Baking a steak in the oven produces restaurant-quality results when you time it precisely for your desired doneness. So how long should you bake a steak in the oven? The short answer is 8 to 15 minutes for most cuts, depending on thickness, oven temperature, and how you like your meat cooked.
This guide breaks down exact times by doneness and thickness. You will also learn a simple method that works every time, even if your oven runs hot or cold.
How Long Should You Bake A Steak In The Oven
The total bake time depends on three things: steak thickness, oven temperature, and target doneness. A general rule for a 1-inch thick steak baked at 400°F (204°C) is:
- Rare: 6 to 8 minutes
- Medium-rare: 8 to 10 minutes
- Medium: 10 to 12 minutes
- Medium-well: 12 to 14 minutes
- Well done: 14 to 16 minutes
These times are for a room temperature steak. If your steak goes straight from the fridge to the oven, add 3 to 5 minutes.
Thicker cuts need more time. A 1.5-inch ribeye can take 15 to 20 minutes at 400°F. A thin 0.5-inch sirloin may only need 5 to 7 minutes.
Why Oven Temperature Changes Everything
Higher heat cooks faster but can burn the outside before the inside is ready. Lower heat is more forgiving and gives you a bigger window before the steak overcooks.
- 450°F: fast sear, best for thin steaks, 5 to 10 minutes total
- 400°F: the sweet spot for most cuts, 8 to 15 minutes total
- 350°F: slower and gentler, 12 to 20 minutes total
- 275°F: reverse sear method, 20 to 40 minutes total
Most home cooks get great results at 400°F. It browns the surface while cooking the center at a steady pace.
How To Bake A Steak In The Oven Step By Step
Follow these steps for a reliable result every time.
- Take the steak out of the fridge 30 to 40 minutes before cooking. Room temperature meat cooks more evenly.
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Wet meat steams instead of sears.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper. Use more salt than you think you need.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place a cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan inside while it heats.
- Once the pan is hot, add a tablespoon of oil with a high smoke point, like avocado or canola.
- Sear the steak for 1 to 2 minutes per side on the stovetop. This builds a brown crust.
- Move the whole pan into the oven. Bake for the times listed above.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer about 2 minutes before your target time.
- Rest the steak on a cutting board for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
The rest is not optional. It lets the juices redistribute so they stay in the meat instead of running onto the plate.
Internal Temperature Targets
Time is a guide, but temperature is the truth. Pull your steak when it hits these numbers:
- Rare: 120 to 125°F
- Medium-rare: 130 to 135°F
- Medium: 140 to 145°F
- Medium-well: 150 to 155°F
- Well done: 160°F and above
Remember that the temperature rises 5 to 10 degrees while the steak rests. So pull it a little early.
Best Cuts For Oven Baking
Not every steak behaves the same in the oven. Here is how common cuts compare.
Ribeye
Ribeye has rich marbling that keeps it juicy at higher heat. Bake a 1-inch ribeye at 400°F for 8 to 12 minutes for medium-rare. It is one of the most forgiving cuts for beginners.
New York Strip
Strip steaks are firmer with a good fat cap. A 1-inch strip needs 9 to 13 minutes at 400°F. Sear the fat edge first for extra flavor.
Filet Mignon
Filet is lean and tender but dries out fast. Use 425°F and check it early. A 1.5-inch filet usually takes 10 to 14 minutes for medium-rare.
Sirloin
Sirloin is leaner and benefits from a quick sear plus a shorter oven time. A 1-inch sirloin needs 7 to 10 minutes at 400°F.
Common Mistakes That Ruin Oven Steak
Avoid these errors and your steak will turn out much better.
- Not preheating the pan. A cold pan means no crust.
- Overcrowding the pan. Two steaks need space or they steam.
- Skipping the rest. Cutting too soon wastes all the juice.
- Relying only on time. Ovens vary, so always check temperature.
- Using too low heat for thin cuts. They overcook before they brown.
One more tip: let your oven fully preheat. Most ovens need 10 to 15 minutes to reach the set temperature, even after the beep.
Should You Flip The Steak While Baking
You can flip once halfway through for more even cooking. It is not required, but it helps thicker cuts. If you flip, do it gently with tongs.
Can You Bake Steak Without A Skillet
Yes. Place the steak on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Bake at 425°F, flipping once. A 1-inch steak takes about 10 to 14 minutes this way. You will get less crust, but the inside stays tender.
Quick Timing Chart By Thickness
Use this chart as a fast reference at 400°F for medium-rare.
- 0.5 inch: 5 to 7 minutes
- 0.75 inch: 7 to 9 minutes
- 1 inch: 8 to 10 minutes
- 1.25 inches: 10 to 13 minutes
- 1.5 inches: 13 to 16 minutes
- 2 inches: 16 to 20 minutes
Add 2 to 3 minutes for medium, and 4 to 5 minutes for well done.
Final Tips For Perfect Oven Steak
Buy a meat thermometer. It costs less than a good steak and removes all the guesswork. Check the thickest part of the meat, away from bone and fat.
Let the steak rest loosely covered with foil. Do not wrap it tight or the crust goes soft.
Slice against the grain. Look at the lines in the meat and cut across them. This makes every bite more tender.
With a hot pan, a 400°F oven, and a thermometer, you can nail the timing every single time. Start with the chart above, then adjust based on your own oven and taste.