Easy Baked Hamburgers
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Additional Time
5 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
354 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Easy Baked Hamburgers
Description
This recipe blends lean ground beef with a blend of spices for a balanced savory flavor. The mixture is pressed evenly into an ungreased square baking dish to form a uniform layer, then baked at 400°F until reaching a safe internal temperature (about 160°F) within 12 to 15 minutes.
After initial baking, slices of sharp cheddar cheese are evenly placed over the top and returned to the oven briefly to melt the cheese. Resting the baked beef for several minutes allows juices to redistribute. The final product is cut into four square portions and served as hamburger patties.
Spice variations such as adding cumin or dried herbs like oregano or thyme can tailor the flavor. Using an instant-read thermometer ensures doneness without overcooking. Leftovers store well refrigerated and can be gently reheated or eaten cold.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 85/15, lean
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt or ½ teaspoon of any other salt, including Morton kosher salt, Diamond Crystal brand
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 lices sharp cheddar cheese or any other melty cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder.
- Gently press the beef mixture into an ungreased 8-inch square glass or ceramic pan.
- Bake until cooked through, 12-15 minutes. A meat thermometer should read 160°F. If there's a lot of cooking liquid in the pan, you can drain some. I like to keep it and allow some of it to get absorbed back into the burgers as they rest.
- Top the cooked meat with the cheese slices.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake just until the cheese is melted, for 1-2 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the oven and allow the burgers to rest for 5 minutes. Cut into four squares and serve.
Notes
- Adding a pinch of cumin or dried oregano/thyme alters the flavor profile for variety.
- Use 85/15 lean ground beef to ensure moistness; extra-lean ground beef may be drier.
- Cooking in an 8-inch square pan produces thicker burgers; a 9-inch pan yields thinner portions.
- Check doneness with an instant-read thermometer, aiming for 160°F internal temperature.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days; reheat gently at low power in the microwave or serve cold.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 354 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1burger | |
| Calories | 354kcal | 18% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 26g | 40% |
| Saturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Sodium | 531mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.