Name: Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 small head of cabbage (cut into thick slices); 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or ground turkey); 1 small onion (finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 egg (optional, for binding)

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Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers offer a delicious twist on classic burgers by using cabbage slices as a low-carb, flavorful base. These hearty patties are baked to perfection and topped with melted cheese, making a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.

The image shows five stacked food portions on a dark baking tray, each made of three main layers. The bottom layer is a thick, round slice of green cabbage with soft, slightly cooked texture and crisp edges curling outward. On top of the cabbage is a layer of red tomato sauce visible around the sides. The top layer is a browned, baked patty of ground meat mixed with melted cheese that is golden and bubbly, with small green herbs sprinkled on top. The baking tray shows oily spots and bits of melted cheese around the stacks, and the scene is lit with warm natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 small head of cabbage (cut into thick slices)
1 ½ lbs ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 small onion (finely chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 egg (optional, for binding)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Slice the cabbage into thick rounds about ½-inch thick. Brush both sides of each slice with olive oil and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and the egg if using. Mix thoroughly to distribute all ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Take a handful of the meat mixture and press it firmly onto each cabbage slice, shaping it into a patty that covers the surface evenly.
Step 5: Bake the cabbage burgers in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to cook the meat through and soften the cabbage.
Step 6: Remove the baking sheet and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over each burger. Switch your oven to broil and return the sheet for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Step 7: Serve the burgers hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, along with sour cream, mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.

Tips & Variations

For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken in place of beef.
If you prefer spicier burgers, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture.
Try different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for unique flavor profiles.
To bind the patties more firmly, especially with lean meats, include the optional egg or a small amount of breadcrumbs.

Storage

Store any leftover cabbage burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. Avoid overheating to keep the cabbage from becoming too soft.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a layered dish with three main visible layers. The bottom layer is pale green, made of cooked cabbage leaves that look soft and slightly wilted, shaped in a circular form. Above this is a thick layer of rich red tomato sauce, smooth in texture and spread evenly. The top layer is a browned meat patty, covered with melted cheese that has browned spots and small bits of herbs, giving it a glossy finish. A small green parsley leaf decorates the center of the meat patty. Some of the sauce has spread around the plate, creating a slightly messy look. Next to the plate, a fork and knife rest on the edge, partially touching the food, and a glass of red liquid sits nearby on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular burger buns instead of cabbage slices?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. Using cabbage slices makes it low-carb and adds extra veggies, but swapping in buns works well if you prefer a traditional burger.

How do I prevent the cabbage from being too crunchy or too soft?

Slicing the cabbage about ½-inch thick and baking with oil helps soften it without losing texture. Avoid slicing too thin, which can overcook quickly, or too thick, which might stay too firm.