Burgers in the oven have become the favorite way to cook hamburgers by so many readers since first sharing this recipe years ago! This is the original recipe with the aluminum foil trick that makes these ooey-gooey cheeseburgers a favorite! No more messy stovetops from frying burgers.
“Can I cook burgers in the oven?” – It’s asked often!
YES, and let me tell you… it may be your new favorite way to whip up this family favorite dinnertime go-to! (It has only become a favorite way to make these cheeseburger sliders that have become so popular too!)
Not only does baking the burgers in the oven make clean-up a breeze (no splattered grease popping all over the stovetop) but this recipe creates the juiciest burger, and has a trick that will keep you going back for more! (We even bake venison burgers in the oven!)
Featured Comment: I made these burgers today with the special "trick" and let me tell you. Hold on. Sorry I was drooling….. these came out OOEY GOOEY DELICIOUS!!!! – Jeannette Marie Young
It’s incredibly easy to make baked hamburgers… and the best part? With the trick I’ll show you, you can even make these a little in advance in case you’re serving a big crowd, (like for a burger bar) or aren’t exactly sure what time dinner will actually be served.
Jump to:
- Ingredients
- How to Cook Hamburgers in the Oven
- How to Season Hamburgers
- How Long to Cook Burgers in the Oven at 375 Degrees
- The Trick for Melt-in-Your-Mouth Oven-Baked Burgers
- Cooking Hamburgers in Advance
- How to Cook Frozen Burgers in the Oven
- How to Freeze Hamburger Patties
- Toppings for Burgers
- Sides to Go with Burgers
- More Hamburger Recipes You’ll Love:
- More Oven Recipes
- Recipe
- Comments
Ingredients
Here are the basic ingredients for baking hamburgers. The recipe card below includes more tips, seasonings, and toppings ideas.
- ground beef – The ground beef that I use tends to be very lean. If you use a fatty ground beef there could be a lot of grease in the bottom of the baking dish. Some have found that they prefer placing the burger patties on a rack inside of the dish to help prevent the burgers from sitting in a lot of grease.
- salt – See below where I go in to more detail on the type of salt I recommend.
- pepper – See below where I go in to more detail on the type of black pepper I recommend.
- sliced American cheese – Thick sliced cheese is my favorite and recommended.
- hamburger buns – You can use your favorite burger buns but I love using sesame buns.
How to Cook Hamburgers in the Oven
Bake, uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until an inserted thermometer reaches 160 degrees. No flipping required!
Keep reading for step-by-step photos, tips, and the full recipe card
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees, and spray non-stick cooking spray inside of a baking dish, large enough to hold 4 hamburger patties.
Note: When cooking, you can definitely do more at a time if you prefer! Just use a larger baking pan or dish – make sure to use one with raised sides so the juices don’t pour out – and the cooking time will stay the same!
4 Beef Hamburger Patties
Using 1 pound of ground beef, patty out 4 hamburger patties. (Tip: Thaw out another pound of ground beef to make this old-fashioned favorite, Salisbury steak!)
How to Season Hamburgers
In the BEST Cheeseburger recipe, you saw that I love to fry burgers in browned butter for flavoring and use salt and pepper to season.
However, when it comes to baking hamburgers, I prefer to only use salt and pepper.
Feel free to use what you have on hand, or your favorite salt and pepper, but I can’t help but recommend my favorites.
- Fine Grain Himalayan Salt – When I started researching different salts for healthier options, my friend recommended this salt and I haven’t looked back. It is “saltier” so I don’t have to add as much when cooking, but it is also really tasty! I’m a big fan!
However, feel free to use my other favorite, kosher salt, or any type of sea salt/table salt. - Peppercorn Medley – Oh my favorite pepper in all the land! I love using this with the BEST oven baked steak recipe, and anything “beef” related. You’d be surprised at how much flavor this pepper has over regular black pepper. HOWEVER, feel free to use regular ground black pepper too! It’s tasty too!
Alternate Seasoning Options
I don’t know what it is exactly, but this seasoning rocks my world, and I love to put it on just about anything. Especially side dishes like my garlic roasted broccoli and the baked potato wedges.
So when I have some on hand, I love sprinkling this on my cheeseburgers too! Just be cautious of adding salt, because seasoning like this can have a lot of salt in it! This seasoning is similar to a seasoned salt but I’ve had so many readers also say that they love sprinkling their favorite meat seasonings on these burgers too.
Season on Both Sides
Over the years, I’ve learned that I prefer when burgers are GENEROUSLY seasoned with salt and pepper.
(If I had to guess, I’d say I probably use a total of about 2 teaspoon of salt for the four burgers, and then I just make sure I can SEE black pepper all over my burgers.)
Just when you think it may be too much salt and pepper (because let’s face it… you can always add more, but you can’t really take it away) you can finally actually taste it.
So season as you desire, but if you find that your burgers didn’t have much flavor this time, add a little bit more next time.
When you’ve seasoned one side of the burgers, flip the seasoned side down in to the prepared baking dish and season the other side.
How Long to Cook Burgers in the Oven at 375 Degrees
Bake, uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until an inserted thermometer reaches 160 degrees.
(For the trick that makes all of the difference when cooking burgers in the oven, scroll down! You won’t regret it!)
For Cheeseburgers
If you love cheese on your burgers, grab a slice of American cheese (or your favorite kind) and place one slice on each burger.
Place back in the oven for about one minute, or until the cheese has melted! (Unless you plan to do the “bun trick” below, and then you can just add the cheese and wait to melt it in the foil.)
The Trick for Melt-in-Your-Mouth Oven-Baked Burgers
When I started doing this for my burgers, I feel like I changed my family’s burger-lovin’ life.
Tear off 4 squares of aluminum foil (just large enough to wrap each individual burger).
Place the bottom portions of each bun on each sheet of foil, and build the burgers, WITHOUT the extra toppings. Just meat and cheese for now!
Wrap up each burger, and place either in a different baking dish, a cookie sheet or even directly on the oven rack… and let heat in the oven for a 2-3 minutes.
This will allow the cheese and bun to steam/toast, to create the ooey-gooeyness that has become so hard to live without!
Cooking Hamburgers in Advance
If you’re cooking for a large crowd, or just want to make a batch early and keep warm until dinnertime, it’s easy!
Make the burgers like I’ve suggested, and keep the aluminum foil-wrapped burgers in the oven on warm. (Just don’t get the oven too hot, or your buns will get TOO toasty and become hard.) I do this for baking hot dogs in the oven too!
How to Cook Frozen Burgers in the Oven
Yes, you can cook frozen hamburger patties in the oven without thawing them first. This is a great option for busy nights when you forgot to defrost the meat.
To bake frozen burgers:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top (optional, but helps grease drip away).
- Arrange frozen hamburger patties in a single layer. Do not stack.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Frozen burgers typically take about 5-8 minutes longer than fresh patties.
Should You Thaw Burgers Before Baking?
You do not need to thaw hamburger patties before baking. However, thawed patties will cook more evenly and develop better browning.
If cooking from frozen, expect slightly less browning and a little more moisture release during baking.
When Should You Season Frozen Burgers?
Because frozen patties are firm at the start, seasoning won't stick well immediately.
For best results:
- Bake for about 10 minutes first.
- Remove from oven.
- Sprinkle salt, pepper, or seasoning blend on top.
- Flip and season the other side.
- Return to oven to finish cooking.
How Long Do Frozen Burgers Take at Different Temperatures?
At 400°F → 20-25 minutes
At 375°F → 25-30 minutes
At 425°F → 18-22 minutes
Always cook until the center reaches 160°F.
How Do You Keep Frozen Burgers from Drying Out?
- Do not overcook beyond 160°F.
- Flip halfway through cooking.
- Avoid pressing down on patties.
- Let rest 3-5 minutes before serving.
You can also brush lightly with oil before baking to encourage browning.
Can You Add Cheese to Frozen Burgers?
Yes. Add cheese during the last 2-3 minutes of baking so it melts without overcooking the burger.
How to Freeze Hamburger Patties
Freezing hamburger patties is a great way to meal prep and always have dinner ready. Properly freezing them helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the patties from sticking together.
Here's how to freeze burger patties the right way:
- Form ground beef into evenly sized patties.
- Place a small square of wax paper between each patty.
- Stack the patties neatly.
- Place the stack inside a freezer-safe zip-top bag.
- Press out as much air as possible before sealing.
Lay the bag flat in the freezer so the patties freeze evenly.
How Long Do Frozen Burger Patties Last?
Properly stored, raw burger patties can last:
- Up to 3-4 months in the freezer for best quality.
- Longer if sealed tightly, though texture may decline over time.
Label the bag with the date so you can rotate older batches first.
Can You Freeze Cooked Burger Patties?
Yes. Allow cooked burgers to cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap or foil and place inside a freezer bag.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Pro Tip for Easy Separation
Using wax paper between patties makes it easy to pull out only what you need without thawing the entire batch.
This also keeps the patties from sticking together once frozen.
Toppings for Burgers
Feel free to top your burgers with your favorite toppings! Honestly, when they’re cooked like this, I love them plain, with just cheese! (Unless I have some of the french fry seasoning that I’ve shared with you, under the recipe.) Although, topping them like a Cowboy Burger is pretty tasty too!
But some of the standard favorite toppings are:
- mustard
- ketchup
- onion
- tomato
- lettuce
- pickles
- mayo
- bacon (you can cook bacon in the oven too!)
- pineapples (Yes! They’re so good on a burger, and we love using them on Aloha burgers too!)
Above photo from the Burger Bar I styled for a party.
Sides to Go with Burgers
Looking for something to serve along with your hamburgers? Here are our favorites:
More Hamburger Recipes You’ll Love:
If you love hamburgers, then you’ll definitely want to see all of the other hamburger recipes that we have. Here are some of our favorites:
Or even if you’re looking for ways to use ground beef, we have suggestions for dinner recipes using ground beef!
More Oven Recipes
If you’re looking for another easy oven protein, see our complete guide on how to cook pork chops in the oven, and also check out these favorite recipes:
Did You Make This?
Snap a pic and hashtag it #Fantabulosity - I love to see your creations on Instagram and Facebook.
Recipe
BEST Burgers in the Oven – With a TRICK!
Video
Equipment
- aluminum foil – optional, for toasting
Ingredients
- 4 beef patties I use 1 pound of ground beef to make 4 patties
- salt as desired – see blog post for tips
- pepper as desired – see blog post for tips
- 4 slices yellow American cheese if desired
- 4 hamburger buns
Optional – For Toasting
- aluminum foil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees and spray baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Generously season one side of the burgers with salt and pepper.4 beef patties, salt, pepper
- Place burger patties in baking dish, spice side down.
- Sprinkle more salt and pepper on each hamburger (or use a preferred seasoning) if you like!
- Bake in oven for 20-25 minutes. (If thinner patties, this may not take as long, so it's best to keep an eye on them. When you no longer see "red" coming out of the top, or on the burgers, it could be time to pull them out of the oven.)
- If desired, place one slice of cheese on each burger and bake an additional minute or until cheese has melted. (Unless you're doing the "bun trick" below and then you can wait to melt the cheese after you've built your burger to place in the aluminum foil.)4 slices yellow American cheese
The TRICK for Ooey Gooey Cheese & a Toasted Bun
- Place a burger patty on a bottom bun, add a slice of cheese, and top with top bun. Wrap each burger in aluminum foil. (Just enough to wrap the burger completely.)4 hamburger buns, aluminum foil
- Place back in oven for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt in and for the bun to get warm and toasty!
- Serve and top with any toppings desired!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Craig says
These were amazing. Thanks for the post cooking hack.
Jessica says
I’m so glad that you liked it Craig! Thank you for taking the time to review and drop a note to let us know!
Ellen Smith says
My mother had been making burgers in the oven for as long as I can remember and I am 56, except she would use a broiler pan and she would get 12 burgers on the pan. She would flatten them as much as she could then she would take garlic salt and sprinkle over the burgers, next she would dice onions and put on top of the burgers the put them in the oven on 350 for about 30-35 minutes or until done then she would take them out place a slice of cheese on each burger place back in the oven for about 5 minutes or until the cheese melted the she would place the bottom bun on the burgers the the top bun place back in the oven for to heat the buns for 5 minutes take out and and toppings and sink your teeth into the BEST OVEN BAKED BURGER YOU EVER HAD!!!😊😊😊😊🍔🍔🍔🍔
Jessica says
That sounds great! Thank you for the ideas!
Elizabeth Rehmer says
Made these tonight and they were delicious!!
Jessica says
Yay!!! I’m so glad that you liked them. Thank you for letting me know!
Lukasz says
Easy and delicious! Thanks!
Jessica says
Yay!! I’m so glad that you liked it, thank you for sharing and for the review!
R says
Hi!
These sound so yummy. I will have to try them soon. I just wanted to mention that I have seen the Fresh Finds brand seasonings at Big Lots stores. It’s the store’s house brand.
Jessica says
Ahhh!!! That’s perfect! Thank you SO SO much for letting me know!
Nerla says
I tried making cheese hamburger on the stove and it burned and made my smoke alarm go off. I looked on YouTube and saw your way seemed simple and less messy and it was!! My daughter loved it and she said it tasted better than McDonald’s cheese burger. It caused a little splatter in the oven but nothing a quick wipe can’t handle. Much better than the stove and burnt skillet. Came out well done and tender with delicious, gooey, melted cheese with the hack. Thanks for sharing. I have subscribe to your channel.
Jessica says
Hello there! Aww, I’m so glad to hear this! Thank you so much for coming here and sharing that you loved it. And hey… “better than a McDonald’s cheeseburger” is quite the compliment in our household! Haha!! Thank you!
Kimberly says
Delish!! I don’t have a gas grill but I sometimes feel like a turkey cheese burger! These were delicious!! Once out of oven and steamed in foil I put some jalapeño slices on. Are the whole thing!! Yummy yum!!
Jessica says
OOooooooh jalapeno slices sound like a fabulous addition!! Yummo! Thank you for sharing and for the 5-star review! XO
Amber Null says
My family loved these burgers!!! This will be the new way I cook burgers!❤️
Jessica says
I’m so glad Amber! Thank you for letting us know!
Donna Gardner says
Where did you buy the French Fry Seasoning? Will be making those burgers this week.
Jessica says
I actually found this at Dollar General! But there are SO many other fun spices to try so if you can’t find that, it’s ok! But salt and pepper make great burgers too!
Gina says
I loved this hamburger baking technique. I can’t believe it never occurred to me before. So hands off. Much easier than having to watch the burgers in a skillet or indoor grill and much easier to maintain their juiciness. I love homemade hamburgers and this easy cooking method will encourage us to do it more often. Thank you for sharing your process.
Jessica says
I completely agree Gina! I’m so glad that you liked them too. Thank you for coming here and sharing and leaving a review!
Melanie Franceschi says
I made the burgers in the oven. Actually have never ever done this. Followed Entire Recipe!
I made oven fried onion rings with them and the foil wrap is a great idea, as it kept my burgers warm while I finished up my oven fried onion rings.
Wonderful Recipe!!!
Jessica says
Woo hoo!!! So glad that you loved it too. Thank you so much for letting us know!
Wendy Hampton says
Oh my goodness! I have strugged with hamburgers on a grill to the point, I just don’t like to make them as they get so dry! So I tried your recipe and THIS IS IT! The recipe I have been looking for! The tips you have added and the idea of spicing each side made the hamburgers PERFECT! OMG! Thanks so much for posting this. From now on..THIS is the way I’m making hamburgers!
Jessica says
Awww! Wendy I’m so glad that you tried it this way and loved it!! It’s super easy too so it makes it a win for easy dinner nights! 🙂 Thank you so much for the sweet words and for letting us know that you love it! XO
Kim says
Can I make 8 burgers in a 9×13 dish?
Jessica says
Hi Kim! That should work just fine!! 🙂
Jennifer says
Yep, this is now my new favorite way to make burgers! Followed temp and timing exactly and wouldn’t change at all. I put slightly less salt (about 1.5 tsp total vs 2 tsp) and that was fine for our taste…next time will add a bit each of garlic and onion powders. Foil trick is magic!
Jessica says
Yay!!!! I’m so glad that you liked it and will try something new the next time! Thank you so much for sharing!
Jenn says
How do you keep them from tasting greasy as they cook and are sitting in the grease?
Jessica says
Hi Jenn! I don’t find that they taste greasy, but we do use a pretty lean beef (from our cattle farm) so that may make a difference! But I haven’t heard of anyone else saying they taste greasy either… so I hope that helps!
Gina says
I’m going to make up some tomorrow for my son to take with him as he’s leaving the state for work (I send him with lots of “Mom” food lol). Since we’re from Jersey & LOVE White Castle, I was wondering, to get the rehydrated onions & flavor should I used some dried minced onion before baking? We actually love the McD’s McDoubles also, & always order with extra onion lol…but I would think rehydrating they dried minced would impart a more concentrated flavor. Thoughts?
Jessica says
Hi Gina! Awww… such a good momma! You know, I’ve never tried using dried minced onion, but it sounds like it would be delish! I hope you give it a try and love it. If you do, I’d love to hear what you think!
Bonnie says
It was easy and my family loved them, so winner in my book! Thank so much for sharing.
Jessica says
Yay!! I’m so glad that you liked them Bonnie! Thank you for sharing!
Djtopaz says
What “temperature” do these come out as? Rare, medium, well done?
Jessica says
I cook them this long to get well done… but they’re not dry. When it comes to steak, I can’t STAND a dry, well-done steak. But I do want my burgers done, yet juicy. This recipe does that! 🙂 I hope that helps!
Lynda says
Is there some “magic” to using a baking “dish” vs. a metal pan for this. I live alone an frequently use a disposable foil pan for baking.
Jessica says
Hi Lynda! Using a foil pan should work just fine too!
Rose Abrams says
I loved them. They were like giant white castle only with better ingredients.
Jessica says
MMMM!!!! I can totally see that they remind you of White Castle… but you’re right, WAY better! 🙂