in the fridge overnight, and pop them in the oven.
What to serve with Baked Hamburgers
- Mac and Cheese: I love gooey mac and cheese next to my burger! I often do a mix of cheddar and Gruyère that’s absolutely to die for.
- Fries, Fries, Baby: Let’s talk fries because, really, what’s a burger without them? I’ve done it all – sweet potato fries for a hint of sweetness, curly fries for fun, and even tried my hand at zucchini fries for a lighter touch. Each has its charm.
- Cheese Crisps: If you’re looking to keep things on the lighter side but still want that crunch, cheese crisps are your best friend. They’re cheesy, crispy, and SO good!
- Coleslaw: A scoop of coleslaw next to a burger just feels right. I’ve toggled between creamy and tangy dressings depending on my mood, but both ways, it’s a refreshing contrast to the hearty burger.
- Drinks: For washing it all down, you’ve got options. A cold beer for the adults, a glass of homemade lemonade, or a classic soda.
Frequently asked questions
Can I Do The Beef Mixture Ahead Of Time?
Oh, absolutely! You can mix your beef with the seasonings and then cover and chill it in the fridge for up to a day in advance.
How Thick Should My Burger Patties Be?
Aim for about 1 inch in thickness. That’s thick enough to ensure you get that juicy, tender inside with a nicely browned exterior, but not so thick that the patties take forever to cook through.
How Do I Know The Patties Are Fully Cooked?
The best way to check if your patties are cooked to perfection is to look at the juices – they should run clear. Or, for a fail-proof method, use a meat thermometer. You want an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they’re safe to eat but still juicy.
Honestly, these Baked Hamburgers have become one of the easiest, tastiest tricks in my book. They’re all about bringing big flavor with minimal fuss, whether it’s a Tuesday night family dinner or a casual weekend gathering with friends. So next time you’re in the mood for a burger but not all the grill cleanup, give these a try!
More Easy Dinner Recipes:
- Sheet Pan Burgers
- Swiss Steak
- Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs
- Broiled Salmon
- Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
- Copycat Chipotle Chicken
- Easy Broiled Cod
I want to hear from you! If you try this easy Baked Hamburgers recipe or any other of my easy recipes on Dinner in 5, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! I read all the comments and respond!
Baked Hamburgers
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 lbs 80/20 lean ground beef
- 8 burger buns
- 8 slices cheese any kind
- 2½ teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Ketchup, mustard, sliced tomatoes, and pickles optional, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven broiler. Place a wire rack on top of a baking sheet.
- Season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Form into 8 patties and place them on the wire rack.
- Broil patties for 5-6 minutes on one side. Flip them over and broil for another 5-6 minutes.
- Turn off the oven. Place a slice of cheese on each patty and return to the oven until the cheese melts.
- Assemble the burgers on buns with your chosen toppings, and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Foil: Before you set that wire rack on your baking sheet, line the sheet with aluminum foil. Once dinner’s done, simply fold up the foil and toss it. Your baking sheet? As clean as when you started!
- Mix the Beef Gently: Treat that ground beef with a tender touch when mixing in your seasonings. I like to get in there with my hands – it gives me better control and helps ensure I don’t overwork the meat. Overmixing just leads to tough oven baked hamburgers.
- Toast Those Buns: Give your burger buns a quick toast so they don’t get soggy with the beef juices. You can pop them under the broiler for a minute or two while the cheese is melting on your patties or use a toaster.
- Thumbprint for Even Cooking: Make a small dimple in the center of each patty before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly and prevents that all-too-common burger bulge, making for a perfectly shaped patty.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.