Baked Cheesy Meat Patties

Baked Cheesy Meat Patties are juicy, flavorful ground beef patties filled with melted cheese and baked to perfection. They’re an easy, family-friendly dish that combines savory meat, gooey cheese, and aromatic spices in a simple oven-baked recipe.

These patties can be served as a main course with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad. They are also great for meal prep, lunchboxes, or casual dinners.

Prep Time, Cook Time & Servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Servings: 4–6 patties
Calories: ~320 calories per patty

Equipment Needed

Baking sheet
Parchment paper or lightly greased pan
Mixing bowl
Spoon or spatula
Knife (for slicing cheese)

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (80% lean recommended)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
4–6 slices of cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite melting cheese

Ingredient Notes

Ground Beef: Use slightly fattier beef (like 80/20) for juicier patties.
Cheese: Choose a melting cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack for gooey centers.
Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the patties and keep them tender.
Optional Flavor: Add Worcestershire sauce or chopped herbs for extra depth.

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Prepare the Meat Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Mix gently until combined; avoid overmixing.

3. Shape the Patties

Divide the meat mixture into 4–6 equal portions. Flatten each portion slightly. Place a slice of cheese in the center and fold the edges over, forming a sealed patty.

4. Bake the Patties

Place the patties on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through (internal temperature 160°F / 71°C) and the cheese is melted inside.

5. Serve

Serve warm with sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a simple salad.

Nutrition Facts (Per Patty)

Calories: 320
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sodium: 550mg

Nutrition values are approximate.

Tips for the Best Baked Cheesy Meat Patties

Seal the cheese: Press the edges tightly to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
Don’t overmix meat: Keeps patties tender instead of dense.
Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the patties are fully cooked.
Optional topping: Brush with a little melted butter or BBQ sauce before baking for extra flavor.

Variations

Spicy Cheesy Meat Patties

Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture.

Italian-Style Meat Patties

Add 1 teaspoon Italian herbs and use mozzarella with marinara sauce for serving.

Mini Sliders

Make smaller patties for slider-sized cheesy treats perfect for parties.

Bacon-Cheese Patties

Wrap a strip of cooked bacon around the cheese inside for extra flavor.