Cooking burgers in the oven can be a quick and easy way to get dinner on the table. But knowing how long to cook burgers for can be tricky, as oven temperatures and burger thicknesses can vary. Here are some tips on how long you should cook burgers in the oven for juicy, flavorful results.
How long does it take to cook a burger in the oven?
The cooking time for burgers in the oven can range from 15-35 minutes depending on a few factors:
- Thickness of the burger – Thicker burgers will take longer to cook through.
- Temperature of the oven – The hotter the oven, the less time needed.
- Desired doneness – Rare burgers take less time than well-done.
As a general guideline:
| Burger Thickness | Oven Temperature | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 inch thick | 400°F | 10-15 minutes |
| 3/4 inch thick | 400°F | 15-18 minutes |
| 1 inch thick | 400°F | 18-22 minutes |
So for a typical 1/2 inch thick burger in a 400°F oven, cook for about 12-15 minutes. Cooking times will be a bit less at higher oven temps (425°F+) and greater for very thick burgers.
How can you tell when burgers are done in the oven?
The best way to test doneness for burgers in the oven is by using an instant-read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the burger and it should read:
- Rare: 120-125°F
- Medium-rare: 130-135°F
- Medium: 140-145°F
- Medium-well: 150-155°F
- Well-done: 160°F+
If you don’t have a thermometer, you can check doneness by cutting into the center of the burger. It should be just barely pink in the middle for medium doneness. And the juices should run clear with no traces of pink.
Tips for Cooking Juicy Burgers in the Oven
Cooking burgers in the oven takes a bit more care than grilling them. Follow these tips for tender, juicy oven-baked burgers every time:
1. Use 80/20 ground beef
Burgers made with 80% lean chuck or sirloin and 20% fat will be juicier than those made with very lean beef. The fat keeps the burgers moist and adds flavor.
2. Don’t overwork the meat
Gently shape the burgers just until they hold together. Don’t overmix or compress the meat too much or you’ll end up with dense, rubbery burgers.
3. Make a dimple in the center
Press a dimple into the middle of each burger patty with your thumb. This ensures even cooking and prevents the burgers from puffing up too much.
4. Brush with oil
Coat both sides of the burgers lightly with olive oil or vegetable oil before cooking. This helps promote browning and keeps the outside from drying out.
5. Cook at high heat first
Preheat your oven to 425-450°F. Cook the burgers at high heat for 4-5 minutes per side to sear the outside. Then reduce heat to 375°F to finish cooking through.
6. Flip only once
Flipping the burgers over multiple times can lead to dryness. Cook each side until nicely browned before flipping once.
7. Let rest before serving
As with grilling, letting the burgers rest for 5 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute so they don’t run out when you cut into them.
Seasoning and Topping Oven-Baked Burgers
Burgers cooked in the oven benefit from extra seasoning and toppings. Try these flavorful ideas:
Seasoning Blends
- Barbecue seasoning – paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder
- Steakhouse blend – salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder
- Southwest – cumin, chili powder, oregano, smoked paprika
- Herbes de Provence – thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil
Burger Toppings
- Sliced cheese – cheddar, Swiss, provolone
- Caramelized onions
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Crispy bacon
- Guacamole or avocado slices
- BBQ sauce
- Fried egg
Adding toppings in the last 5 minutes of baking lets the cheese melt beautifully and vegetables heat through.
Oven-Baked Burger Recipes
Take your oven burgers to the next level with these delicious recipe ideas:
All-American Cheeseburger
- 1 lb ground chuck
- 4 burger buns
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- Lettuce, tomato, onion (as desired)
- Burger condiments like ketchup, mustard, mayo
- Form beef into 4 patties, season with salt and pepper. Add a dimple to the center of each.
- Bake at 450°F for 4 minutes per side. Top with cheese in the last 2 minutes.
- Serve on buns with desired toppings and condiments.
Southwest Turkey Burgers
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp Southwest seasoning
- 4 burger buns
- Guacamole, pico de gallo, pepper jack cheese (as desired)
- Form turkey into 4 patties seasoned with Southwest blend. Add dimples.
- Bake at 425°F for 12-14 minutes until cooked through.
- Serve on buns with guacamole, pico de gallo, pepper jack cheese.
Mushroom Swiss Burger
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp steakhouse seasoning
- 4 oz sliced mushrooms
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 burger buns
- Season beef patties with steakhouse blend. Add dimples.
- Bake at 450°F for 5 minutes per side.
- Top with mushrooms and Swiss cheese last 2 minutes.
- Serve on burger buns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you put oil on burgers before baking?
Yes, lightly brushing the patties with oil before baking helps promote browning and prevents the burgers from drying out in the oven. Olive oil or vegetable oil work well.
What temperature should you bake burgers at?
Preheat your oven to 425-450°F to get a good initial sear on the burgers. After flipping once, reduce heat to 375°F to finish cooking them through without overbrowning.
Do you need to flip burgers when baking them in the oven?
Flipping the burgers once during cooking will ensure even browning and cooking. Cook about 5 minutes per side at higher heat. Avoid flipping repeatedly which can dry them out.
Should you put cheese on burgers before or after baking?
Add any cheese or other toppings after the burgers have cooked for a few minutes per side. This prevents premature melting or burning. Top with cheese in the last 2-5 minutes of baking so it melts beautifully.
How long does it take to bake frozen burgers?
Frozen burger patties will take about 35-45 minutes in a 375°F oven. Cook 5 minutes at higher heat to sear, then bake until fully cooked through. Check temperature with a thermometer.
Conclusion
Cooking burgers in the oven can produce juicy, flavorful results when done right. Allow about 12-15 minutes for 1/2 inch burgers at 400°F, adjusting time for thickness and doneness. Brush with oil, add a dimple, and flip only once during cooking. Topping with cheese, vegetables, or other flavors in the last few minutes prevents burning. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness. With the right technique, oven-baked burgers can rival those off the grill.