Cast Iron Burgers
These Cast Iron Burgers are half-pound, restaurant-quality burgers with a thick, juicy center and a deeply seared crust. Finished in the oven for even doneness, this foolproof method delivers big flavor and perfectly cooked burgers every time—no grill needed.
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 776kcal
Equipment
- 10" cast iron skillet 12" cast iron skillet will work too.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs 85% ground beef
- 2 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 4 tablespoon butter
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- Toppings of choice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and the skillet on the stove top over medium heat.
- Divide the ground beef into 4 ½ pound (8 ounce) portions.
- Season each portion with ½ teaspoon seasoning salt and form into patties.
- Melt butter in skillet.
- Add patties to skillet, 2 at a time.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side then flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Do not disturb the patties while cooking.
- Place the skillet (with the patties in it) in the oven and cook for 10 minutes or until they've reached the desired temperature (160°F).
- Turn off the oven and add the cheddar cheese slice to each patty and place it back in the warm oven to melt; about 2 minutes.
- Serve on bun with your favorite condiments.
Notes
- Start with a Hot Skillet: Preheat the cast iron until fully hot before adding the burgers. You should hear an immediate sizzle—this is essential for building a deep, crispy crust.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Use at least a 12-inch skillet to cook all the burgers at once, or cook two at a time in a 10-inch skillet. Giving the burgers space helps them sear instead of steam.
- Finish in the Oven: After searing, transfer the skillet to the oven and cook for about 10 minutes. This allows thick, half-pound burgers to cook evenly through the center without burning the exterior.
- Press a Center Dent: Before cooking, press a shallow dent into the center of each patty. This helps prevent the burgers from puffing up and promotes even cooking.
- Cook Undisturbed: Let the burgers cook without moving them until a crust forms. Flipping too early can tear the surface and prevent proper browning.
Nutrition
Calories: 776kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 50g | Fat: 53g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Trans Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 201mg | Sodium: 1724mg | Potassium: 738mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 521IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 219mg | Iron: 6mg
