Baked Cheeseburgers

Burgers are one of my all time favorite foods, on or off keto. Only difference now is no buns. I do a lot of burgers, a lot of different ways…it’s easy for groups – carbs optional. This is easy because it’s done in an oven, kind of like a meatloaf…but looks and tastes like a burger.

Serve with your favorite toppings, sauces, spreads cheeses and side dishes.  Family members can eat on a bun if they choose, no double meals. They also save or freeze well for future meals. They can also be chopped up into a “cheeseburger salad”.

Baked Cheeseburgers

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground beef (85/15 or 80/20)
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Add any other seasonings you wish.
• 4 slices cheese of choice

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
• Mix the ground beef, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
• Gently press the beef mixture into an ungreased square 8-inch pan.
• Bake until cooked through, about 15 minutes.
• If there’s a lot of cooking liquid in the pan, you can drain some or keep it and allow some of it to get absorbed back into the burgers as they rest. I prefer to drain.
• Top the cooked meat with the cheese slices.
• Return the pan to the oven and bake just until cheese is melted, about 2 minutes.
• Remove the pan from the oven and allow to rest and set for 5 minutes. Cut into four squares and serve.