Oven-Baked Burger

Ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 slices cheddar cheese, optional
- 4 burger buns
- Classic toppings: lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard, mayo
Method:
Start Cooking- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and olive oil. Mix just until combined.
- (If using 90/10 beef, add 2 tablespoons milk or cream here.)
- Divide into 4 patties. Shape them slightly wider than your buns and press a small thumb dent in the center of each.
- Place patties on the prepared tray and bake for 15–17 minutes (medium) or 18–20 minutes (well done).
- Add cheese (optional): top burgers with cheddar during the last 2 minutes of baking.
- Optional browning: switch oven to broil and broil for 1 minute for light color.
- Let burgers rest for 2 minutes, then serve them on buns with classic toppings. Bon appétit.
Kitchen Tools:
- Baking sheet lined with parchment
Notes:
- 80/20 ground beef is ideal for juicy burgers, but leaner beef (90/10) works too. If using lean beef, add 2 tablespoons milk or cream to keep patties soft and mellow strong beef flavor.
- Shape patties slightly wider than your buns and press a small thumb dent in the center to prevent puffing.
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure safety. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 160°F for ground beef.
- For stovetop cooking, heat a skillet over medium with a little oil and cook burgers 3–4 minutes per side (medium) or 4–5 minutes per side (well done). Add cheese during the last minute and cover briefly to melt.
- Avoid pressing burgers while cooking, this pushes out the juices.
- Oven-baked: Great for cooking for a crowd. It’s hands-off and helps avoid grease splatters on your counters.
Stovetop: Best for achieving a crispy crust and more precise temperature control, especially in a cast iron skillet.
- Add grated onion for extra moisture, smoked paprika for depth.
- Swap cheddar for Swiss, American, or mozzarella.
- Serve bun-less over greens.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for a cozy twist.
- Serve hot on toasted buns with classic toppings.
- Pair with fries, a simple green salad, or sliced tomatoes and pickles for an easy, comforting meal.
Nutrition:
FROM THE PANTRY
Burger
WHY WE LOVE IT
A warm, savory patty, nestled in a soft bun and topped with fresh vegetables and flavorful condiments, makes it a universally beloved food.
A LITTLE STORY
German immigrants brought Hamburg-style beef to America in the 1800s. Its simplicity is the reason for its success, allowing endless variations from a basic patty on a bun to gourmet options with artisanal cheeses and unique sauces.
DID YOU KNOW?
The name “hamburger” comes from Hamburg, Germany. While the beef prep originated in Germany, putting it between bread and turning it into a sandwich is widely considered an American innovation.
In the U.S., National Burger Day is celebrated on May 28.