Baked Hamburgers recipe

Forget firing up the grill, wrestling with flare-ups, and battling unpredictable weather for burger night! Let me tell you, I was a grilling purist when it came to hamburgers. Nothing, I thought, could beat that smoky, charred flavor. Then came a busy weeknight, a craving for burgers, and zero desire to brave the impending rain. Enter the baked hamburger. Skeptical, I turned to a recipe I found online, more out of convenience than expectation. And wow, was I surprised! These weren’t just okay burgers; they were juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. My kids, usually picky eaters, devoured them, declaring them even better than grilled (gasp!). My husband, a barbecue aficionado, was equally impressed. Since then, baked hamburgers have become a regular staple in our home. They’re perfect for quick weeknight dinners, feeding a crowd, or anytime you want a delicious burger without the fuss. This recipe has truly changed our burger game, and I’m excited to share it with you!

Ingredients for Juicy Baked Hamburgers

To make the most delicious and juicy baked hamburgers, you’ll need these simple and readily available ingredients. The quality of your ground beef is key, and the seasonings will elevate the flavor profile to burger perfection.

• Ground Beef: 2 pounds (900g) – For the juiciest burgers, I recommend using 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat). The fat content is crucial for keeping the burgers moist during baking. You can use 85/15 if you prefer slightly leaner, but avoid going too lean (like 90/10) as the burgers can become dry. For a healthier twist, you can also use ground turkey or ground chicken, but adjust cooking time accordingly as they tend to cook faster.
• Breadcrumbs: ½ cup (50g) – Plain breadcrumbs act as a binder, helping to hold the patties together and retain moisture. Panko breadcrumbs will give a slightly coarser texture, while regular breadcrumbs will be finer. You can also use crushed crackers like Ritz or even finely ground oats as a substitute. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
• Egg: 1 large – The egg is another essential binder, contributing to the burger’s structure and preventing it from crumbling. It also adds a bit of richness.
• Onion: ¼ cup (finely diced) – Finely diced onion adds a subtle savory sweetness and depth of flavor to the burgers. Yellow or white onions work best. For a milder flavor, you can use shallots or even green onions. If you don’t have fresh onion, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of onion powder.
• Garlic: 2 cloves (minced) – Freshly minced garlic is crucial for adding that pungent, aromatic flavor that makes burgers irresistible. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons – Worcestershire sauce is a secret weapon for adding umami and complexity to your burger patties. Its savory, tangy, and slightly sweet notes enhance the overall flavor profile significantly. If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can use soy sauce or balsamic vinegar as a substitute, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
• Ketchup: 2 tablespoons – Ketchup adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess, and it also helps to keep the burgers moist. It complements the savory flavors beautifully. You can use your favorite brand of ketchup.
• Mustard: 1 tablespoon (yellow or Dijon) – Mustard adds a zesty kick and helps to tenderize the meat. Yellow mustard provides a classic burger flavor, while Dijon mustard offers a more sophisticated and slightly spicier note. Feel free to experiment with different types of mustard like spicy brown mustard or even whole grain mustard.
• Dried Herbs and Spices:
  • Salt: 1 ½ teaspoons – Salt is essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavor of the beef. Use kosher salt or sea salt for the best flavor.
  • Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon – Freshly ground black pepper adds a pungent and aromatic spice.
  • Paprika: 1 teaspoon (smoked paprika recommended for a hint of smokiness) – Paprika adds a subtle sweetness and warmth. Smoked paprika will give your baked burgers a hint of that desirable smoky flavor that you might miss from grilling. Regular paprika works well too.
  • Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon (optional, if not using fresh garlic) – If you want to boost the garlic flavor or are using garlic powder instead of fresh garlic, add this.
  • Onion Powder: ½ teaspoon (optional, if not using fresh onion) – Similar to garlic powder, onion powder can enhance the onion flavor or be used as a substitute for fresh onion.
• Optional Ingredients (for added flavor and customization):
  • Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Swiss, or your favorite cheese slices for melting on top during the last few minutes of baking.
  • Bacon Bits: Crispy cooked bacon bits can be mixed into the patties or sprinkled on top for extra flavor and texture.
  • Jalapeño: Finely diced jalapeño peppers for a spicy kick.
  • Mushrooms: Sautéed and finely chopped mushrooms for an earthy flavor and added moisture.
  • BBQ Sauce: A tablespoon or two of your favorite BBQ sauce mixed into the patty mixture for a smoky BBQ flavor.
  • Italian Seasoning: ½ teaspoon for a different herb profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking Perfect Hamburgers

Baking hamburgers is incredibly easy! Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to create juicy and flavorful burgers every time.

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. You can also use a wire rack placed on top of the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the burgers and helps them cook more evenly and prevents them from sitting in any rendered fat. If using a wire rack, lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Burger Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, salt, black pepper, paprika, and any other optional seasonings you are using (like garlic powder, onion powder, or spices).
   • Gentle Mixing is Key: Avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Overmixing can make the burgers tough. Mix just until all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Use your hands to gently combine everything, or use a spatula or wooden spoon.
3. Shape the Burger Patties: Divide the meat mixture into equal portions, about ½ cup each. For 2 pounds of ground beef, this should yield approximately 6-8 patties, depending on your desired size. Gently shape each portion into a patty.
   • Tips for Shaping Patties:
     • Even Thickness: Aim for patties that are about ¾ to 1 inch thick and evenly thick throughout. This will ensure even cooking.
     • Make a Thumbprint Indentation: Gently press a shallow indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb. This helps prevent the burgers from puffing up in the center and shrinking during baking, resulting in more evenly shaped burgers.
     • Don’t Overwork: Handle the patties gently while shaping to avoid making them tough.
4. Arrange Patties on Baking Sheet: Place the shaped burger patties on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each patty to allow for even cooking. If using a wire rack, place the patties on the rack.
5. Bake the Hamburgers: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes for medium-well done burgers, or until the internal temperature reaches your desired level of doneness.
   • Cooking Times for Different Doneness Levels (using a meat thermometer):
     • Medium-Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C) – Cook for about 18-20 minutes. Burgers will be pink in the center.
     • Medium: 135-140°F (57-60°C) – Cook for about 20-22 minutes. Burgers will be slightly pink in the center.
     • Medium-Well: 140-145°F (60-63°C) – Cook for about 22-25 minutes. Burgers will have a hint of pink in the center.
     • Well-Done: 150-160°F (66-71°C) – Cook for about 25-30 minutes. Burgers will be cooked through with no pink.
   • Checking Doneness: The best way to ensure your burgers are cooked to your desired doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of a patty to get an accurate reading. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can check for doneness by cutting into the center of a patty. The juices should run clear when well-done.
6. Add Cheese (Optional): If you want to add cheese to your burgers, place cheese slices on top of each patty during the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Return to the oven until the cheese is melted and gooey.
7. Rest Before Serving: Once the burgers are cooked to your desired doneness, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the burger, resulting in a more tender and flavorful burger.
8. Serve and Enjoy! Serve your juicy baked hamburgers immediately on your favorite buns with your desired toppings and sides. See the “How to Serve” section below for serving suggestions.

Nutrition Facts for Baked Hamburgers (Estimated)

Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used, portion sizes, and ground beef fat content.

Serving Size: 1 Baked Hamburger Patty (approximately ¼ of the recipe, making 8 patties total)
Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-450 calories

Approximate Nutritional Breakdown per Serving:

• Protein: 30-35 grams
• Fat: 25-35 grams (depending on ground beef fat percentage)
  • Saturated Fat: 10-15 grams (depending on ground beef fat percentage)
  • Unsaturated Fat: Varies
• Cholesterol: 100-120 mg
• Sodium: 400-500 mg (depending on salt added and ingredients)
• Carbohydrates: 5-7 grams
  • Fiber: Less than 1 gram
  • Sugar: 2-3 grams

Important Considerations:

• Ground Beef Fat Content: Using leaner ground beef will reduce the calorie and fat content, but may also result in slightly drier burgers.
• Added Ingredients: Adding cheese, bacon, or other toppings will significantly increase the calorie and fat content.
• Serving Size: The nutritional information is based on one burger patty. Calories will increase when served on buns with toppings and sides.

For more accurate nutritional information, you can use online nutrition calculators and input the specific ingredients and quantities you use in this recipe.

Preparation Time for Baked Hamburgers

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (includes chopping vegetables, mixing ingredients, and shaping patties)
• Cook Time: 20-30 minutes (depending on desired doneness and oven temperature accuracy)
• Total Time: Approximately 40-50 minutes

This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or when you need to prepare burgers for a larger group efficiently. The hands-on time is minimal, and the oven does most of the work!

How to Serve Baked Hamburgers: Delicious Serving Suggestions

Baked hamburgers are incredibly versatile and can be served in countless delicious ways! Here are some ideas to elevate your burger experience:

Classic Burger Style:

• Buns:
  • Sesame Seed Buns: The classic choice!
  • Brioche Buns: Soft, buttery, and slightly sweet.
  • Potato Buns: Light and fluffy.
  • Pretzel Buns: Chewy and flavorful.
  • Gluten-Free Buns: For those with dietary restrictions.
• Toppings (The Classics):
  • Lettuce: Crisp romaine or butter lettuce.
  • Tomato: Sliced ripe tomatoes.
  • Onion: Sliced red onion, white onion, or caramelized onions.
  • Pickles: Dill pickles, sweet pickles, or bread and butter pickles.
  • Cheese: Cheddar, American, Swiss, Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack.
• Condiments (The Essentials):
  • Ketchup: Classic and essential.
  • Mustard: Yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, spicy brown mustard.
  • Mayonnaise: Plain or flavored mayonnaise (garlic aioli, chipotle mayo).
  • Burger Sauce: A blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, and spices.

Elevated Burger Creations:

• Gourmet Toppings:
  • Avocado: Sliced or mashed avocado for creaminess.
  • Bacon: Crispy bacon strips or bacon jam.
  • Fried Egg: For a breakfast-for-dinner burger.
  • Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions: Earthy and savory.
  • Blue Cheese Crumbles: Bold and tangy.
  • Caramelized Onions and Gruyere Cheese: Sweet and nutty.
  • Jalapeños: Fresh or pickled jalapeños for heat.
  • Pesto: Basil pesto for an Italian twist.
  • Guacamole: Freshly made guacamole.
  • Pineapple: Grilled pineapple for a tropical flavor.
• Different Buns:
  • English Muffins: Toasted English muffins for a unique texture.
  • Focaccia Bread: Slice focaccia bread for a larger, open-faced burger.
  • Portobello Mushroom Caps: For a low-carb and vegetarian “bun” option.
  • Lettuce Wraps: For a completely bun-less and low-carb option.

Side Dishes to Complete Your Burger Meal:

• Classic Sides:
  • French Fries: Crispy oven-baked fries or air fryer fries.
  • Sweet Potato Fries: A healthier and sweeter alternative.
  • Onion Rings: Crispy and golden brown onion rings.
  • Potato Salad: Creamy or vinegar-based potato salad.
  • Coleslaw: Classic creamy coleslaw or vinegar-based coleslaw.
  • Macaroni Salad: Cool and creamy macaroni salad.
  • Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob.
• Healthier Sides:
  • Green Salad: A simple side salad with vinaigrette.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers.
  • Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad.
  • Cucumber and Tomato Salad: A light and refreshing salad.
  • Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed and healthy salad.

Drink Pairings:

• Classic Burger Drinks:
  • Soda: Cola, lemonade, or root beer.
  • Iced Tea: Sweet or unsweetened iced tea.
  • Milkshakes: Classic vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry milkshakes.
  • Beer: Lager, IPA, or pale ale.
• Adult Beverage Pairings:
  • Craft Beer: Pair with a beer that complements your burger toppings.
  • Wine: A light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a rosé.
  • Sparkling Water with Lemon or Lime: A refreshing and lighter option.

Additional Tips for Perfect Baked Hamburgers

Here are five essential tips to ensure your baked hamburgers are consistently juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time:

1. Don’t Overmix the Meat: Overmixing the ground beef mixture develops the gluten in the meat, resulting in tough and dense burgers. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined. Gentle handling is key for tender burgers.
2. Use the Right Ground Beef: As mentioned earlier, 80/20 ground beef is ideal for baked hamburgers. The higher fat content keeps the burgers moist and flavorful during baking. Leaner ground beef (90/10 or leaner) can result in drier burgers. If you prefer leaner beef, consider adding a tablespoon or two of olive oil or beef broth to the mixture to help retain moisture.
3. Make Uniform Patties: Shaping patties that are evenly thick ensures they cook at the same rate. Use a kitchen scale for precise portioning if desired. The thumbprint indentation in the center of each patty is also crucial to prevent puffing and shrinking.
4. Don’t Overbake: Overbaking is the number one culprit for dry hamburgers. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your burgers are cooked to your desired doneness without overcooking. Start checking the internal temperature around 20 minutes and adjust baking time as needed. Remember, burgers will continue to cook slightly as they rest.
5. Rest the Burgers After Baking: Allowing the baked hamburgers to rest for 5 minutes after removing them from the oven is crucial. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the burger, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. Cover the baking sheet loosely with foil while the burgers rest to keep them warm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Baked Hamburgers

Here are five frequently asked questions about baking hamburgers, along with their answers to help you master this easy cooking method:

Q1: Can I bake hamburgers from frozen?

A: Yes, you can bake hamburgers from frozen, but it will require a longer cooking time. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for approximately 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for well-done. Cooking from frozen may result in slightly less juicy burgers compared to using thawed patties. For best results, thaw your ground beef before making patties.

Q2: How do I keep baked hamburgers from drying out?

A: To prevent baked hamburgers from drying out, several factors are important:

• Use 80/20 Ground Beef: The fat content is crucial for moisture.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing makes burgers tough and dry.
• Don’t Overbake: Use a meat thermometer and cook to the correct internal temperature.
• Add Moisture-Retaining Ingredients: Breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce all help retain moisture. You can also add a tablespoon or two of olive oil or beef broth to the mixture if using leaner ground beef.
• Rest After Baking: Resting allows juices to redistribute, making them more tender and juicy.

Q3: Can I bake hamburgers ahead of time and reheat them?

A: While freshly baked hamburgers are always best, you can bake them ahead of time and reheat them if needed. Bake the burgers until they are slightly underdone (a few degrees below your desired final temperature). Let them cool slightly, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, you can bake them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave them in short intervals until heated through. Reheating may slightly dry out the burgers, so consider adding a little beef broth or water to the baking dish when reheating in the oven to help retain moisture.

Q4: Can I add cheese while baking hamburgers?

A: Yes, absolutely! Adding cheese to baked hamburgers is easy and delicious. During the last 2-3 minutes of baking, remove the baking sheet from the oven and place cheese slices (cheddar, American, Swiss, Pepper Jack, etc.) on top of each patty. Return the baking sheet to the oven until the cheese is melted and gooey, usually just a minute or two. Watch carefully to prevent the cheese from burning.

Q5: What if I don’t have breadcrumbs? What can I use instead?

A: If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use several substitutes in your baked hamburger recipe:

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Provide a coarser texture.
• Crushed Crackers: Ritz crackers, saltines, or graham crackers (unsweetened) can be crushed finely.
• Oats: Finely ground rolled oats or quick oats.
• Almond Flour or Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs: For gluten-free options.
• Mashed Potato Flakes: Instant mashed potato flakes can act as a binder.
• Cooked Rice: Finely chopped cooked rice can also be used in a pinch.

These substitutes will help bind the burger patties and retain moisture, similar to breadcrumbs. Choose a substitute based on what you have on hand and your desired texture.

Enjoy making and serving these incredibly easy and delicious baked hamburgers! They are sure to become a family favorite, just like they are in my home.

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