Quick Answer
It takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to cook a 12 pound burger to medium doneness in the oven at 350°F. The exact cooking time depends on the thickness of the patty, oven temperature, and desired doneness level.
Cooking Time Breakdown
Here is a more detailed breakdown of the cooking time for a 12 pound burger:
Preheat Oven
– Allow 10-15 minutes for your oven to preheat to 350°F.
Form the Patty
– Take about 5-10 minutes to form the beef into a uniform, thick patty approximately 4-5 inches tall. Season the outside with salt and pepper.
Sear the Burger
– Heat a skillet over high heat. Add a teaspoon of oil or butter. Sear each side of the giant burger patty for 2-3 minutes until browned.
Finish Cooking in Oven
– Transfer the seared burger to a baking sheet or pan. Bake at 350°F for around 1 hour, until an instant read thermometer inserted in the center reads:
– 125-130°F for rare
– 135-140°F for medium rare
– 150-155°F for medium
– 160-165°F for medium well
– 170°F+ for well done
Resting Time
– Allow the burger to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute.
Key Factors for Cooking Time
The exact cooking time can vary based on:
Patty Thickness
– A thicker 12 pound patty will take longer to cook than a thinner one. Allow approximately 15 minutes extra cooking time per inch thickness.
Oven Temperature
– Cooking at a lower oven temp (250°F vs 350°F) will increase the cooking time. Cooking at a higher temp will decrease it.
Doneness Preference
– The lower the desired doneness (rare vs. well), the less cook time required. Aim for 5-10°F below your desired finished temp.
Tips for Cooking a 12 Pound Burger
Here are some useful tips:
– Use 85% lean ground beef for the juiciest results. Higher lean blends may dry out.
– Handle the meat gently when shaping to avoid dense and chewy meat.
– Create a dimple in the center of the patty to reduce bulging as it cooks.
– Preheat your pan or grill before searing to get a nice crust.
– Use a digital meat thermometer to monitor doneness precisely.
– Let the burger rest before slicing into it.
Serving Suggestions
A burger this size can easily feed 15+ people. Here are some serving ideas:
– Slice into wedges and serve like a pizza.
– Offer burger “samples” on toasted buns with various toppings.
– Layer the sliced burger on a platter with all the fixings for DIY burgers.
– Pair with slider buns and various condiments for mini gourmet burgers.
– Serve alongside hot dogs, sausages, and other bbq fare for a cookout spread.
Don’t be intimidated by the large size—a 12 pound burger is sure to be a hit at your next gathering when you follow these cooking tips! Allow at least 90 minutes for preparation and baking time.
Conclusion
In summary, it takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to cook a 12 pound hamburger patty to medium doneness in a 350°F oven. With proper technique, seasonings, and a short rest time, you can achieve burger greatness! Cooking time may vary based on patty thickness, oven temperature, and desired doneness. Anticipate preparing and baking for at least 90 minutes for a juicy and flavorful massive burger.