1-First Step: Get the oven and baking dish readyStart by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar casserole dish so the burgers do not stick. If you want easier cleanup, line the dish with parchment first, then add a light coating of oil or cooking spray.While the oven heats, slice 1 to 2 sweet onions into thin rings or half-moons. Thin slices cook more evenly and soften into the sauce as the burgers bake. This is also a good time to gather all the remaining ingredients so the mixing goes smoothly.

2-Second Step: Mix the burger mixtureIn 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 just until combined. Try not to overmix, because that can make the burgers dense instead of tender.The oats should disappear into the mixture, and the seasonings should be spread throughout. If the mixture feels too dry, add a small splash more cold milk or water. If it feels too loose, let it sit for 5 minutes so the oats can absorb some moisture.

3-Third Step: Shape the pattiesDivide the meat mixture into 6 to 8 equal portions, depending on how large you want the burgers. Shape each portion into a thick oval or round patty. Amish-style burgers often have a rustic look, so perfection is not the goal here. Just make them similar in size so they cook at the same pace.Place the patties in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. If you have extra space, leave a little room between them so the onions and sauce can move around and flavor each burger.

4-Fourth Step: Add onions and BBQ sauceScatter the sliced sweet onions over and around the patties. Then spoon the BBQ sauce over the burgers, making sure each one gets a good coating. You do not need to drown them, but the sauce should cover the top well enough to create a glossy finish as it bakes.If you want a little extra flavor, tuck some onions under the patties too. That way, they soften in the drippings and sauce, and the bottom of the burger picks up more flavor as it bakes. This is one of those simple tricks that makes oven baked burgers feel extra cozy.

5-Fifth Step: Bake until doneBake the burgers uncovered for about 35 to 45 minutes, depending on their thickness. About halfway through, spoon some of the sauce from the pan over the top of the patties to keep them moist. The onions should be soft and the sauce should look bubbly around the edges.Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Ground beef should reach 160°F at the center for safe eating. If the patties are thinner, they may finish sooner. If they are thicker, they may need a few extra minutes.

6-Final Step: Serve warmLet the burgers rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices settle so the patties stay moist when you move them. Serve them on buns, over mashed potatoes, or alongside roasted vegetables. Spoon extra onions and sauce from the pan over the top for the full comfort food experience.These baked bbq burgers are especially good with a simple side and something sweet after dinner. If you are planning a full meal spread, a cozy dessert like homemade peach cobbler fits right in with this style of dinner.