Making burgers in the oven is an easy, mess-free way to prepare juicy, flavorful patties. Whether it’s too cold to grill or you’re just looking for a simple method, baking burgers ensures they cook evenly while staying moist and tender. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, oven-baked burgers are a game-changer!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and simple with minimal cleanup.
- Juicy, flavorful burgers without needing a grill.
- Customizable with your favorite seasonings and toppings.
- Perfect for cooking large batches at once.
- Consistent, evenly cooked patties every time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef (80/20 for the juiciest burgers)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder (optional)
- Onion powder (optional)
- Cheese slices (optional, for cheeseburgers)
- Burger buns and desired toppings: Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard, mayo
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet if desired to allow fat to drain.
- Prepare the Patties:
- Divide the ground beef into equal portions (typically 4–6, depending on size preference). Gently shape each portion into a patty about 1 inch thick, creating a small indent in the center with your thumb to prevent puffing.
- Season the Burgers:
- Sprinkle both sides of each patty with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, or your preferred seasonings.
- Bake the Burgers:
- Place the patties on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack. Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness:
- Medium-Rare: 130–135°F
- Medium: 140–145°F
- Medium-Well: 150–155°F
- Well-Done: 160°F
- Place the patties on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack. Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness:
- Add Cheese (Optional):
- If making cheeseburgers, place a slice of cheese on each patty during the last 2–3 minutes of baking.
- Assemble the Burgers:
- Toast the buns in the oven if desired. Assemble the burgers with your favorite toppings and sauces. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–6 burgers
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Variations
- Stuffed Burgers: Add a slice of cheese or sautéed mushrooms inside the patty for a gooey center.
- Turkey or Chicken Burgers: Substitute ground turkey or chicken and adjust the cooking time as needed. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Spicy Burgers: Add diced jalapeños and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herb Burgers: Mix chopped parsley, thyme, or cilantro into the ground beef for extra flavor.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the burgers in lettuce wraps instead of buns.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked or cooked patties individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking or reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, or microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I bake frozen burger patties?
Yes, bake them at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Ensure they reach a safe internal temperature of 160°F.
Do I need to add oil?
No, the fat in ground beef prevents the patties from sticking, especially when using a lined baking sheet.
How can I keep the burgers juicy?
Use 80/20 ground beef, avoid overworking the meat, and don’t overcook.
Can I add seasonings to the ground beef?
Yes, mix seasonings like Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, or onion powder directly into the meat before shaping the patties.
Should I use a wire rack?
A wire rack allows excess fat to drip away, but it’s not necessary. Baking directly on the sheet works fine.
Can I make sliders with this method?
Yes, form smaller patties and reduce the baking time to 10–12 minutes.
How can I toast the buns in the oven?
Place the buns cut-side up on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 400°F for 2–3 minutes.
Can I use other types of ground meat?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives work well. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
How do I prevent burgers from shrinking?
Create an indent in the center of each patty with your thumb before baking.
What sides go well with oven-baked burgers?
Serve with French fries, coleslaw, potato salad, onion rings, or a fresh green salad.
Conclusion
Burgers in the oven are an easy and convenient way to enjoy juicy, flavorful patties without the hassle of grilling. Perfectly cooked and customizable to suit your taste, these burgers are ideal for any occasion. Try them today for a satisfying and mess-free meal that everyone will love!
PrintBurgers in the Oven
Making burgers in the oven is an easy and mess-free way to enjoy juicy, flavorful patties without the grill. Perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd, this method ensures even cooking and tender results every time. Serve with your favorite toppings for a delicious homemade burger experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juicier burgers)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 4 hamburger buns
Optional Toppings
- Cheese slices (cheddar, Swiss, or American)
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Onion rings
- Pickles
- Condiments: ketchup, mustard, mayo
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Patties:
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using).
- Gently mix until the seasonings are evenly distributed, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Form the Burgers:
- Divide the beef mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties about 1/2 inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent puffing while cooking.
- Bake the Burgers:
- Place the patties on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for medium doneness.
- For cheeseburgers, add a slice of cheese on top of each patty during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Toast the Buns (Optional):
- Place the buns on the baking sheet, cut side up, during the last few minutes of cooking to lightly toast them.
- Assemble the Burgers:
- Place each patty on a bun and add your favorite toppings and condiments.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately with a side of fries, chips, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
- Add Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture for extra flavor.
- Leftover patties can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.