Easy Sheet Pan Cheeseburgers

Get ready to revolutionize your burger night with these incredibly convenient and delicious Easy Sheet Pan Cheeseburgers! This ingenious recipe allows you to cook a batch of juicy, perfectly seasoned burgers topped with melted cheese, all on a single sheet pan in your oven. Say goodbye to flipping individual patties on a hot grill or stovetop, and hello to a fuss-free way to feed a crowd or simply enjoy a classic American comfort food with minimal effort. With every bite, you’ll savor the well-seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and your favorite toppings, all nestled in a soft bun. It’s the ultimate hassle-free solution for game days, casual gatherings, or any busy weeknight when a delicious, satisfying burger is calling your name!

Ingredients:

For the Burgers:

• 3 pounds ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best for flavor and juiciness)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 8-10 slices cheddar or American cheese

For Serving:

• 8-10 hamburger buns (toasted, if desired)

Optional Toppings & Condiments:

• Lettuce leaves, shredded or whole
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced red onion or white onion
• Dill pickle slices
• Ketchup
• Mustard (yellow or Dijon)
• Mayonnaise
• Relish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheet Pan:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Line a large, rimmed baking sheet (about 18×13 inches) with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This is crucial for easy cleanup and preventing sticking.
2. Prepare the Ground Beef Patty:
   • Place the 3 pounds of ground beef directly onto the center of the prepared sheet pan.
   • Using your hands or a spatula, gently but firmly press the ground beef evenly into a large rectangle that covers most of the sheet pan, leaving a small border around the edges. Aim for a thickness of about ¾-inch. Don’t press too thin, or it will dry out.
   • If you prefer individual, perfectly sized patties, you can form 8-10 patties and space them out on the sheet pan, leaving a small divot in the center of each to prevent them from puffing up too much.
3. Season the Beef:
   • Evenly sprinkle the entire surface of the pressed ground beef with the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure to get good coverage for maximum flavor.
4. Bake the Beef:
   • Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. The exact baking time will depend on your oven and desired doneness. The beef should be cooked through, and the juices should run clear. For a thicker patty, it might take a minute or two longer.
5. Add the Cheese:
   • Carefully remove the sheet pan from the oven. There will likely be a good amount of rendered grease; you can carefully tilt the pan and drain most of it off, if desired.
   • Immediately arrange the 8-10 slices of cheddar or American cheese evenly over the hot cooked beef.
6. Melt the Cheese:
   • Return the sheet pan to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and slightly bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent overcooking the beef.
7. Assemble and Serve:
   • Remove the sheet pan from the oven.
   • Using a large knife or a pizza cutter, carefully cut the large beef rectangle into 8-10 individual squares or rectangles, sized to fit your hamburger buns.
   • Serve the hot, cheesy burger patties immediately on hamburger buns with your favorite toppings and condiments. Let everyone customize their own perfect burger!

Tips, Variations, and Storage:

• Toasting Buns: For the ultimate burger experience, lightly toast your hamburger buns! You can do this on a separate sheet pan in the oven during the last few minutes, or in a dry skillet.
• Doneness: For more precise control over doneness, you can insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of the beef. Aim for 160°F (71°C) for well-done ground beef.
• Cheese Variety: Experiment with other cheeses like provolone, Monterey Jack, or Swiss for different flavor profiles.
• Mix-ins: For extra flavor, you can mix finely chopped onions, Worcestershire sauce, or a dash of liquid smoke into the raw ground beef before pressing it onto the pan.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend or top with pickled jalapeños.
• “Smash Burger” Style: For thinner, crispier edges, press the beef thinner (about ½-inch) and increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) for a slightly shorter baking time (around 12-15 minutes).
• Storage: Leftover cooked burger patties (without buns or toppings) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or a skillet.

Pairings:

• Classic Sides: French fries, onion rings, potato salad, coleslaw, or a simple green salad are all fantastic companions.
• Beverages: Cold sodas, iced tea, lemonade, or a frosty beer are perfect with burgers.
• Dessert: Finish with a milkshake or a simple fruit dessert for a classic American meal.

Quick Info:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 17-21 minutes
• Total Time: 27-31 minutes
• Servings: 8-10 burgers
• Cuisine: American
• Effort Level: Easy