Baked Hamburgers
The ultimate comfort food, Baked Hamburgers are juicy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, these burgers are sure to satisfy your cravings. Try making them tonight for a delicious meal the whole family will love!
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Chef's Knife
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Ground Beef
- 4 small Ciabatta or Sourdough Rolls
- 4 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Onion Powder
- 8 tablespoons Butter
- 8 slices Cheddar Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the baking rack in the middle. Preheating is crucial for achieving that perfect bake. A hot oven ensures that the burgers cook evenly and develop a nice crust.
- Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Lay out the ciabatta rolls cut-side up on the baking sheet. This positioning allows the rolls to toast slightly while baking, enhancing their flavor and texture.
- Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions, roughly ¼ pound each. This helps ensure that all the patties cook evenly. Take your time to make them uniform in size.
- Smash one beef portion flat and place it on a roll, shaping it to the edges. This technique ensures that the patty sits snugly in the roll. Repeat with the remaining beef until all burgers are formed.
- Drizzle ½ tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce over each patty. This sauce not only adds flavor but also helps to keep the burgers moist as they bake.
- Season each patty generously with garlic salt, pepper, and onion powder. This seasoning step is crucial for infusing flavor throughout the meat.
- Top each patty with a pat of butter. The butter will melt during baking, basting the burgers and keeping them juicy.
- Bake the burgers in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook. You want them to be perfectly browned and cooked through.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and place a slice of cheddar cheese on each burger. Return them to the oven for an additional 2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt beautifully.
- Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, take them out of the oven and serve immediately. The melted cheese will be gooey and delicious, ready to complement the warm burgers.
Notes
- Tip 1: Leftover burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them gently in the oven to maintain their juiciness.
- Tip 2: You can freeze uncooked patties before baking. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to cook, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Tip 3: These burgers pair well with crispy fries or a fresh salad. Consider serving them with a side of coleslaw for an extra crunch.
- Tip 4: Feel free to experiment with different cheese types, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or blue cheese for a bold flavor.
- Tip 5: Add toppings like fresh lettuce, tomato slices, or pickles for a burst of freshness. Condiments like mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard elevate the experience.