Description
These Juicy Oven Baked Cheeseburgers are the ultimate hack for feeding a crowd without standing over a hot grill or dealing with grease splatter on the stovetop. By baking the patties on a wire rack, you ensure even cooking and a tender, juicy interior every single time. With a simple homemade seasoning blend and perfectly melted American cheese, this hassle-free method produces a classic burger that is perfect for busy weeknights or rainy days when grilling isn’t an option.
Ingredients
The Burger Base
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20 ground chuck is preferred for juiciness)
- 6 slices American cheese
- 6 hamburger buns (brioche, potato rolls, or classic sesame)
- Non-stick cooking spray (for the rack)
The Seasoning Blend
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire cooling rack (oven-safe) inside the baking sheet. Crucial Step: Spray the wire rack thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Make Seasoning
In a small bowl, mix the salt, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until combined.
Form Patties
Divide the ground beef into 5 or 6 evenly sized portions. Gently form them into patties. Tip: Avoid overworking the meat to keep them tender. Press a small dimple into the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up into balls.
Season & Arrange
Season the patties generously on all sides with the spice blend. Place them on the prepared wire rack, ensuring they are not touching so air can circulate.
Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes. No Flip Needed: Because they are on a rack, hot air cooks them from all sides, so you do not need to flip them. Doneness: They are ready when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Melt Cheese
Place a slice of American cheese on top of each patty. Return to the oven for 1–2 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Serve
Remove from the oven. Place patties on buns with your favorite toppings and serve immediately.
Notes
Why a Wire Rack? This is the secret to a good oven burger. If you place patties directly on the foil, they boil in their own rendered fat and turn out greasy and grey. The rack allows the fat to drip away while the hot air roasts the meat.
Meat Selection: Stick to 80/20 ground chuck. Since baking is a dryer heat than frying, the fat content is essential to keep the burgers moist. Leaner beef will result in dry, crumbly burgers.
Oven Temp: 375°F is the sweet spot. It cooks the meat through evenly without burning the outside before the center is safe to eat.
Make Ahead: You can mix the spices and form the raw patties earlier in the day. Keep them covered in the fridge until ready to bake.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Cheeseburger (with bun)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: oven baked burgers, sheet pan cheeseburgers, how to cook burgers in oven, easy family dinner, no mess burgers, 30 minute meals, indoor grilling