Description
This Baked Hamburgers recipe offers a simple, efficient way to enjoy juicy, perfectly cooked burgers using your oven’s broiler. Seasoned with kosher salt and pepper, then topped with melted cheese and served on toasted buns, these burgers deliver classic flavor with minimal fuss and quick cooking time.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chuck (or your favorite burger blend)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices cheese (your choice, e.g., cheddar, American, Swiss)
- 4 burger buns, lightly buttered and toasted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to broil (high) and place the oven rack in the upper-middle position to ensure optimal distance from the heat source.
- Prepare Pan: Line a cast iron grill pan or baking sheet with aluminum foil to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Form Patties: Divide the ground beef into four 4-ounce portions. Gently shape each portion into a loose ball, then press each ball into a disc approximately ½ to ¾ inch thick on a flat surface. Create a slight indentation or “moat” around the edges of each patty to prevent it from puffing up during cooking.
- Season Patties: Generously season both sides of each burger with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, enhancing the flavor of the meat.
- Broil First Side: Place the burgers on the prepared pan and broil for about 4 minutes. Broiling will brown and slightly char the top surface to develop a flavorful crust.
- Flip and Continue Broiling: Flip the patties over carefully and broil for another 3 to 4 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F, ensuring the burgers are cooked through but still juicy.
- Add Cheese: Place a slice of cheese on each burger and continue cooking just until the cheese melts, adding a creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Rest Burgers: Transfer the cooked burgers to a cooling rack and tent them with foil. Allow them to rest until the internal temperature rises to 160°F, the recommended safe temperature for ground beef.
- Assemble and Serve: Serve the burgers on the toasted buns and add your favorite condiments and toppings to complete the meal.
Notes
- For juicier burgers, avoid overworking the meat when forming patties.
- The indentation around burger edges helps prevent puffing and ensures even cooking.
- Resting the meat after cooking allows juices to redistribute for a moist burger.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure safety and preferred doneness.
- Customize with your favorite cheese or bun varieties.
