Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are a fun twist on traditional burgers! They use cabbage leaves instead of buns, making them lighter and oh-so-healthy!
I love how easy they are to prepare. Just fill the cabbage leaves with your favorite fillings and bake—no grilling skills needed! Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies. 🥬
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cabbage: Cabbage acts as our healthy “bun.” Green cabbage is great for this recipe, but you can also use savoy or napa cabbage if you prefer a different texture or flavor. If cabbage isn’t your thing, large iceberg lettuce leaves can work, too!
Ground Meat: While ground beef gives a classic taste, switching to ground turkey or chicken makes for a lighter burger. If you’re vegetarian, try using lentils, chickpeas, or plant-based ground meat as a substitute!
Bread Crumbs: Standard bread crumbs work well, but for a gluten-free option, oat flour or crushed gluten-free crackers are fantastic alternatives. You could even use almond flour for a low-carb option!
Spices: The spices really add flavor! If you like a kick, don’t hesitate to add more chili powder or even some cayenne pepper. If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika or even curry powder can provide a unique twist!
How Do I Make Sure My Cabbage Burgers Hold Together?
The key to ensuring your cabbage burgers hold their shape starts with the mixture and how you form the patties. Here’s how:
- Mix ingredients just until combined. Over-mixing can make the meat tough!
- Moisten your hands when shaping patties. This helps with sticking and keeps them beautifully formed.
- Make the patties slightly smaller than the cabbage rounds. This allows the cabbage to hold them securely without falling apart!
Finally, baking at the right temperature ensures the patties cook through while still holding their shape. Happy cooking!
Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cabbage Base:
- 1 medium green cabbage (cut into thick round slices or wedges)
For the Burger Patties:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (or oat flour for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Toppings:
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce or additional cabbage, shredded (for topping)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (for sauce)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and around 40 minutes for baking—20 minutes for the cabbage and another 20 minutes for the burgers. So in total, you’ll need about 55 minutes. Perfect for a quick and nutritious dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly to ensure nothing sticks.
2. Prepare the Cabbage:
Next, take your cabbage and cut it into thick rounds or wedges. Aim for about 1-1.5 inches thick. Rinse them under cool water and pat them dry gently with a towel.
3. Season the Cabbage:
Arrange your cabbage slices on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each side with a bit of olive oil, then sprinkle with a little salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
4. Bake the Cabbage Rounds:
Pop the cabbage into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through so they cook evenly! You want them to be a bit soft with some nice brown edges.
5. Make the Burger Patties:
While the cabbage is cooking, let’s make our burger patties! In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix until combined, but be careful not to overwork the meat—it should stay tender!
6. Shape the Patties:
Form the meat mixture into burger patties. Make them slightly smaller in diameter than your cabbage slices so they’ll fit perfectly.
7. Add Patties to the Cabbage:
Once the cabbage is done with its first bake, take it out of the oven. Place one of the burger patties on top of each cabbage “bun” you prepared.
8. Finish Baking:
Now, return the baking sheet to the oven and bake everything for another 20 minutes, or until the burger patties are fully cooked through and browned nicely on top.
9. Add Toppings:
After baking, it’s time to make them pretty! Remove from the oven and add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on each burger. Top with some shredded lettuce or cabbage and sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley for a fresh touch.
10. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your oven-baked cabbage burgers warm and enjoy this delicious, healthy twist on a classic burger!
This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a lower-carb meal, packed with flavor and nutrition. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Different Types of Cabbage?
Absolutely! While green cabbage works perfectly, you can also try savoy or napa cabbage for different textures. Just ensure the leaves are big enough to hold the burger patties.
How Can I Make the Burger Patties Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground meat with cooked lentils, mashed chickpeas, or a plant-based meat alternative. Just make sure to adjust any additional seasonings as needed!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cabbage burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through for the best texture.
Can I Freeze the Cabbage Burgers?
Yes! You can freeze the assembled but uncooked cabbage burgers. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. When ready to eat, bake them straight from frozen, increasing the baking time by about 10-15 minutes.