Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I sliced through the crisp, cool leaves of cabbage, I couldn’t help but smile at the culinary adventure ahead. These Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are not just a creative twist on the traditional burger; they are a delightful low-carb meal that brings together savory seasoned beef and melted cheese, nestled between tender, oven-roasted cabbage slices. This recipe transforms a humble vegetable into a star, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or meal prepping. What sets these cabbage burgers apart is not only their flavor but also their amazing adaptability—customizable for gluten-free or keto diets, catering to various tastes. Are you ready to swap out those fast food cravings for something wholesome and hearty? Let’s dive into this deliciously easy recipe! Why Are Cabbage Burgers So Great? Health-conscious eaters will adore this recipe, as it dives deep into flavor while keeping carbs low. Customizable for any palate, feel free to swap in ground turkey or your favorite cheese. Easy to prepare, these burgers are perfect for weekday meals and meal prep alike. Crispy exterior, tender meat, and creamy cheese create a delightful texture. For more exciting options, check out our Crack Burgers Perfection and give these a whirl! Cabbage Burgers Ingredients For the Cabbage Base • Cabbage – Provides a healthy, low-carb base for the burger; green or savoy cabbage shine in this recipe. For the Meat Mixture • Ground Beef (or Ground Turkey) – Acts as the main protein source that brings flavor and texture; turkey offers a leaner option. • Onion – Adds sweetness and depth of flavor; finely chopped helps in even distribution. • Garlic – Enhances flavor with a punch; fresh cloves are preferred for the best taste. • Salt – Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your preferences. • Black Pepper – Adds a hint of heat; freshly ground provides superior flavor. • Smoked Paprika – Introduces subtle smokiness, with regular paprika as a fine substitute. • Worcestershire Sauce – Deepens umami flavor; a vegan alternative works great too. • Egg (optional) – Acts as a binder; can be omitted or replaced with flax egg for a vegan option. For the Topping • Shredded Cheese – Provides creaminess and that melty texture; try cheddar, mozzarella, or vegan cheese based on preference. For Baking • Olive Oil – Used for brushing the cabbage; enhances flavor and aids browning; can sub with avocado oil. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures easy cleanup while your cabbage burgers bake. Meanwhile, slice a head of cabbage into thick rounds, about ½ inch in thickness, ensuring they hold up well to the filling. Step 2: Season the Cabbage Place the cabbage rounds on the prepared baking sheet and brush both sides generously with olive oil. Season each round with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. This adds flavor to the cabbage base, enhancing the overall taste of your Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers as they roast in the oven. Step 3: Mix the Meat Filling In a mixing bowl, combine your ground beef (or turkey), finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and the optional egg. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well integrated. This seasoned filling is essential for creating juicy and flavorful cabbage burgers that everyone will love. Step 4: Shape the Patties Using your hands, take a portion of the meat mixture and press it onto each cabbage round, forming a patty that covers the meat without overhanging the edges. This helps the filling stay intact during baking. As you shape the cabbages, enjoy the colorful, appetizing layers coming together in your Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers. Step 5: Bake the Cabbage Burgers Carefully transfer the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the cabbage burgers for about 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the meat is browned, and the cabbage is tender but still holds its shape. This initial bake gives the burgers a solid foundation and enhances their flavors as they cook. Step 6: Add the Cheese Once the 25 minutes are up, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over each meat patty. Pop the baking sheet back in the oven and switch to broil mode for 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on it so that the cheese melts beautifully and turns slightly golden, creating that irresistible, gooey finish on your Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers. Step 7: Serve and Garnish Once they’re bubbly and golden, remove the cabbage burgers from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and serve warm with your favorite condiments like sour cream or mustard. Enjoy these delicious Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers as an enticing alternative to traditional burgers, packed with flavor and nutrition! Expert Tips for Perfect Cabbage Burgers Choose the Right Cabbage: Use green or savoy cabbage for the best texture; they hold up well and prevent sogginess in your burgers. Avoid Overmixing: When combining the meat filling, mix just until combined to keep the burgers tender and prevent a dense texture. Mind the Moisture: Avoid adding wet ingredients like tomato or sauces directly to the meat mixture. This helps maintain the structure of the cabbage burgers. Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature of ground beef should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure safety. Customize Toppings: Feel free to switch up the cheese or add toppings like avocado or hot sauce to make your cabbage burgers truly yours! Make Ahead Options These Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop the cabbage and prepare the meat mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store the sliced cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator and the meat mixture in another container, ensuring it’s well-sealed to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to bake, press the meat onto the cabbage rounds, bake them for 25 minutes, and then add the cheese for the final touch. This way, you can enjoy a homemade, flavorful meal with minimal effort on busy weeknights, and they’ll still be just as delicious! What to Serve with Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers As you savor your delicious cabbage burgers, consider complementing them with these delightful sides that enhance every bite. Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness and crisp texture offer a delightful contrast to the savory burgers. Dipped in your favorite sauce, they elevate the meal further. Fresh Garden Salad: A medley of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers drizzled with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch that balances the rich flavors. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their nutty flavor and crispy edges bring a hearty touch to the plate, harmonizing beautifully with the soft cabbage and juicy meat. Garlic Butter Asparagus: This tender yet crunchy vegetable pairs wonderfully, adding a burst of flavor that complements the cabbage burgers’ warm, savory essence. Zucchini Noodles: Light and low-carb, they can soak up sauces and provide a vibrant contrast to the hearty texture of the cabbage burgers, saving you from that heavy feeling. Creamy Coleslaw: Tangy and crunchy, coleslaw adds a refreshing bite to each mouthful, enhancing the overall taste while maintaining the low-carb theme. Herbed Quinoa: A fluffy, protein-rich addition, quinoa brings an earthy flavor that complements the savory meat without overpowering the cabbage burgers; it’s a match made in culinary heaven! Sparkling Water with Lemon: A bubbly drink ensures your taste buds stay excited, cleansing the palate beautifully between bites of rich burgers. Peach Cobbler: For dessert, this sweet treat brings a touch of warmth and nostalgia, roundly satisfying your craving for something sweet after the savory cabbage burgers. How to Store and Freeze Cabbage Burgers Fridge: Store leftover cabbage burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cooked cabbage burgers in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Reheating: To reheat, place frozen cabbage burgers in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until heated through, approximately 20-25 minutes. This keeps them crispy and delicious. Thawing: If frozen, you can thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results; this ensures even heating and preserves the texture of the cabbage burgers. Cabbage Burgers Variations & Substitutions Feel free to give your Cabbage Burgers a delicious twist with these fun variations and substitutions! Meat Alternatives: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option. Vegan Delight: Use grilled vegetables or crumbled tofu in place of meat, enhancing with spices for a hearty flavor. Cheese Swap: Try different cheeses, like goat cheese for creaminess or spicy pepper jack for an extra kick. Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a flavorful heat boost. Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or dill into the meat mixture for a vibrant flavor twist. Zesty Sauce: Top the burgers with a zingy salsa or chimichurri sauce to elevate the flavors and add freshness. Bun Style: Serve the cabbage patties on lettuce leaves or portobello mushrooms for a fun, low-carb alternative to buns. Flavor Fusion: Experiment with different seasonings like taco spices or curry powder in the meat mixture for a unique twist. These fun swaps can help keep your meals exciting and perfectly tailored to your tastes. If you’re intrigued by even more burger options, check out our delightful Crack Burgers Perfection and give them a try! Cabbage Burgers Recipe FAQs What type of cabbage is best for making cabbage burgers? Absolutely! For the best results, use green or savoy cabbage. Both varieties hold up well while baking and create an excellent low-carb base for your burgers, providing a satisfying crunch and texture. How should I store leftover cabbage burgers? Very! Store your leftover cabbage burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, ensuring they stay delicious and crispy. Can I freeze cabbage burgers? Of course! To freeze, first place your cooked cabbage burgers in a single layer on a baking sheet, allowing them to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat directly from frozen in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. What if my cabbage burgers are falling apart? Ah, a common issue! If you find your burgers disintegrating, there are a couple of fixes: Ensure that you’re not overloading with moisture-heavy ingredients, as these can weaken the structure. Also, gently mix the meat filling just until well combined—overmixing can lead to dense, crumbly burgers. If using, the egg acts as a binder, so don’t skip it if you can help it. Are cabbage burgers suitable for special diets? Absolutely! These cabbage burgers are fantastic for various dietary needs. They are low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free, making them a perfect choice for those watching their carb intake. For a leaner protein, go with ground turkey, or for a vegetarian version, try substituting with plant-based meat alternatives. Make sure to check ingredients in sauces or cheese for any allergies! Savory Cabbage Burgers for a Healthier Home-Cooked Meal Cabbage Burgers are a delicious low-carb alternative to traditional burgers, featuring savory beef and cheese nestled in tender cabbage. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 4 burgersCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 280 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cabbage Base1 head Cabbage Green or savoy cabbageFor the Meat Mixture1 pound Ground Beef (or Ground Turkey)1 medium Onion Finely chopped2 cloves Garlic Minced1 teaspoon Salt Adjust according to taste1 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly ground1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Regular paprika as a substitute1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce Vegan alternative available1 large Egg (optional) Can be omitted or replaced with flax eggFor the Topping1 cup Shredded Cheese Cheddar, mozzarella, or vegan cheeseFor Baking2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can substitute with avocado oil Equipment OvenBaking sheetParchment PaperMixing bowl Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Oven-Baked Cabbage BurgersPreheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice cabbage into thick rounds, about ½ inch thick.Brush cabbage rounds with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper on both sides.In a bowl, combine ground beef (or turkey), chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and optional egg. Mix well.Shape the meat mixture into patties on the cabbage rounds, ensuring the edges are covered.Bake the burgers for about 25 minutes until the meat is browned and cabbage is tender.Sprinkle shredded cheese over each patty and broil for 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.Remove from oven, garnish with parsley and serve warm with condiments. Nutrition Serving: 1burgerCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg NotesUse green or savoy cabbage for best results, and feel free to customize the fillings and toppings to suit your preferences. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
