Backyard barbecues may be synonymous with grilled burgers, but how about methods for getting a delicious, perfectly cooked burger without the hassle of firing up the grill and less mess? Enter oven-baked burgers, a smart alternative.

No one is discouraging a cook-out! We love them and yet there’s just not always time or good weather for it. On that note, I also have written about how to cook burgers on the stove, which has its advantages, depending on your situation. For example, you can cook burgers to order for each person similar to how you would on a grill.

But if you’re looking for the quickest, easiest way to make burgers without grilling, cooking burgers in the oven is it. You can prepare many burgers at once and only have one pan to clean!

What to serve with oven-baked burgers

Serve juicy, oven-baked burgers just as you would any other. We all know the classic sides like oven-roasted French fries, a fresh green or pasta salad, sweet potato fries or traditional potato salad. Another great choice is my roasted vegetable salad or Cobb salad.

Cooking burgers in the oven is the perfect method for hosting a burger bar for your family or a larger group. You can efficiently cook a lot of patties, and then everyone can customize their burgers their favorite burger toppings.

While I account for the classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, cheese and onion in the recipe below, you don’t have to stop there. Consider mixing it up with some alternatives, like Monterey Jack and thinly sliced avocado with pico de Gallo; mushrooms, Swiss, bacon and caramelized onions; or crispy fried onions with barbecue sauce.

And of course, always have the basic condiments and extras like ketchup, mustard, mayo and pickles.

raw burgers in a sheet pan for cooking in the oven.

Ingredients needed to make the best oven-baked burgers

Ground Beef: I prefer an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio. That means you have mostly lean ground beef and just the right amount of juiciness and flavor without being too greasy.
Dried Minced Onion: These add savory undertones to the burger patty, bringing a little depth to its taste beyond an ordinary burger.
Salt: Enhances natural flavors and balances the other seasonings.
Black Pepper: Gives a little kick of heat and enhances the overall taste.
Garlic Powder: Adds aroma and boosts the savory flavor, similar to the minced onion.
Worcestershire Sauce: Has an umami-rich element that complements the natural beef flavors.
Butter: Adding just a little to your beef mixture means juicier, more flavorful burgers.
Hamburger Buns: Go for quality bread that holds up a juicy patty, whether you prefer classic sesame, buttered, or wheat buns.
Lettuce: Lettuce leaves add freshness and crunch to each bite, and there are so many burger-worthy varieties you can use—classic or baby iceberg, romaine, green leaf, butterhead … the list goes on.
Cheddar Cheese: Good ol’ cheddar is the best for melting over a hot burger for a gooey, indulgent finish.
Tomato: Gives a bright burst of fresh, slightly sweet flavor that balances all of the savory notes.
Onion: Sliced white onions, raw or caramelized, bring a bold flavor to your burgers.

Be sure to check out the full ingredient measurements and complete recipe below.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Baking Pan with sides
Medium Bowl
Small serving bowls for toppings
Burger press, optional

Frequently asked questions about how to cook burgers in the oven

Here are a few of the most common questions and answers about cooking burgers in the oven. If you have a question you don’t see covered here, please leave it in the comments section, and I will reply as soon as I can!

Is it better to cook burgers in the oven or on the stove?

Cooking burgers in the oven has advantages over the stove because you get more evenly distributed heat. That means a lesser chance of overcooking them, plus easier cleanup without grease popping around on the stove.

What is the perfect temperature for a burger?

The perfect temperature for a burger depends on personal preference, for the most part. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy (and food safety) when cooking burgers to order. For a medium-rare burger, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F. For medium, cook your burger to 140°F to 145°F. A well-done burger should reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

burger on a pan with melted cheese on top.

What is the best way to store and reheat leftover burgers?

To store leftovers, let them cool to room temperature first. Then, wrap each burger individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. You can refrigerate cooked burgers for up to 3-4 days, or freeze them for up to 4 months.

To reheat frozen burgers, let them thaw in the refrigerator first. Heat the oven to 350°F and bake them until warmed through. You can also add a little oil to a pan and heat them through on the stove top, if desired.

More Grandma-Approved Recipes

If you liked this recipe and cooking method for oven-baked burgers, you will enjoy these tasty recipes, too.