1-First Step: Preheat and prep the baking dish Start by heating your oven to 375 F. Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish or a large rimmed pan. A little oil or nonstick spray will help keep the burgers from sticking as they bake. If you are making this for a family meal, it is also a good time to slice your sweet onions so everything is ready to go.

2-Second Step: Mix the burger base In a large bowl, add the ground beef, egg, oats, cold milk or cold water, onion powder, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Use clean hands or a sturdy spoon to mix gently until everything is combined. Do not overmix, because that can make the burgers dense instead of tender. If you are cooking for different eaters, this is the point where you can split the mixture and adjust seasonings or swap in gluten-free oats before shaping.

3-Third Step: Shape the burgers Divide the meat mixture into 6 to 8 portions, depending on how large you want the burgers. Shape each portion into a thick patty or a loose oval mound. These are not the same as grill burgers, so they can be a little more rustic. That old-fashioned style is part of what makes amish burgers so charming. Place the patties in the baking dish, leaving a little space between each one if possible. The shape does not have to be perfect. In fact, a homemade look adds to the comfort-food feel.

4-Fourth Step: Add onions and BBQ sauce Scatter the sliced sweet onions around and over the burgers. Then spoon the BBQ sauce evenly over the top. You want a generous coating, since the sauce will caramelize as it bakes and make the whole dish smell amazing. If your family likes extra saucy burgers, you can save a little more sauce for serving. The sweet onions and BBQ sauce are what give these baked burgers their cozy, baked-all-day flavor, even though they only take a short time in the oven.

5-Fifth Step: Bake until cooked through Bake uncovered for about 35 to 45 minutes, or until the burgers are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160 F. If your patties are thick, they may need a few extra minutes. Spoon some of the pan sauce over the burgers near the end of cooking to keep them moist and glossy. For a lighter meal, serve with roasted broccoli, a crisp salad, or steamed green beans. For a heartier plate, pair the burgers with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or warm dinner rolls.

6-Final Step: Rest and serve Let the burgers rest for 5 minutes before serving. This short pause helps the juices settle. Spoon the onions and sauce over the top, then serve the burgers hot with your favorite sides. If you want a little more BBQ flavor, add an extra drizzle of sauce right before serving. These burgers also work well tucked into buns with pickles, or served open-faced with onions and extra sauce on top. Either way, you get a comforting meal that feels both simple and satisfying.