How to cook hamburgers in the oven without a rack
If you find yourself unable to cook your burgers on the grill, either because you just don’t have the time to stand and watch them or it’s way too cold outside to grill, you can always cook your hamburgers in the oven. Cooking hamburgers in the oven is really easy, and you don’t even need a rack.
Cooking hamburgers in the oven
Some people may be against the idea of cooking a hamburger in the oven and will only stick to grilling their hamburgers. However, you can cook some really delicious burgers in the oven, and they might even be juicier than what you would get on the grill! Cooking hamburgers in the oven can make them juicier and more tender. The oven helps distribute the heat evenly and cooks the meat thoroughly without drying it out. Without a rack in the oven, the burgers sit in their own juices as they cook, which helps keep them juicy and full of flavor. While the hamburgers are kept tender and juicy, they can still develop a wonderful crust on the outside for added texture. You may even find that baking hamburgers in the oven becomes your favorite method, and over time you will perfect the technique.
Cooking burgers in the oven without a rack
While it is fairly simple to cook hamburgers in the oven, here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray with nonstick spray.
- Place the hamburgers on the baking sheet, making sure they aren’t too close together and leaving some space between them. If you are cooking for a lot of people, you may need to cook the hamburgers in batches.
- Sprinkle the hamburgers with some seasoning.
- Put the hamburgers in the oven.
- Cook the hamburgers in the oven for about 25 minutes, turning them halfway through.
- 1-2 minutes before taking out the hamburgers, place a slice of cheese on top of each hamburger and leave in the oven for 2 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Remove the burgers from the oven and serve hot.
You can always change the amount of time the hamburgers stay in the oven depending on how you like them cooked. If you prefer them cooked through, leave them in the oven for about 30 minutes. If you prefer them just pink on the inside, take them out after 15-20 minutes.
Can I cook the hamburgers at a higher heat?
Ovens are all different and you will have to experiment with your oven to find the perfect temperature to cook hamburgers without using a rack. It is recommended to cook them at 375°F for 25 minutes, but you can also try cooking them at a higher heat for a short period of time. You could set the oven to 400°F and cook the burgers for 15 minutes. This will crisp up the outside of the burgers, but still keep the meat juicy and tender on the inside. The temperature at which you cook the burgers and how long you cook them depends on how you like them. You may like them crispy on the outside but still tender on the inside, or juicy and tender all over. Whatever you choose, cooking them in the oven without a rack, even at a higher temperature, will make them juicy because they will be sitting in their own fat and grease as they cook.
Can I cook frozen burgers without a rack?
If you didn’t take the burgers out of the freezer in time to defrost, don’t change your dinner plans. You can cook frozen burgers in the oven without using a rack. To do this, you would follow the same steps as cooking the burgers normally without a rack, placing them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and sprayed with nonstick coating. The only thing that will change is the cooking time, as the burgers will be frozen to begin with and will need about 5-10 minutes longer in the oven, depending on their size. Keep an eye on them as they cook, flipping them after 15 minutes. It is difficult to say exactly how long they will take to cook from frozen, so you will have to judge for yourself. You should also avoid seasoning the burgers when they are frozen, as the seasoning will just disappear when the burgers thaw. Instead, wait until they have been in the oven for 5 minutes, take them out, and season them quickly before putting them back in.
Do I need to flip the burgers when cooking in the oven?
Yes, it is recommended to flip the burgers halfway through cooking. This helps ensure that the burgers cook evenly on both sides and develop a nice crust on the outside. Flipping also prevents one side from getting too crispy or burnt. So after about 12-15 minutes of cooking, carefully flip the burgers with a spatula or tongs and let them cook the rest of the way.
Tips for Perfect Oven Baked Hamburgers
Here are some additional tips to help you achieve perfect oven-baked hamburgers without using a rack:
- Use ground beef with a higher fat content, such as 80/20 or 85/15. The fat content contributes to the juiciness and flavor of the burgers.
- Season burgers generously with your favorite seasonings or a simple salt and pepper mix. This will add flavor to the meat.
- Avoid pressing down on the burgers as they cook. This can release the juices and dry out the burgers.
- If you would like to add cheese to your burgers, place a slice on top of each patty 1-2 minutes before cooking. Let the cheese melt in the oven for a gooey and delicious finish.
- Allow the burgers to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier burger.
Conclusion
Cooking hamburgers in a rack-less oven is a convenient and delicious alternative to grilling. By following a few simple steps, you can enjoy juicy, flavorful burgers with a nice crust on the outside. Whether you prefer them well-done or slightly pink in the center, adjusting the cooking time and temperature will help you achieve your desired doneness. So the next time you can’t grill or simply prefer oven burgers, try this method and enjoy a tasty meal straight from the oven.
FAQS
Can I get juicy burgers by cooking them in the oven without a rack?
Yes, cooking burgers in the oven without a rack can result in juicy burgers. The burgers cook in their own juices, which helps to retain moisture and flavour throughout the cooking process.
What temperature should I set the oven to when cooking burgers without a rack?
Preheat the oven to 375°F to cook hamburgers without a rack. This temperature allows for even cooking and helps develop a nice crust on the outside while keeping the burgers juicy on the inside.
Do I need to turn the burgers while they are cooking in the oven?
Yes, it is recommended that you flip the burgers halfway through cooking. This ensures that both sides of the burgers cook evenly and helps to achieve a nice sear and crust on each side.
Can I cook frozen burgers in the oven without a rack?
Yes, you can cook frozen burgers in the oven without a rack. Follow the same steps as for cooking fresh burgers, but increase the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes depending on the size of the frozen burgers.
How will I know when the burgers are done in the oven?
The best way to tell when a burger is done is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the burger. For a medium-rare burger, the internal temperature should reach 130-135°F, while a well-done burger should reach 160°F.
Can I add cheese to the burgers while they are cooking in the oven?
Yes, you can add cheese to the burgers during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking in the oven. Place a slice of cheese on top of each patty and let it melt for a delicious cheesy finish to your burgers.