When broiling burgers in the oven at 400°F, the cooking time can vary depending on the thickness and doneness you prefer. However, a general guideline is to broil burgers for about 5-7 minutes per side. Here are more details on how long to broil burgers at 400°F:
Quick Answer
– For 1/4 pound burgers about 1 inch thick, broil for 5-7 minutes per side for medium doneness. This equals 10-14 minutes total.
– For 1/2 pound burgers about 1 1/2 inches thick, broil for about 7-9 minutes per side. This equals 14-18 minutes total.
– Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer for doneness. Medium burgers should reach 160°F.
– Keep an eye on the burgers as broiler intensities can vary. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Factors That Affect Broiling Time
Several factors impact how long it takes to broil burgers in the oven, including:
Thickness
– Thinner burgers will cook faster, while thicker burgers will take longer.
– Standard hamburger patties are 4-5 ounces and 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick.
– Larger 1/2 pound burgers may be 1 1/2 inches or more.
Doneness
– Rare burgers are cooked to 145°F and will broil faster than well-done burgers cooked to 170°F.
– For food safety, burgers should reach at least 160°F for medium doneness.
Broiler Intensity
– Oven broilers can vary in their intensity and how quickly they cook food.
– Monitor burgers closely and adjust cooking time as needed if broiling faster or slower than expected.
– Position the oven rack closer to the broiler if it seems to be cooking slowly.
Burger Composition
– Burgers with a higher fat content may take slightly less time to cook than lean burgers.
– Veggie or turkey burgers typically require a few less minutes per side than beef.
Amount of Burgers
– Broiling multiple burgers adds to the total cooking time. Spread them out evenly and flip halfway.
– For example, broiling 4 burgers may take about 10-12 minutes total.
How to Tell When Burgers Are Done Broiling
Here are some ways to test if your burgers are fully cooked when broiling:
– Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the burgers. Insert into the thickest part without touching any bones.
– Medium burgers should reach 160°F internally. Well-done reaches 170°F.
– Check for visual signs of doneness. Burgers will firm up and the juices will run clear when fully cooked.
– The internal color should no longer be pink when cut into.
– Take a knife and make a small slit to peek inside before removing from the oven.
– Let the burgers rest for 5 minutes before serving. The temperature will rise slightly as they sit.
Tips for Broiling Burgers
Follow these tips to achieve perfectly broiled burgers:
– Preheat the broiler for at least 10 minutes on high heat before cooking.
– Place burgers evenly spaced on a broiler pan lined with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
– Position oven rack about 5-6 inches from heating element. Watch closely as broiler intensities vary.
– Brush burgers lightly with oil or sauce to promote browning. Avoid burning.
– Flip burgers gently halfway through. Use tongs rather than a fork to avoid releasing juices.
– Add slices of cheese on top if desired during the last 1-2 minutes so it melts.
– Allow burgers to rest for 5 minutes before serving. The internal temperature will continue rising.
Common Questions
Should you flip burgers when broiling?
Yes, it is important to flip the burgers at least once when broiling. This allows both sides to cook evenly. For thicker burgers, you may want to flip twice.
Do you put foil on the pan when broiling burgers?
Lining the broiler pan with aluminum foil makes cleanup much easier. The foil prevents any burnt, sticky residue from the burgers making a mess. Be sure to tent the foil on the edges to contain any grease drippings.
What temperature are burgers done broiling?
Burgers are done broiling once they reach the proper internal temperature for doneness. Use a meat thermometer to be sure. Medium burgers should reach 160°F and well-done hits 170°F. If unsure, it’s always best to use a thermometer rather than risk undercooked burgers.
Can you overcook burgers in the broiler?
Yes, burgers can definitely be overcooked under the high heat of the broiler if left in too long. This causes the meat to dry out. Be sure to set your timer and keep watch. For char and color you want, remove from the oven as soon as the inside reaches the proper temperature. The burgers will keep cooking a bit as they rest.
Why are my broiled burgers burnt on the outside and raw inside?
If your burgers are scorched and blackened on the outside but still red and cold inside, the broiler is likely too close to the top of the burgers. Try positioning the oven rack a few inches lower so the intense heat isn’t immediately charring the exterior before the inside gets a chance to cook through. Flipping halfway also helps ensure even cooking.
The Best Way to Broil Burgers in the Oven
For the juiciest, most flavorful oven-broiled burgers, follow these steps:
Ingredients:
– 1-1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 blend)
– Salt and pepper
– Optional seasonings: garlic powder, steak seasoning, Worcestershire sauce
Directions:
- Take the ground beef out of the fridge and shape into evenly sized patties about 4-5 ounces each and 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Make an indentation in the center to prevent puffing up.
- Season the patties generously with salt and pepper on both sides along with any other seasonings of choice.
- Let the patties sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes while you preheat the broiler on high heat.
- Line a broiler pan with aluminum foil and place the patties spaced evenly apart. Position the oven rack about 5-6 inches from the heating element.
- Broil the burgers for 5-7 minutes until the tops are nicely browned. Flip the patties over with tongs.
- Broil the second side for another 5-7 minutes until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center reads 160°F for medium doneness.
- Add cheese slices on top if using during the last 1-2 minutes so it melts.
- Remove the burgers from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
For easy cleanup, discard the foil. Enjoy your juicy, flare-broiled burgers! Adjust cooking times as needed based on thickness and your broiler intensity.
Conclusion
Broiling burgers in the oven at 400°F produces tasty, evenly cooked patties when using the right techniques. Monitor thickness, doneness level, and your specific broiler closely to achieve optimal results. Burgers are done in 5-9 minutes per side for 1/4 to 1/2 pound patties to reach a safe internal temperature of 160°F. Line the pan with foil, flip halfway, and allow the burgers to rest before serving for the best oven-broiled burgers.