Baking Ground Beef Burgers: Timing Tips (2024)

Baked burgers are a great alternative to grilled burgers, especially if you're cooking for a crowd. They're easy to make, require minimal clean-up, and free up your time and hands while they cook.

There are a few different ways to bake burgers, but generally, you'll want to bake them for around 15-25 minutes in an oven preheated to 375-425˚F.

Seasoning the beef

There are many ways to season ground beef burgers, and you can get as creative as you like. However, there are some staple ingredients that are used in most seasoning recipes.

The first is salt. It is recommended to use sea salt flakes, kosher salt, or Himalayan salt. Table salt is not recommended as it is finer and can make the meat rubbery.

Black pepper is also a common addition, and you can use freshly ground pepper, or cayenne pepper for a kick.

Paprika is another staple, and you can use smoked, sweet, or hot varieties. Smoked paprika will give a smoky, sweet flavour, whereas regular paprika will change the taste.

Onion powder is also a common addition, giving a sweet, savoury flavour. Even if you are topping your burger with onions, it is recommended to include onion powder in your seasoning.

Garlic powder is another staple, giving a savoury kick. You can also use granulated garlic, but you may need to use more to achieve the same taste.

To make your own seasoning, you can combine the above ingredients in varying quantities, adding other herbs and spices as you like. For example, you could add dried herbs like oregano, thyme, rosemary, or basil, or spices like cumin, chilli powder, or mustard powder.

Once you have made your seasoning, or selected a pre-made blend, you can apply it to your burgers. It is recommended to sprinkle a light layer on the outside of the already-formed patties. You should use around 1/4 to 1/2 a teaspoon of seasoning per side of a 1/4 lb burger patty.

You can also mix the seasoning into the beef before forming the patties, but this is not recommended as it can make the meat tough.

Shaping the beef into patties

Keep the Beef Cold:

It's important to keep the ground beef cold until you're ready to season and shape it. Don't let it come to room temperature, as warm beef combined with warm hands can cause the fat to melt too quickly during cooking, resulting in dry burgers. Keep the beef refrigerated until it's time to season and shape, and if you're not grilling immediately, cover and refrigerate the patties until you're ready to cook.

Handle the Meat Mixture Gently:

The goal is to have a tender, juicy burger, so be gentle when mixing the beef with your chosen seasonings. Overworking the meat can lead to dry and crumbly burgers. Use your hands to gently fold the seasonings into the ground beef for no more than 30 to 45 seconds. A well-mixed batch of beef should stick together when pressed between your palms.

Determine the Right Size and Thickness:

Keep in mind that your patties will shrink a little during cooking, so make them slightly larger than your buns and about one inch thick. Most buns are around three inches wide, so a four-inch patty is a good starting point. This size will give you a burger that fits nicely within the bun.

Use a Deli Lid or Other Tool to Shape:

To get a consistent shape, consider using two small deli container lids that are about 4 inches in diameter and 1/4 inch deep. Place plastic wrap over one lid, then put a portion of the beef mixture on it and press it down with the second lid. This method helps shape the patty without warming the meat with your hands. Alternatively, you can use a jar lid or a hamburger press.

Create a Dimple in the Center:

When shaping the patty, gently press the center with your palm to create a dimple or indentation. This technique helps ensure even cooking and prevents the burger from puffing up too much in the center during grilling. The end result is a flat, evenly cooked burger that fits nicely on your bun.

Other Tips:

If you're making multiple patties, place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet as you shape them. This will make it easier to transfer them to the grill or pan. You can also use the parchment paper to trace circles as a guide for consistent sizing. Finally, for best results, refrigerate the patties for at least an hour before cooking to help them hold their shape.

Oven temperature and cooking time

The cooking time will depend on the number of burgers you are cooking, the size of your patties, and your desired doneness. For a well-done burger, aim for an internal temperature of 160˚F or above. You can use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your burgers. Thinner patties will cook faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

If you are cooking a large batch of burgers, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. It is recommended to preheat the oven to the desired temperature and use a wire rack placed over a baking sheet to ensure even cooking and prevent the burgers from sitting in their grease.

Additionally, the type of ground beef you use will impact the cooking time. Leaner ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) may require a shorter cooking time than fattier blends (80/20 or 85/15).

For a no-flip option, you can simply season the ground beef, press it into a baking pan, and bake until cooked through. This method eliminates the need to form individual patties and constantly monitor the burgers during cooking.

If you prefer a nice outer crust on your burgers, you can sear the patties in a skillet before transferring them to the oven. This step is optional but adds a nice texture to the final product.

In summary, the oven temperature and cooking time for ground beef burgers will depend on your personal preferences, the number of burgers, the size of the patties, and the type of ground beef used. Always ensure your burgers reach the recommended internal temperature for food safety.

Adding cheese

Choosing the Cheese

The type of cheese you use is important and depends on your personal preference. Classic options include cheddar, American, Swiss, or processed cheese slices. However, feel free to get creative and use other varieties such as gouda, provolone, or even shredded cheese. You can also mix grated cheese into the ground beef mixture before shaping the patties for an extra cheesy treat.

Timing is Everything

When it comes to adding cheese to your baked burgers, timing is crucial. For a simple cheeseburger, place the cheese slices on top of the patties a few minutes before they are done baking. This will allow the cheese to melt slightly and become gooey. If you're using the "bun trick," where you wrap the assembled burger in foil and bake it for a few minutes, you can add the cheese earlier as the bun and cheese will steam together.

Don't Forget the Bun

Toasting your hamburger buns is an important step in creating the perfect cheeseburger. You can toast them in the oven or under a broiler until they are golden brown and slightly crispy. This adds texture and prevents the buns from becoming soggy from the burger juices and melted cheese. Alternatively, you can wrap the assembled burger in foil and bake it for a few minutes, which will steam the bun and melt the cheese simultaneously.

Get Creative with Toppings

In addition to cheese, there are endless possibilities for toppings that will complement the flavours of your burger. Try adding sliced avocado, pineapple, sautéed mushrooms, or raw onion. You can also experiment with different sauces and condiments like ketchup, mustard, or a spicy mayo. Don't be afraid to get creative and mix and match toppings to find your favourite combination!

Final Thoughts

Serving suggestions

Buns and Toppings

Once your burgers are cooked, it's time to serve them. You can stick to the classic combination of a bun, ketchup, mustard, and Tabasco sauce, or get creative with toppings such as:

• Avocado
• Pineapple
• Sauteed garlic butter mushrooms
• Sliced white or red onion
• Lettuce
• Spinach
• Old cheddar cheese
• Pickles
• Mayo
• Pesto
• Fresh Roma tomatoes
• Provolone
• Gouda

Bunless Burgers

If you're not a fan of buns, you can skip them altogether and wrap your burger in lettuce for a low-carb option.

Sides

Sides can make or break a meal, so here are some suggestions to round out your burger dinner:

• Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
• Easy Broccoli Raisin Salad
• Oven-Fresh Seasoned Potato Wedges
• Perfect BBQ Baked Beans
• Garlic roasted broccoli
• Baked potato wedges
• A fresh and healthy salad
• Frozen french fries

For a Crowd

If you're cooking for a large group, you can prepare the burgers in advance and keep them warm in the oven, wrapped in aluminium foil.

Frequently asked questions