Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers

If you’re looking for a fun, healthy twist on the classic burger, you’ve come to the right place! Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are not just low-carb; they are packed with flavor and goodness. This recipe is a favorite in my home because it’s so easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or even special family gatherings. Plus, who doesn’t love a meal that feels indulgent but is actually good for you?

These burgers bring together the hearty satisfaction of traditional burgers without all the carbs. With a crispy cabbage “bun” and a savory meat filling, everyone at the table will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you’ll have dinner ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love them! These flavorful burgers are sure to please even picky eaters.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the burger mixture in advance and assemble them when you’re ready to bake.
• Delicious Flavor: Each bite is bursting with juicy goodness and a hint of smokiness from the paprika.
• Healthy Alternative: Enjoy a satisfying meal without the extra carbs—perfect for any healthy eating plan!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is a breeze! They are simple, wholesome, and easy to find at your local grocery store. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to create these delicious Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers.

For the Burgers

• 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)

Variations

One of my favorite things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add veggies: Mix in finely chopped bell peppers or spinach into the meat mixture for extra nutrition.
• Cheese it up: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for some added spice or feta for a Mediterranean twist.
• Spice it up: Add some chili powder or cayenne pepper if you like some heat in your burgers.

How to Make Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial as it ensures your burgers cook evenly and turn out perfectly crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the Cabbage

Slice the cabbage into thick rounds (about ½-inch thick). Brush both sides with olive oil and place them on a lined baking sheet. The olive oil helps achieve that delightful golden-brown color while keeping everything moist.

Step 3: Make the Burger Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and egg if you’re using it. Mixing well ensures that all those flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Assemble the Burgers

Take a handful of your meat mixture and press it onto each cabbage slice, shaping it into a patty. This is where you get to be creative! Don’t worry about perfection; just make sure they’re evenly spread.

Step 5: Bake Them Up

Place your baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes. The meat will cook through nicely during this time.

Step 6: Add Cheese

Once baked, remove from oven and sprinkle cheese atop each burger. Return them to the oven and broil for another 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully and gets slightly golden.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired or serve alongside sour cream, mustard, or any dipping sauce you love. These Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are ready to be devoured! Enjoy every bite with family and friends—it’s truly comfort food at its best!

Pro Tips for Making Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers

Making Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers can be a delightful experience, especially with these handy tips to elevate your burger game!

• Choose the Right Cabbage: Use a small head of green cabbage or Savoy cabbage for a sweeter flavor and better texture. This ensures your burgers hold together well and adds a nice crunch.

• Season Generously: Don’t skimp on seasonings! The flavor of the meat is key to a delicious burger, so feel free to adjust spices according to your taste, adding herbs or even a dash of hot sauce if you like it spicy.

• Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to add in other ingredients such as chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach to the meat mixture. This not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds depth to the flavor.

• Keep an Eye on Cooking Time: Ovens vary, so check your burgers a few minutes before the end of the suggested cooking time. You want them cooked through but not dried out!

• Let Them Rest: After baking, let your burgers rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps all the flavors meld together and makes for a juicier bite!

How to Serve Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers

Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are not just tasty; they can also be beautifully presented! Here are some ideas on how to serve them up.

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley or cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the savory flavors of the burgers.
• Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado slices provide a rich texture and healthy fats, enhancing the overall dish.
• Pickles: Adding pickles gives a tangy crunch that balances out the richness of the cheese and meat.

Side Dishes

• Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries offer a sweet contrast to the savory burgers while keeping things healthy and delicious.
• Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw made with shredded carrots and cabbage dressed in vinaigrette provides a crunchy side that pairs perfectly with these burgers.
• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots will add color and nutrients to your meal.
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and lemon dressing offers a protein-packed side that complements the flavors of your cabbage burgers beautifully.

Enjoy crafting these delightful Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers with loved ones! With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re sure to impress at any meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a healthy, delicious meal any day of the week without the fuss. Here’s how to best store and manage your delicious cabbage burgers.

Storing Leftovers

• Let the burgers cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container in the fridge.
• They will last for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap each burger individually in plastic wrap or foil.
• Store wrapped burgers in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, thaw the burgers overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• You can also reheat them in a microwave for about 1-2 minutes, although they may lose some crispiness.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers that might help!

Can I make Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers with ground turkey?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works great as a lean alternative to ground beef, keeping your burgers flavorful while reducing fat content.

How do I keep my Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers from falling apart?

If you’re concerned about your burgers holding together, consider using the optional egg as a binding agent. This will help keep everything intact during cooking!

Can I customize the toppings on my Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers?

Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite toppings like avocado, sliced tomatoes, or fresh greens to enhance flavor and nutrition.

How many calories are in Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers?

Each serving contains approximately 250 calories, making them a satisfying yet low-calorie option for your meals.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try making these delightful Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers! They’re not only healthy but incredibly versatile and satisfying. Enjoy experimenting with different toppings and flavors. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with warmth and joy!