Name: Baked Hamburgers with Melty American Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ pounds ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat blend); 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons A-1 steak sauce; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 6 slices American cheese (removed from plastic wrappers); 6 hamburger buns; Lettuce leaves; Tomato slices; Thin onion slices; Dill pickle slices; Ketchup; Mustard; Mayonnaise

Ingredients

1½ pounds ground beef (80%-20% blend)

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

2 tablespoons A-1 steak sauce

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon onion powder

¼ teaspoon black pepper

6 slices American cheese (removed from the plastic wrappers)

Hamburger buns

Lettuce

Tomato slices

Thin onion slices

Dill pickle slices

Ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. This setup allows excess fat to drip away and helps the burgers develop a nice crust without becoming greasy.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, mayonnaise, A-1 steak sauce, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix gently until ingredients are evenly incorporated, being careful not to overwork the meat.

Step 3: Divide the meat mixture into 6 equal portions. Shape each into a round patty about 3½ to 4 inches wide and ½ inch thick. Place the patties on the prepared wire rack-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each for even cooking.

Step 4: Bake the patties for 15 minutes. Then flip each patty and continue baking for an additional 8 to 10 minutes. In the last 2 to 3 minutes, place a slice of American cheese on each patty so it can melt as the burgers finish baking.

Step 5: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for fully cooked, well-done burgers. Remove from the oven and assemble your burgers with buns and your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, ketchup, mustard, and mayo. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try mixing in finely chopped onions or Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture.

If you prefer a juicier burger, use ground beef with a slightly higher fat content.

Feel free to swap American cheese for cheddar, Swiss, or your favorite melting cheese.

Adding a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can give the patties a subtle smoky or spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the meat. For longer storage, wrap patties individually and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use leaner ground beef for this recipe?

Yes, but keep in mind that leaner beef may result in drier patties. Adding mayonnaise, as the recipe suggests, helps maintain moisture, so it’s a good balance if you prefer leaner meat.

How can I make sure my burgers are cooked evenly in the oven?

Using a wire rack allows fat to drain and hot air to circulate around the patties, promoting even cooking and a better crust. Also, spacing the patties apart prevents steaming and helps them cook uniformly.