Cooking Burgers in the Oven vs Other Methods

What’s the best way to cook a Burger? Well, that depends on who you ask! But the truth is, there is no best way to prepare The Very Best Burger. Here’s the Schweid & Sons primer on Burger cooking best practices.

Burgers are often associated with outdoor grilling, but in many parts of the country, the prime outdoor grilling months are ending. While you can grill all year round, it’s good to have options for cooking your Burgers any time of year. 

Grill It

Grilling is, of course, the OG Burger cooking choice. For many Burger aficionados, it’s the only choice. The smoky flavor and charred exterior that grilling gives are unparalleled. Cooking on a grill is also great for getting a nice toast on your buns. But sometimes, grilling is not an option. Not to worry, you can still get a great Burger cooked indoors!

Fry on a Pan

Pan-frying gives Burgers a perfect crispy exterior because of the direct heat used. Channel your inner sous chef and put the sizzle and the sear in your Burgers cooked this way. While any frying pan can be used, go with cast iron or stainless steel if you have a choice. Using a cast iron pan is best because of its non-stick features and how much heat is absorbed and retained in the pan. Be sure your surface is piping hot before you put your Burgers on to make sure you get caramelization and crust on the outside of your Burger. Be sure to flip it only once halfway through and do not press the beef down to maintain the juiciness that sits inside the Burger.

A pan is also a perfect surface for Smashburgers! Place a few Schweid & Sons The Signature Blend 2.5oz Sliders on your hot surface. Let it sit for a moment to allow the meat to heat up, and then smash the beef down with a metal spatula until you reach the thickness or thinness you desire. For a more detailed look at the perfect Smashburger recipe, click here!

Bake in the Oven

Baking Burgers in the oven actually makes cleanup a little easier. There are a couple of ways you can achieve a delicious baked Burger from the oven! To help with cleanup, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment and place your Burger patties directly on top. From 375 to 425 degrees, bake for about 20 minutes to reach a medium cook. Adjust the cooking time for your preferred level of doneness and flip the Burgers halfway through to make sure both sides are cooked evenly. Follow the same direction if cooking your Burgers in an oven-safe dish that was sprayed with non-stick spray.

To opt for a hands-off baking experience, place a cooling rack on a cookie sheet. By cooking your Burgers on top of the rack, it allows for the air to circulate around your Burgers evenly. No flipping is needed here! Step away and prep your cheese, any sides, or condiments, as your Burgers cook for 15-20 minutes or until they reach your desired internal temperature. Be sure to check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer so you’re not overcooking or undercooking, depending on your taste. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 160 °F.

If you’re not sure how to cook to the desired meat temperature, follow the Schweid & Sons basic Burger cooking guidelines here. 

Broil in the Oven

Broiling is baking’s crispier cousin. It’s an effective way to enjoy Burgers for dinner when you’re on a time crunch. In this method, you’re cooking at a higher oven temperature and closer to the heat source. Cover the broiling pan in foil and position the oven rack at the very top of the oven. Season the top side of the Burgers and cook them at the highest temperature marked for broiling in your oven for 4 to 5 minutes. Flip and season the other side of the Burgers and cook for the same amount of time. Always check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer to test their doneness. Once you’re satisfied with their cook, place a slice or two of cheese on each patty and throw them back in the oven for about 20-30 seconds to melt them.

Air Fry It

They say you can cook (or reheat) pretty much anything in an air fryer. Burgers are no exception. Season your Burgers and pop the patties in the cooking basket for 5 minutes on one side at 350 degrees Fahrenheit and then flip to cook for 5 more minutes. Similar to broiling, this is a perfect way to have Burgers for dinner when you are racing against the clock! Pro tip: Use parchment paper air fryer liners for less mess and easier cleanup!

No matter your cooking choice, be sure to start with pre-made patties from Schweid & Sons. Try The Butcher’s Blend, The Prime Burger, or even The Signature Blend Sliders (be sure to adjust the Burger cooking time for these smaller patties!).

 Pro tip: Make sure you have some fat in your Burger blend for juicier Burgers. We recommend an 80/20 ratio. 

• Find more Burger cooking tips by signing up for the Schweid & Sons email newsletter.
• Browse all Schweid & Sons’ pre-formed Burger patty options.
• Buy Schweid & Sons’ Burgers at a grocery store near you.
• Tag us on Instagram @schweidandsons or #schweidandsons with your Schweid & Sons Burger creations!