Yes, it is absolutely possible to cook beef burgers in the oven. While grilling is a popular method for cooking burgers, baking them in the oven is a convenient alternative, especially when outdoor grilling is not an option or you prefer a different cooking technique.
Here's a simple method for baking beef burgers in the oven:
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to a temperature of around 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the burgers: Shape ground beef into burger patties, season them with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings or spices.
Place the burgers on a baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Place the burger patties on the sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one.
Cook the burgers: Put the baking sheet with the burgers in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the patties and your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare burgers, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), while for medium burgers, aim for 160°F (71°C).
Optional: If you'd like, you can add cheese slices on top of the burgers during the last few minutes of cooking to melt them.
Rest and serve: Once the burgers are cooked to your desired doneness, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat. Serve the burgers on buns or with your preferred accompaniments.
Baking burgers in the oven can result in juicy and flavorful burgers. However, keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different compared to grilled burgers.