OVEN-BAKED CHEESEBURGER MELTS

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INGREDIENTS

For the Beef Patties

  • 2 lbs (900 g) ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, grated or very finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Optional: 1 egg (for firmer patties)

For Assembly

  • 8–12 slices of bread (white, sourdough, or Texas toast work best)
  • 8–12 slices provolone, mozzarella, or cheddar cheese
  • Butter (optional, for spreading on bread)
  • Optional toppings after baking: pickles, tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, lettuce

INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture

Start by preparing your seasoned beef. In a large bowl, combine ground beef with the finely chopped or grated onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and all the seasoning. Mix gently with your hands until everything is incorporated. Avoid overworking the meat or the patties will become dense instead of juicy.

If you want patties that hold their shape firmly, add the optional egg. If you prefer a looser, more tender patty, skip it.

STEP 2: Shape the Patties

Divide the meat mixture into equal portions—8 to 12 depending on the size you want. Shape each portion into a flat oval or round patty, slightly larger than your bread slices because the meat will shrink a little during cooking.

From your photo, the patties are oval-shaped and fairly flat, which helps them cook evenly in the oven.

STEP 3: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Lay the slices of bread on the tray. If you like the edges crispy and buttery, spread a thin layer of butter on each slice first.

Top each slice of bread with a slice of cheese. Provolone or mozzarella melts smoothly, but cheddar adds more classic cheeseburger flavor. Use whatever you prefer.

STEP 4: Place the Patties on the Cheese

Gently place each raw beef patty directly on top of the cheese slice. As the patties bake, the cheese melts into the bread, becoming gooey and delicious. This creates the “melt” effect that makes this recipe so irresistible.

Make sure not to press the patties down too hard—just place them gently.

STEP 5: Bake the Cheeseburger Melts

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Place the baking sheet in the center of the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the patties. You’ll know they’re done when the beef looks browned on top and the cheese is melted and bubbling around the edges.

For a crispier finish, switch to broil for the last 2 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning.

STEP 6: Serve and Enjoy

After removing the tray from the oven, let the melts cool for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set slightly and keeps the bread from falling apart.

Serve as open-faced melts, or fold them like sandwiches if you prefer. You can top them with:

  • Pickles
  • Tomato slices
  • Lettuce
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Mayo
  • Sautéed onions
  • Jalapeños

These add flavor and freshness to the rich beef-and-cheese base.

SERVING IDEAS

These cheeseburger melts are extremely versatile:

  • Serve with French fries, potato wedges, or chips.
  • Add a side salad for a balanced meal.
  • Serve as sliders by using smaller bread slices or halving the patties.
  • Make them kid-friendly by adding only cheese and ketchup.
  • Turn them into deluxe melts by adding grilled mushrooms or caramelized onions after baking.

They’re perfect for parties, lunches, casual dinners, or meal prepping.

TIPS FOR PERFECT RESULTS

  • Use 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest patties. Lean ground beef may turn dry.
  • Don’t press the patties while cooking—let them stay thick and juicy.
  • Grate the onion finely so it blends into the meat without creating large chunks.
  • Use thick-cut bread if you want a sturdier base.
  • Add seasoning generously—bread and cheese absorb some of the flavor.
  • Try different cheeses like gouda, Swiss, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack.

VARIATIONS

You can easily customize this recipe:

  • BBQ Cheeseburger Melts: Add barbecue sauce under the cheese.
  • Spicy Melts: Mix jalapeños or chili flakes into the beef.
  • Mushroom Swiss Version: Add sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese.
  • Pizza Melt Twist: Add marinara and mozzarella.
  • Breakfast Version: Add a fried egg after baking.

STORAGE & REHEATING

  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–8 minutes for best texture.
  • Avoid microwaving—the bread may become soggy.

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